‘Detoxification is the process of transforming a toxin from a harmful state into a harmless state’.
The liver is your main detoxification organ. It is an extension of your digestive tract – everything that you eat or drink gets filtered by your liver before entering your main circulatory system. This process is absolutely vital as otherwise you would be dead! Everything that you ingest is checked over by your liver, detoxing anything that may be dangerous or damaging to you.
Modern day society has sadly left us living in a highly toxic environment, resulting in more work for your liver to do. Increased toxicity comes from food additives, pesticides, pharmaceutical drugs, pollution etc. The liver can become overburdened and may need a little extra support sometimes.
Common signs and symptoms of suboptimal detoxification include:
- halitosis and bitter taste in the mouth
- fatty stools (steatorrhoea) and intolerance to fatty foods
- PMS
- recurrent headaches
- chronic fatigue and lethargy
- anaemia
- poor short-term memory and concentration
- dark circles under your eyes
- easily hungover
How does the detoxification process actually work?
The liver has two main detoxification pathways, known as phase 1 and phase 2.
Firstly, toxins which are fat soluble (as oppose to water soluble) enter the liver. These include:
- Metabolic end products
- Micro-organisms
- Contaminants/pollutants
- Insecticides
- Pesticides
- Food additives
- Drugs
- Alcohol
These toxins then enter PHASE 1 DETOXIFCATION – this stage turns a fat-soluble compound (one which cannot be excreted in urine or bile) to a water-soluble compound (for excretion from the body). Several different nutrients are required at this stage.
Once water soluble, the toxins enter PHASE 2 DETOXIFICAITON – this is also known as the ‘conjugation stage’, whereby a water-soluble toxin attaches to a conjugating agent for excretion from the body. The toxin is too toxic to be excreted on its own, therefore it needs a buffer to attach onto. Several different nutrients are required at this stage.
There is a third stage, but I am not going to overcomplicate things. Basically, stage 3 involves carrying these newly conjugated toxins across the liver membrane for excretion in bile or urine.
The other thing to remember when following a ‘proper’ detoxification diet is the increased need for antioxidants. Antioxidant defence is essential when following a detoxification protocol as fee radical production can occur during the detoxification processes.
There are many fad ‘detox diets’ on the internet that are more damaging than they are good as they tend to upregulate phase 1 detoxification without upregulating phase 2 at the same time. If you upregulate your phase 1 detoxification pathway quicker than you do phase 2, all that happens is that these toxins become soluble and instead of being excreted from the body they enter your blood circulation and cross the blood brain barrier causing havoc to your body. The most common side effects are headaches, tiredness, lethargy and poor sleep. A detox that just leaches toxins into the bloodstream is really dangerous. The reason why toxins are fat soluble before entering the liver is so that we are protected from them. If you do not detox properly you are causing those toxins to flood your body and your brain instead of being eliminated. A proper detox on the other hand has many benefits.
IF FOLLOWING A DETOX DIET, INCREASE PHASE 2 DETOXIFACATION FASTER THAN PHASE 1!
2 Week Detoxification Protocol
I have done all the leg work for you and devised your own detoxification protocol together with easy to follow meal and recipe plans. The detoxification protocol includes:
- A detailed yet easy to follow plan
- 2 week diet plan (including breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and drinks)
- Recipes for every meal
- Lifestyle recommendations
- Supplement plan (optional)
What are the benefits of this detox?
- Weight loss
- Clearer skin
- More energy
- Healthier hair and nails
- Better sleep
- Reduced cravings
- Better digestion
- Improved nutrient uptake
Please contact me for more information by email naomi@gutnutrtion.co.uk or call 07850897305.