Detox: An A to Z Guide

It’s no secret that we find ourselves living in an increasingly toxic world. This article seeks to provide a realistic perspective of the scope of the problem, the sources of contamination, and specific actions we can take to avoid and reduce the damage of these toxins.

It may come as a surprise that a person’s ability to detoxify many of these compounds depends greatly on their nutrient status. We’ll take a deep dive into the nutrients the liver needs to carry out it’s detoxification reactions. This article will also cover which nutritional supplements might be helpful if you are trying to support this detoxification process. This article also links to Fullscript where you can buy these detox supplements online through the secure healthcare formulary and get free shipping and 20% off the retail price of professional-grade supplements.  Let’s dive in.

The Problem

Sounding The Alarm: Why It Pays To Be Careful What You Eat and Drink

Few healthcare providers are aware that our water and food supply is full of chemicals of all kinds. Estrogen from birth control pills is excreted through urine and enters the water supply in cities. Forever chemicals never break down and they are everywhere in our environment. These chemicals are causing changes in the genitalia of amphibians and reptiles. When an effective dose is possibly as little at 2 drops in an Olympic size swimming pool, many scientists are worried. Forever chemicals are found in a range of everyday products from non-stick pans to water-resistant clothing and grease-resistant food packaging like popcorn bags and pizza boxes.

They can easily enter our bodies and have been detected even in the womb, crossing the placental barrier to reach the developing child. Xenoestrogens, a specific type of these chemicals, mimic estrogen in the body and can disrupt hormonal balance at critical periods during the development of the baby’s sex organs and brain. The presence of these compounds in cord blood makes scientists wonder if these chemicals are responsible for the skyrocketing rates of everything from autoimmunity to gender dysphoria. The extreme sensitivity of babies at various stages in utero makes the efforts to reduce our exposure all the more critical.

Your Liver Will Automatically Detox Your Body (But Only When Given The Right Nutrients)

Detox is poo-hoo’d by many, even those in healthcare. The mantra seems to be that your liver will take care of detox, so don’t worry about it. Detox also has this bad name because of the many charlatans selling diarrhea-inducing high-priced supplements that don’t address anything to do with toxins.

Here’s the real story, and it is eye-opening. Although there is a tremendous amount of stuff going on in the image below, here’s what you want to know.

Your liver won’t detoxify anything efficiently unless it has the right nutrients. In the detoxification process, the liver has two main phases:

• Phase 1: During this phase, enzymes in the liver start the process of breaking down toxic substances. Some key nutrients involved in Phase 1 detoxification include:
  • B Vitamins: Vitamins such as B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), and B12 (cobalamin) are essential for the proper functioning of enzymes involved in Phase 1 detoxification.
  • Vitamin C: Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and can help protect liver cells from damage caused by free radicals generated during Phase 1 detoxification.
• Phase 2: In this phase, the liver further processes the partially metabolized toxins from Phase 1 to make them water-soluble and easier to excrete from the body. Key nutrients involved in Phase 2 detoxification include:
  • Glutathione: This is a powerful antioxidant and detoxifier. It is made up of amino acids, primarily cysteine, and can be influenced by dietary protein intake. To synthesize glutathione the body requires amino acids like cysteine (NAC), as well as sulfur compounds, glycine, and other cofactors including as magnesium and selenium.
  • Amino Acids: Amino acids such as glycine, taurine, and glutamine are essential for conjugation reactions in Phase 2 detoxification.
  • Sulfur Compounds: Sulfur-containing compounds, including methionine and cysteine, are necessary for the synthesis of glutathione, which is vital for Phase 2 detoxification.
  • Magnesium: Magnesium is a cofactor for several enzymes involved in Phase 2 detoxification reactions.
  • Antioxidants: Antioxidants like Selenium and Vitamin E can support the detoxification process by protecting against oxidative stress.

The “Standard American Diet” does not provide adequate nutrients to carry out detoxification processes.

