A detox refers to an effort to get rid of toxins in the body. Here we take a look at what it means to detoxify the body through diet, and then discuss a few supplements that can bolster the detox process.
What Does It Mean to Detox ?
Detoxification, in a dietary context, refers to dietary measures intended to remove toxins from the body, as well as
promote overall health or weight loss. This is a distinctly different set of goals than that of detoxification from drugs or alcohol. It is also different from chelation therapy, a treatment specifically for removing heavy metals from the body.
A dietary detox can mean removing environmental pollutants and poisons, which is something that the body can already do to a large extent thanks to the work of the
skin, kidneys, liver, and digestion system. Detoxing can also mean removing toxic waste products produced in the body, such as free radicals. To purposefully detox the body usually means following a specific diet, which is not always easy. Other detox strategies include fasting, excellent hydration, the use of colon irrigation, and taking certain dietary supplements.
Supplements to Remove Toxins
The following supplements each have qualities that can help detoxify the body from pollutants, free radicals, and other substances. These should be considered in the context of other healthy measures to detox the body, and not as a replacement for them.
Chlorella is a type of algae that is harvested and made into an oral supplement. Among other benefits, chlorella can help detox the body from
toxic heavy metals. Studies have shown that chlorella can bind with and remove excess copper and lead from the body. It could also help remove lead, as well as other toxins.
Glutathione is one of the most important substances produced in the body that contributes to detoxification. Glutathione is considered the body's
master antioxidant. It is critical to the liver's ability to remove toxins. Supplementing with glutathione can bolster the detoxification process in the liver. Those with a genetic abnormality that inhibits detoxification could especially benefit from taking glutathione. The production and effectiveness of glutathione is also supported by vitamins and other substances in the body.
Iron, while it is a heavy metal, could be helpful when you need to detox from other substances that are not heavy metals. Iron helps by
supporting the liver, which is one of the primary organs that breaks down toxins.
Vitamin E is helpful because it
neutralizes free radicals. Free radicals are waste products produced in the body, and they can cause damage to DNA if they are not flushed out.
Vitamin C contributes to the removal of toxins from the body because it
activates multiple bodily processes that help get rid of toxins. The bodily processes this refers to include cellular respiration and the metabolism of carbohydrates. Vitamin C also supports the
production of glutathione.
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a supplement that can work against free radical production, as well as
help regenerate antioxidants such as glutathione.
A dietary approach to detoxing is not complete without the use of one or more healthy, toxin-flushing supplements. If you are going on a dietary detox, the above supplements can aid your body in getting rid of toxins. Talk to your healthcare provider before using any of these supplements.
