Nutrients to Include and Avoid
The Goals of a Good Detox Protocol
The goal of a good detox protocol should be to:
- Assist in the breakdown of toxins so they can be more easily eliminated
- Facilitate the ease and process of elimination in the body
- Protect other tissues in the body from detox effects
- Increase the flow of bile from the liver
- Heal the bowel
- Nourish the body
The Importance of Movement
It’s important to move, as movement physically moves lymphatic fluid in your lymphatic system, which carries toxic debris from your organs into the blood for eventual removal. Unlike blood, lymph fluid moves very slowly, so it’s important to do things to actually move it.
In the brain, recent discoveries have found that the glymphatic system helps detox the brain by utilizing cerebral spinal fluid to carry toxic debris out of the brain and into the lymphatic system where it will eventually be removed from the body. This is an important discovery for optimizing the removal of plaques and toxins that can affect mood, memory, and overall brain function. Failure to do this can lead to bigger problems like Alzheimer’s.
So when you move the lymphatic system, you are helping to rid the body of brain debris, which will give you a nootropic effect.
Testing First
The first thing to do is test. It’s impossible to know what kind of detox your body needs unless you know where you are starting from. Tests I’d recommend:
- Standard blood panel
- Hair mineral analysis with heavy metals
- Organic acid tests or urine samples that test chemical burdens and mold in the body
Nutrients Needed for Detox
You’re going to need the right nutrients to successfully detox:
- Vitamin C
- NAC (a precursor to glutathione)
- Methyl donors
- Glycine
- Glutathione
- B-vitamins
- Zinc
- Herbs: dandelion, artichoke, milk thistle
- Roots: turmeric, ginger
- Protein (most detoxing agents in the body are made from amino acids)
- Fat
Binders
Binders such as activated charcoal, clay, and diatomaceous earth can help capture toxins for removal. Use these in moderation — too much can bring diminishing returns and constipation.
Foods to Avoid
- Processed foods with added preservatives and dyes
- Non-organic foods with pesticides
- Refined sugar
- Grains and starches