• Fiber: There is not enough fiber to bind bile acids and toxins to take them out of the body through the digestive tract.
• Water: There’s not enough water to make optimal quantities of urine needed excrete waste compounds.
• B Vitamins: The B vitamins required for these reactions are used up by stress, alcohol consumption, a high-sugar diet, pregnancy and lactation, certain medications, age, physical activity, and smoking.
• Magnesium: More than half the population is failing to get adequate magnesium to support Phase 2 Detoxification.
• Weed Killer: Glyphosate slows down Phase 1 detoxification by inhibiting the cytochrome P450 enzymes. Non-organic wheat, soy, and produce are covered with glyphosate. Researchers say: “Glyphosate’s inhibition of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes is an overlooked component of its toxicity”. Bread is specifically high in glyphosate due to farmers spraying glyphosate directly on wheat to dry it out days before harvest.

Your liver begins detoxifying by first turning toxins into substances that are even more toxic. Once Phase 1 is complete, there’s a possibility that Phase 2 detoxification moves more slowly than Phase 1, allowing toxic intermediary compounds to build up.

Step 1: Stop Taking In Toxins

Organic Foods

Studies show lower rates of infertility, birth defects, allergic sensitisation, ear infections and metabolic syndrome in those with habits of long-term organic food choices. [PMC7019963]

The nutrient content of produce can vary depending on the farming methods used and yearly conditions. However, analyses of various studies have consistently shown that organically grown foods generally contain higher levels of vitamin C, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus compared to their non-organic counterparts. Not only are these foods richer in essential nutrients, but they also contain fewer nitrates and pesticide residues.

Organic foods are also noted for having higher concentrations of key antioxidant phytochemicals such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, and carotenoids. Laboratory studies have consistently shown that organic fruits and vegetables have enhanced antioxidant activity and are more effective at blocking the mutation-causing properties of toxic compounds. Furthermore, some health advantages have been linked to consuming organic dairy products, such as a reduction in allergic dermatitis symptoms. [PMID: 20359265]

The Dirty Dozen And The Clean 15

Some foods should only be bought in their organic form, like bread. Produce is more variable in its chemical content so buying organic matters more with some types of produce than others. The Environmental Working Group has studied this question for many years and has created their trademarked “dirty dozen” and “clean fifteen” lists to help us keep things strait. Visit the Environmental Work Group at ewg.org to learn about their wide ranging work. The buttons that follow allow you to visit their dirty dozen and clean fifteen lists directly and sign up for their newsletters so that you can get ongoing help in clearing toxins from your life.

The Dirty Dozen On EWG.org

The Clean 15 on EWG.org

Soap, Body Lotion, Shampoo: Toxins Everywhere

Use the EWG’s Skin Deep Product Lookup. The Think Dirty App is a useful app for your phone that allows you to look up products by their barcodes for convenience. However it’s important to recognize the potential for bias in this app, which has been criticized for creating partnerships with brands.

Getting Rid Of The Non-Stick Pans

“Teflon” and non-stick pans were historically made with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a chemical linked to various health problems. The problem is that these chemicals stay in the body for a long time. Also, Teflon-coated pans can release harmful fumes when heated. But despite recent production changes, health concerns persist around non-stick cookware. For women who will someday become moms, it can never be too early to leave behind the non-stick cookware. Alternatives like stainless steel, cast iron, and ceramic cookware offer a safer option.

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Household Cleaners Are A Source of Toxins

When you smell a fragrance, think of phthalates! Fragranced household cleaners commonly contain phthalates, known endocrine disruptors that can interfere with hormonal systems. Triclosan is an antimicrobial agent present in many antibacterial products. It can disrupt hormone function and contribute to antibiotic resistance. Manufacturers use alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs) in laundry detergents and all-purpose cleaners, and these nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) can interfere with hormones and are linked to various health issues.

Polishing agents for bathroom fixtures, sinks, and jewelry often contain ammonia, which can trigger respiratory issues and skin irritation. Chlorine bleach, a potent disinfectant and whitener, may harm the lungs and skin and can create dangerous gases when mixed with ammonia. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) also exist in a wide array of cleaning products and can trigger a range of health problems from headaches to liver and kidney damage.

