Are you considering a detox to give your body a fresh start? While detoxing can have numerous benefits, it's important to do it the right way. Unfortunately, one of the most common mistakes people make when detoxing is powering through, even when they feel terrible. This approach can actually do more harm than good.
To help you detox safely and effectively, functional healthcare experts Bridgit Danner and Mira Dessy, The Ingredient Guru, share their insights on how to detox without feeling terrible.
What is Detox?
Detox, short for detoxification, is the process by which the body eliminates or neutralizes toxins, waste products, and other harmful substances. These substances can come from internal sources, such as metabolic waste, as well as external sources, such as pollutants in the environment or chemicals in food and personal care products.
The goal of detox is to support the body's natural processes of eliminating these harmful substances in order to improve overall health and well-being. Detox methods can include dietary changes, fasting, exercise, saunas, and other techniques that support the body's natural detoxification processes.
Common Detox Symptoms
One of the biggest challenges people face when starting a detox program is dealing with the symptoms that can arise. Bridgit explained that when you start eliminating toxins from your body, you may experience symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, irritability, and digestive issues.
These symptoms can be caused by a number of factors, such as caffeine withdrawal, constipation, and dehydration.
To make the detox process easier on yourself, our experts recommend cutting down on caffeine gradually before starting a detox program, staying hydrated, and taking Epsom salt baths or naps to help your body deal with the extra workload.
Supporting Your Body During Detox
While detox programs can be beneficial, our experts emphasized the importance of supporting your body during the process. This means providing your body with the nutrients it needs to function properly and avoiding programs that are too restrictive or fasting-focused.
Stay hydrated
One of the most crucial factors for successful detoxification that is often overlooked is hydration. It helps the body eliminate toxins through various routes, including the kidneys, bowels, sweat, breath, and skin. Therefore, it's essential to drink enough water and stay hydrated throughout the detoxification process.
Eat a healthy diet
It's important to maintain a balance between detoxification and nutrition to ensure that the body has adequate resources to eliminate toxins effectively.
Choose foods that are high in fiber and nutrients, and low in sugar and processed ingredients. This can help to support your liver and other organs of detoxification.
Dry brushing 
This is a simple but effective way to support your body's natural detoxification processes. By brushing the skin in a circular motion, it stimulates lymphatic flow and improves circulation. This can help to move toxins out of the body and reduce inflammation.
Coffee enema
Photo by: serra boten on Flickr
Another practice that Bridgit recommends is coffee enema. It involves inserting coffee into the rectum and colon, with the aim of detoxifying the liver and improving digestion. The idea is that the caffeine in the coffee stimulates the liver to produce bile, which in turn helps to flush out toxins from the body.
While this may sound like an uncomfortable process, proponents of coffee enemas can have a number of health benefits, including improved digestion, increased energy, and clearer skin.
Coffee enemas can be a powerful tool for detoxification and improved digestion, but they are not for everyone. Bridgit advises that people with certain health conditions, such as fissures, prolapse hemorrhoids, or any kind of tissue damage, should not try coffee enemas. Additionally, people who are older or have mobility issues may find it difficult to perform the enema properly.
For those who are interested in trying coffee enemas, she recommends starting slowly and gradually working up to higher amounts of coffee over time. She also advises speaking with a healthcare practitioner before trying coffee enemas to ensure they are safe for you.
Supplements
Supplements play a crucial role in supporting the body's natural cleansing processes. Here are some of the supplements that were recommended:
Electrolyte
When you're detoxing, you need to hydrate a lot, which can cause you to lose water-soluble vitamins. Electrolytes are essential for replenishing these vitamins and keeping your body hydrated. Look for a sugar-free electrolyte supplement with B vitamins, vitamin C, and herbal antioxidants to support liver function and detoxification.
Binders
Binders are substances that bind to toxins, mainly in the bowel, to help remove them from the body. A binder supplement can help move toxins out of the body and prevent their reabsorption, which can happen if you're constipated. Look for a bowel-based binder with ingredients that can also help move your bowels, such as magnesium or psyllium husk.
Fiber
Fiber is another essential nutrient that can support detoxification by promoting regular bowel movements. Fiber can help remove toxins and waste products from the body, preventing their reabsorption. Consider taking a fiber supplement in the morning to help with elimination throughout the day.
Potassium
Potassium is an electrolyte that is essential for proper nerve and muscle function. It can also support healthy digestion and regular bowel movements. If you're not getting enough potassium in your diet, consider adding a potassium supplement to your routine.
Additionally, magnesium supplements, digestive enzymes, and prokinetics can help to stimulate the bowels and promote regular elimination.
Conclusion
Detoxification requires a holistic approach that involves building awareness of your body, identifying your needs, and meeting those needs. It is crucial to check in with your body regularly and make adjustments as needed.
Incorporating practices like dry brushing, functional supplemental support, and coffee enemas can help to promote greater body awareness and support the detoxification process.
As we age, it is essential to remain curious and not give up on maintaining our health. By adopting healthy habits and engaging in ongoing self-exploration, you can optimize your well-being and lead a vibrant life.
Note: Bridgit is offering a FREE Toxic Mold Masterclass this coming Feb. 27 – March 5, 2023! Learn what steps you can take at home to recover from toxic mold exposure. Sign up today!