Don’t Skip This Step Before Detoxification
Detoxification is a term thrown around pretty often in the wellness space and has gotten a bad reputation, but what does it mean? Well, it is not fancy teas, shakes, juicing cleanses, or any other quick fix pushed by many in the wellness community. Detoxification is actively grabbing toxins and pulling them out of the body with targeted supplements, herbs, homeopathy, and other tools. A specific method and approach should be followed when addressing root causes to minimize unpleasant but sometimes normal reactions known as herxheimer reactions or die-off reactions. This is not another quick fix; it is highly recommended to work with a trained practitioner.
Detoxing should be prioritized with the increasing exposure to toxins in our environment indoors and outdoors. Especially, if you are experiencing persistent symptoms such as:
Gut issues (bloating, constipation/diarrhea, gas, acid reflux, pain)
Brain fog
Low energy/fatigue
Anxiety
Depression
Allergies
Thyroid dysfunction
Acne, skin rashes
Painful menstrual cycles
Hormonal imbalances
Autoimmunity
PCOS
Blood sugar issues
& more
Before starting any detoxification, your body’s detoxification organs, also known as your drainage pathways, need to be prepared to carry toxins out of the body.
Drainage pathways carry toxins and waste out of the body through specific organs and organ systems. Let’s break down this crucial step that is often skipped and can increase symptoms.
Colon
The bottom of the funnel is addressed first for toxins and waste to move out of the body smoothly.
If you are not having at least one to two bowel movements a day, there’s a good chance your colon pathway is backed up. When the colon is backed up, this can back up the rest of the pathways.
Liver & Bile ducts
The liver and bile ducts are addressed next. This is one of the most common areas that become congested, and the liver has over 500 vital functions, so supporting this pathway is essential.
The vital function we will focus on here is processing toxins. External and internal toxins are broken down and processed through phases 1 & 2 of liver detoxification and transported off to elimination through the urine, stool, and bile.
Bile plays a significant role in breaking down fats, neutralizing stomach acid, and excreting toxins. The bile ducts are where bile flows and can become clogged or stagnant, which can back up the rest of the pathways.
Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is next and can only drain appropriately if the liver & bile ducts and the colon are open and draining efficiently. The lymphatic system is responsible for transporting and draining interstitial fluid known as lymph throughout the body. It stimulates blood circulation and the removal of toxins from the body. It also plays a significant role in the immune system by acting as a channel for immune cells to find and fight infections.
If lymph becomes backed up, it can cause a domino effect on the other pathways. You can have swelling, water retention, skin issues, cellulite, enlarged lymph nodes, allergies, and susceptibility to infections.
Organs & Tissues
Organs and tissues such as the brain can only drain and remove toxins when the lymphatic system and every other pathway are draining correctly. While sleeping, your brain processes and cleanses the toxins and waste accumulated in the brain and sends it off to the lymphatic system for removal. You may quickly understand now why sleeping is so important!
If the brain cannot process and send toxins/waste to the lymphatic system, symptoms of brain fog, headaches, memory issues, depression, anxiety, sleep issues, and more can occur or become worse.
Cells
The mitochondria are the energy switches to this whole process. Mitochondria help turn the energy from the food you consume into the energy your cells can use to function, known as ATP. That’s not the only thing they do. They also detoxify toxins, fight pathogens and infections, repair DNA, regulate cell growth and apoptosis, and so much more.
If the mitochondria cannot provide enough energy to the cells, organs can shut down, and drainage pathways can stagnate or block. The mitochondria can be damaged by normal aging, pathogens, parasites, heavy metals, medications, and other stressors such as environmental toxins, poor gut health, emotional stress, and even poor nutrition. Overall, the mitochondria need to be supported throughout the process of opening drainage pathways and during detoxification.
As you support all drainage pathways, you’ll increase your ability to detox toxins and waste out of the body instead of recirculating them, which can improve hexing or die-off symptoms.
Opening drainage pathways allows your body to reduce your toxin bucket by upregulating your natural detoxification system.
Your body will be equipped to:
Remove toxins such as parasites, heavy metals, mold, and other pathogens from the body
Improve your bowel movements, energy levels, brain fog, skin rashes, & more
Upregulate the function of your organs
How would opening up your drainage pathways transform your health?