Detoxification
How it works and how to support it ✅
Ok so it wasn’t something I planned in advance but the theme of this month has been detoxification 🌟. It plays such an important role in women’s health so I shouldn’t be surprised this has turned into a multi-post series! 1️⃣First, there was a Supplement Series devoted to NAC (which helps support detoxification). 2️⃣Next we looked at the liver and why detoxification is so important for (hormonal) health. 3️⃣Last week we got a little granular and looked at alcohol specifically. This week we’re going to zoom out and look at how detoxification actually works in the body and the various ways in which we can support it.
How detoxification works
There are three phases of detoxification that the body goes through. I won’t go too much into the science but here’s what you need to know.
Phase 1: this is when toxins (from inside the body as well as those that enter from outside) are converted from fat soluble to water soluble forms 💧
Phase 2: this is when the water soluble forms are converted again to an even easier form so they can be excreted through urine or bile ➡️
Phase 3: this is the elimination phase where our intestines enter the picture and toxins are released through our urine, sweat and feces 💩
It’s important to note that after Phase 1 converted toxins can actually become more harmful to the body than they were before! If things get slowed down or stuck during these phases toxins end up re-circulating within the body and this is where negative health consequences and things like PMS, hot flashes, infertility, etc. come into play.
How to support detoxification
🚰Stay hydrated (most people aren’t and need support with electrolytes)
🥬Eat cruciferous vegetables and/or bitter greens regularly
🙅🏻♀️Avoid alcohol and processed food
🥵Sweat regularly (hello sauna)
💩Poop daily
❌Avoid environmental toxins (like plastic, preservatives, etc.)
🧐Take a look at any medications you’re taking and how they’re affecting your liver
💊Consider using supplements for additional support
Next week I’m going to go into even more detail on why certain foods are so helpful for detoxification and will even provide some recipes for inspo 😃
Until then,
Donelle