Detox Protocols

Types of Detox

Sweating and Hot/Cold Contrast

This is the most effective, low-cost, low-side-effect method to detox metals. Arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury are all shown to accumulate in higher amounts in sweat than in any other excretion pathway.

Colon Hydrotherapy

Professional colon cleansing can help remove accumulated waste and support the elimination process.

Coffee Enemas

Coffee enemas are very safe yet take some skill and practice to master. They are effective at improving bile flow from the gallbladder. Bile is the river of toxins packaged in the liver. The more you can move bile and remove toxins, the better your detox abilities.

Castor Oil Packs

Castor oil packs are great for liver health and have been shown to help elimination and constipation.

Fasting

Intermittent fasting, fasting-mimicking diets, and even longer fasts have all shown to be effective therapeutic detoxifying methods. For fasts longer than 24 hours, always consult a physician and monitor blood and heart rate levels.

Rebounding

Jumping up and down on a trampoline helps move lymphatic fluid throughout the body.

Dry Brushing

There are many claims as to its benefits for improving lymphatic and blood circulation. It can also help skin quality and digestion. While clinical evidence is limited, there is plenty of anecdotal support.

Chelation

Chelation is a treatment that uses a chelating agent to remove toxic metals from the body. There are both holistic and pharmaceutical chelation methods and therapies available.

Natural Chelating Agents

• Glutathione
• Chlorella
• High-fiber foods
• Garlic
• Cruciferous vegetables
• Cilantro

Detox Supplements

• Taurine: Shown to promote antioxidant effects against cadmium and lead
• Alpha-lipoic acid: Supports detoxification pathways
• NAC: Both a chelator and generator of glutathione
• Liposomal glutathione: Especially effective for methylmercury
• Selenium: Also effective for mercury detoxification
• Other micronutrients: Zinc, iron, copper, calcium, and magnesium

A Warning About Detox Products

While the actual action of detoxification is incredibly important in everyday health and wellness, many companies and bad actors are using the concept of “detox” to sell fad diets and poor-quality supplements and medications.

While I’ve provided a long list of detox benefits all supported by peer-reviewed research, there are also plenty of examples of detox therapies being ineffective and in some instances harmful. There are colon-cleansing products and laxatives being sold that can have chemicals harmful to your gut flora balance. There are juices and detox drinks filled with preservatives and dyes that can be harmful. Many detox products have not been approved by the FDA, and some have had actions taken against them by the FDA and FTC.

Fasting, while entirely natural, can be very difficult and sometimes harmful to certain people, especially if there is a blood sugar issue or some underlying pre-existing condition. If you have thyroid issues, fasting is also not ideal. Always be sure to consult a qualified physician before deciding on any detox therapy.