“Detoxes” have become a trend in the health and wellness space, but did you know your body is detoxing right now? Detoxification is an ongoing process that your body does naturally – it’s essential for your survival. Detoxification happens in several organs throughout your body, primarily the kidneys and liver. In addition, your lymphatic system, skin, lungs, and digestive tract also contribute to the process.
Detoxification is your defense against the ever-increasing burden of chemicals and pollutants we are exposed to daily. Unfortunately, some of these toxins might seem hard to avoid. They are in the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, and household cleaners. But there is a lot we can do to limit the toxins in our environment. This includes the use of high-quality air and water filtration systems, eating clean and organic where possible, and by use of natural household cleaners. Also, supporting your body’s detoxification process is more important than ever.
Long-term exposure to toxins may increase your susceptibility to neurodegenerative disease. For example, in one study , pesticides caused selective degeneration similar to Parkinson’s disease.
So, here’s what you need to know about optimizing your detoxification system.
What is detoxification?
Detoxification is your body’s way of removing toxic substances. Toxins can build up without a healthy detoxification system and lead to adverse health outcomes.
Toxic substances are everywhere, and our exposure is increasing. For example, about 70 percent of produce in the United States contains residues of pesticides – even after washing.
External toxins are not the only culprit on your body’s radar. You produce internal toxins, too, which are by-products of your natural processes. If you don’t remove them through detoxification, they can build up and cause damage.
The role of the environment as a risk factor for neurodegenerative disease has been a hot topic of research for some time now. Evidence has shown pesticide exposure can alter tau function (tau is a protein mostly found in brain cells connected to Alzheimer’s disease). One study found rats exposed to the insecticides carbofuran (carbamate) and deltamethrin (pyrethroid) experienced neural death and dysfunctional spatial memory and learning capabilities. Another analysis examined the connection between pesticide exposure and Parkinson’s disease between 1989 and 1999. It found an elevated risk of the disease was associated with pesticide exposure.
Pesticides are not the only external toxins potentially contributing to neurodegenerative disease. Solvents have been put under the microscope, too. Solvents are found in detergents, dry cleaning products, paint thinners, and other commercial products. Many are lipophilic, which means they are readily absorbed by tissue in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Studies from 1989 and 2009 documented cases of workers developing Parkinson’s disease following significant and long-term exposure to solvents.
How does the body “detox?”
The body’s detoxification process is quite complex. Here’s a quick look at how each organ helps to rid the body of harmful toxins:
- Think of the liver as the king of the detoxification process. Like a filter, it removes harmful substances and toxic by-products. The liver also helps destroy pathogens and external toxins, such as alcohol and heavy metals.
- The kidneys are also like filters – they remove waste, harmful chemicals, and other unwanted compounds from the body.
- The digestive tract supports detoxification by ridding the body of toxins via bowel movements – good gut health is critical to this stage of the detoxification process.
- The lymphatic system is one part of the immune system. It circulates a special fluid throughout the body, transporting white blood cells that safeguard against toxins and infections.
- The respiratory system aids the detoxification process in several ways. Nostril hairs help keep small particles and pollutants out of the lungs, and the lungs and bronchi transform toxins into CO2, which is then exhaled.
- The skin is the body’s largest organ and helps keep bacteria, toxins, and viruses out of the body. Sweating is also part of the detoxification process.
Supporting your body’s detoxification process with supplements
Healthy detox pathways are critical for long-term well-being and vitality. While you can’t always control your exposure to toxins, you can support your body. Here are three powerful supplements I formulated for detox support.
Neuro Det/ox
Glutathione deficiency and changes to glutathione-dependent enzyme activity may induce and progress neurodegenerative diseases. Often, the approach taken is to boost glutathione levels via a costly lipid-soluble form of glutathione or N-Acetyl Cysteine, its precursor. However, after working closely with thousands of patients over the years, I’ve found these expensive treatments fail to deliver long-term results.
That’s where my Neuro De/tox supplement does things differently. This powerful, detox-supporting formulation switches on cells’ response to inflammation, which, in turn, supports glutathione levels. This not only has an anti-inflammatory effect but also aids the body’s natural detoxification process.
B Complex
The eight water-soluble B-vitamins perform critical roles in how your cells function. Collectively, they contribute to brain function, energy levels, homocysteine metabolism, DNA/RNA synthesis/repair, and of course, detoxification. Through their support of a process called methylation and the production of glutathione, B-vitamins help minimize harm that toxins can inflict. My B Complex supplement contains the entire B-vitamin group, it offers an effective and efficient way to protect brain health.
Neuro-Active B
My Neuro Active B supplement takes B-vitamins to the next level. It is ideal for those who have a high homocysteine level or a common genetic variant of MTHFR. By providing folate and B12 in their active forms, Neuro Active B bypasses the inefficient MTHFR enzyme and drives down toxic levels of homocysteine to support detoxification, improve your brain’s neurotransmitter production, repair your DNA, methylation, and more.
Neuro-Active B contains several active ingredients:
- Folate, which helps with mood regulation, DNA production, and melatonin synthesis.
- Vitamin B12, which works alongside folate.
- Vitamin B6, which is involved in the production of several proteins, neurotransmitters, and red blood cells.
- Vitamin B2, which supports healthy blood pressure.
- Betaine (trimethylglycine), which contributes to liver function and protects the body’s detoxification pathways.
Support that’s as unique as you are
There’s no doubting the health-boosting, detox-supporting power of supplements, but they are just one facet of a holistic and individualized healthcare approach. Contact us today if you are ready to make a real and meaningful change to your life’s trajectory. My incredible team would be more than happy to discuss your needs and help you devise a plan. The life you want is possible, and you don’t have to accept no as an answer.