It’s time to check under the sink and decide what to keep and what to toss. Once again, the Environmental Work Group has put together a tremendous set of resources for looking up product safety. Check it out:

Non-toxic alternatives for household cleaning are a smart and sustainable choice. For example, a simple mix of vinegar and water can make an excellent all-purpose cleaner for countertops and windows. Baking soda serves as a powerful scrubbing agent for tough stains and can also freshen up carpets and rugs when sprinkled on, left for a few minutes, and then vacuumed up. Hydrogen peroxide can replace bleach for whitening and disinfection. Essential oils, like tea tree, lemon, and lavender, can add natural fragrance to homemade cleaners while also offering antimicrobial properties. Castile soap is a versatile, vegetable-based product that can be used for a range of cleaning tasks, from washing dishes to mopping floors.

How Pure is Your Water?

After lead from the water supply poisoned thousands of children in Flint Michigan, many people woke up to the fact that there are plenty of places that the water is unsafe. This issue is particularly acute in older cities with outdated plumbing systems. The second major concern is runoff from agricultural activities that introduce pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers into the water sources. Atrazine is a common agricultural herbicide that is detected in water supplies due to runoff from farming activities. Studies have linked exposure to atrazine to preterm birth or low birth weight. Then, there are industrial pollutants and microplastics that find their way into the water supply.

These issues are widespread, so it pays to check on whether your water is safe. If you have your own well, you will want to think about the agricultural runoff. If you have city water, you’ll be able to look up your water quality by zip code. Once again, EWG has provided the resource:

If you find your water is not pure, a Guide To Water Filters is available on EWG.org as well. Whatever filtration system you choose, you make sure it is certified by the Water Quality Association or NSF.

Consider The Possibility of Lead

There are a lot of ways that a person can be exposed to lead aside from lead pipes causing water contamination. For example, if you live in a home that was built before 1978, there’s a high likelihood that it was painted with lead-based paints. Think about whether you have ever refinished old painted furniture that may have been painted with lead paints. Have you ever been involved in soldering with lead, such as in stained glass, of plumbing.

Crops can be contaminated with lead if they are grown in contaminated soil. Lead particles from leaded gasoline or paint can settle in the soil and remain there for years. Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and radishes, as well as leafy green vegetables, are especially prone to lead contamination. Therefore, washing vegetables thoroughly and peeling root vegetables can help reduce lead exposure.

It’s important to test any imported goods that might contain lead. These include toys, jewelry, cosmetics such as lipstick, and ceramics. The glazes used on some of these items may contain lead. Furthermore, some imported spices and foods have been detected to contain high levels of lead, and certain traditional remedies and cosmetics may also contain this harmful element.

Lead Testing

Lead tests check for harmful lead in your home. This is important in older homes with older homes built before 1978 when lead paint was finally banned. Lead is also present in some ceramic glazes, so don’t assume that the beautiful handmade ceramic coffee mug is safe. If someone got the glazes mixed up, it can contain significant amounts of lead.

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Step 2: Testing

Labs To Learn Your Own Toxin Status

The purpose of pre-pregnancy toxin testing is to prevent the possibility of accidentally exposing your baby to toxins from the moment of conception throughout the most vulnerable stages of development in utero. The alarming truth is that the vast majority of chemicals in use today have had very little safety testing before entering the marketplace. We are in a population-wide experiment with these chemical exposures. At the same time, epidemiologists are seeing alarming increases in rates of autism, ADHD, and chronic diseases of all types.

Unless your parents and you have been exceedingly careful since childhood about what you have been exposed to, you may look back on a long history that might include microwaving food in plastics, breathing in household chemicals, scented air fresheners, questionable water, chemical laden stain-proof carpets, paint fumes, grocery store receipts and tatoos. Certain occupations are known for very high exposure risk.

If you are armed with the knowledge of your specific toxin status, you can give a sigh of relief, knowing you are safe, or work with your healthcare provider to take steps to clear the toxins from your body. There’s really no way to know what all you have floating around in your system unless you test your levels. Although these tests might be considered expensive by some standards, they are worth the investment. Future health problems can be far more costly to your family over the many years to come.

Step 3: Clearing Toxins From Your Body