Detox Basics

What is detoxification?

The first step to beginning a successful detox program is to understand how our bodies change toxins into less toxic or more readily excretable substances.

Many people equate detoxification only with the liver, but it is important to look at our systems of elimination and detoxification as a whole, including the kidneys, liver, and gastrointestinal tract. Setting up the body to efficiently eliminate toxins is the first and most important step for a successful cleanse. Toxins can have damaging effects on the body if they are too rapidly released without being safely eliminated, so it is important to focus on improving and optimizing the function of your body’s own detoxification systems.

Kidneys

Our kidneys help to maintain fluid balance, remove toxins and waste via the urinary system, regulate blood pressure, and control red blood cell production. Kidney function supports many areas of balance in the body: acidity and alkalinity for pH regulation, salt and water for blood pressure regulation, and sodium and potassium concentration for healthy circulatory and neurological systems.

The kidneys also play an important role in vitamin D activation, which is essential for energy production, cancer prevention, bone health, immune system support, and anti-inflammatory benefit.

Liver

Liver function involves cholesterol regulation, breaking down and filtering toxins, storing sugar, minerals, and vitamins, and producing blood cells.

One of the most important roles of the liver is to break down and remove harmful substances out of the blood, while filtering out non-beneficial bacteria and viruses. The liver is also involved with digestion by producing bile, which is then stored in the gallbladder. After eating, the gallbladder then releases the bile to help break down food for more efficient digestion and absorption.

Digestive Tract

The gastrointestinal system supports detoxification by evacuating waste containing toxins, bacteria, and parasites, while absorbing necessary minerals and nutrients from the food we eat.

The colon works together with the skin, liver, and kidney to flush toxic matter out of the body. After the liver breaks down harmful substances, they are then transported to the intestines via bile. When fecal matter moves through the colon, the colon’s lining absorbs vitamins, mineral salts, and water from the waste, and excretes the toxins.