Detoxification Starts With Digestion

Today we're diving deep into the world of digestion and detoxification. I want to clarify detox by shedding light on its natural occurrence within our bodies. It all begins with proper digestion and open detox pathways. But before you jump into any targeted detox protocol, it's crucial to have these foundational elements in place. So, let's break it down step by step.

Understanding Detox: Your Body's Natural Cleansing Process

Detoxification isn't just a trendy health buzzword; it's a fundamental function deeply embedded in our physiology. Think of it as your body's internal janitorial service. The process primarily happens through detox pathways, which include two main phases: Phase I and Phase II.

Phase I transforms toxins into more water-soluble substances, while Phase II further converts them into compounds that can be safely eliminated. These pathways are like a well-orchestrated dance, allowing your body to rid itself of unwanted waste. But for this dance to flow smoothly, we need to create the foundation.

Step 1: The North-to-South Digestion Journey

Digestion is the prelude for detoxification, and it's a north-to-south journey. It all starts in your brain, where the parasympathetic nervous system activates the "rest and digest" mode. Here are a few simple ways to prepare your body for digestion:

Adequate Sleep: Sleep quality directly impacts this rest and digest phase. When you're sleep-deprived or stressed, the parasympathetic system struggles to do its job effectively.

Abdominal or diaphragmatic breathing techniques and/or prayer before enjoying a meal. 

Proper Chewing: This initial phase begins in your mouth with proper chewing. It's not just about breaking down food; it's about initiating the release of enzymes and signaling your body that it's time to eat.

Enjoy the meal: Preparing and sharing meals with those you love and enjoy being around to promote a sense of calm and well being around food. Don’t rush, take a seat and savor the nourishment.

*Common symptoms of indigestion include bloating, gas, and heartburn, signaling that something isn't quite right.

Step 2: Stomach Acid and Digestion

Your stomach is the next stop on this digestive journey. Adequate stomach acid is crucial for breaking down food and sterilizing it, preventing harmful pathogens from entering your system.

However, stress, the "fight or flight" response, or lack of sleep can deplete stomach acid levels, leading to digestive issues. If you're experiencing indigestion symptoms, it's essential to address this holistically and without harmful antacid drugs. Why? Because, contrary to popular belief, too much stomach acid is NOT the issue and antacids are wreaking havoc on our world. Deficient (low) stomach acid can cause food to sit in your stomach and ferment causing gas that carries particles of the stomach acid upward, irritating the GE sphincter, thus causing–yep you guessed it– heartburn!

Solution: Consider digestive enzymes with HCL (Hydrochloric Acid)/Pepsin, which can support your stomach's digestive capabilities. Digestive bitters can also be extremely helpful and are simple to incorporate into your routine. Consult a holistic practitioner to find what’s right for you!

Step 3: Hydration for Digestion and Detox

Hydration plays a crucial role in supporting digestion and detoxification. As a matter of fact, it plays a pivotal role in nearly ALL bodily functions. Water helps transport nutrients and oxygen to cells, aids in the elimination of waste, and dissolves minerals and nutrients to make them accessible to the body, while protecting organs and tissues and regulating body temperature.

As a rule of thumb, aim to drink half your body weight (in ounces) in water per day. Opt for high-quality filtered or spring water to avoid toxins commonly found in tap water. I personally prefer remineralized distilled and spring water. 

Step 4: Liver and Bile: Detox Powerhouses

As you may have already heard, your liver is one of the real MVPs (or as TCM refers to as the “master organ”) of detoxification. It helps with enzyme production, processing toxins, hormone production and produces bile, a critical substance vital for digestion and detox.

Understanding Bile: Bile is your body's waste removal service, escorting toxins out through urine and feces. It's essential to the absorption of nutrients in the small intestine and while it is produced in the liver it is stored in the gallbladder. Adequate bile is required for processing fats and is essential for effective detox.

*Common signs of liver imbalance: gas, bloating, constipation, irritability, poor fat digestion, irregular stools, leaky gut, sleeplessness. 

Natural Solutions: You can naturally bring back balance to the liver and increase bile production by eliminating things such as caffeine, sugar, alcohol, seed oils, and processed foods as well as chemicals in and around you. Eat foods that support the liver such as bitter greens, beetroot, dandelion, milk thistle and berries–always organic to avoid liver harming chemicals. Supplements containing Taurine and beetroot can support healthy bile flow as well. Contact a holistic practitioner to learn what is right for your body. 

Common Reasons for Low Bile Production: Low bile production can result from factors like a high-sugar diet, chronic stress, or gallbladder issues.

Step 5: Movement and Lymphatic Support

Movement isn't just about fitness; it's about supporting your lymphatic system, which plays a significant role in detox. Exercise helps your lymphatic system eliminate toxins and supports healthy digestion.

Solution: Aim for daily movement, even if it's just a brisk walk or a few minutes of rebounding on a mini-trampoline. Don’t overcomplicate this piece, our bodies were designed to move and not remain stagnant–whether physically or mentally. Just find a way to move that works for you!

Step 6: Regular Elimination for a Healthy Detox

Lastly, regular elimination is the grand finale of the detox process. Healthy elimination is crucial for detox pathways to remain open and efficient. This includes regular daily bowel movements and sweating through exercise or saunas. Infrared sauna is an incredible tool to support you in your digestive and detox journey and creates more of that parasympathetic tone.

So here we are….what have we learned? Before embarking on any targeted detox protocol, ensure your foundation is strong. Proper digestion and open detox pathways are essential for your body's natural cleansing powers to shine. By prioritizing these steps, you'll pave the way for a successful detox journey.  And when the time is right, I can help you choose the right detox program for your unique needs. Your health is in your hands—embrace the power of holistic living!