“Have you ever gone on a detox diet?!” That’s a common question these days. Either a friend or family member is talking about going one, completing one, or social media is blasting you with detox products, but why? There must be a reason and what does it entail? How about the simple question of what actually does it mean to detoxify? What’s needed? Why is it recommended, how and where do you even start?!

I will simplistically break down these questions, provide answers, and help guide you to your first detox experience!

First question we must address is, What is Detoxification? Detoxification is the process of transforming and removing potentially harmful products from the body. These harmful products are toxins which include metabolic end products, Micro-organisms, contaminants/pollutants, insecticides, pesticides, food additives, drugs, and alcohol. The process of transforming these toxic chemicals and allowing for excretion is referred to as biotransformation, which is affected by multiple factors, one being the sufficiency and adequacy of the enzymes and nutrients present.

Second question to address is, How does the detoxification/biotransformation process happen? Once a toxin is ingested and carried to the liver (the main organ in detoxification), our body undergoes three phases. Many of the toxins ingested are fat soluble and cannot be excreted, therefore, Phase I starts to convert the fat soluble toxins into a more water soluble compound through enzymatic activity and antioxidant support. At this point the toxin either becomes inactive, equally active, more active, toxic, or activated. Phase II takes the molecules produced from Phase I and makes them water-soluble, which will allow for elimination. Phase III is the elimination of the toxin through urine or feces.

As previously mentioned, in order for the detoxification process to occur the body requires a sufficient and adequate amount of enzymes and nutrients. So our third question is, What is needed in order for the liver to function optimally and detoxify?

The key player during Phase I is and enzyme referred to as cytochrome p450. This enzyme needs a proper amount of protein to function, therefore consuming high-quality protein such as seafood, chicken, beef, and eggs are recommended. In addition this phase also requires Magnesium, Vitamin A, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B6, B12, Folate, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Beta-carotene, Zinc, and Selenium.

During Phase II the toxins are becoming neutralized in order to be eliminated. This phase requires the amino acids Glycine, Glutamine, Cysteine, Methionine, Taurine, as well as Magnesium, Glutathione, Vitamin B5, B12, Vitamin C, Folic Acid, and Choline.

As you can see our livers have quite the job to do! We are continuously ingesting toxins, which causes the liver to constantly work. Poor liver, it needs a break too! This is why detoxifications are recommended! Dr. Steph recommends adhering to a detox anywhere from 3-30 days, 2-4 times per year which will help give your liver a bit of a break. In addition, it will help you feel better both physically and mentally because of the decrease in the amount of toxins ingested, the diet clean up, and in the increase of nutritional support.

So let’s get started! Now that you have and understanding of what detoxification is, the physiology of detoxification, and why a detox is recommended, it’s a perfect time to start your journey and experience the benefits. The last questions to answer is Where do you start and how do you choose one?

Maybe you’ve gone through a program before or this is your first time, but we recommend finding a program that provides a clear food recommendation guide, convenient, and supplies all of the nutritional support necessary. Many of our patients have completed our 21 Day Paleo Detox program and have experienced incredible results. This program is a comprehensive, science-based nutritional program designed to support safe and effective detoxification.

It’s easy to follow, convenient, and ensures all of the nutrients necessary to support the liver (click here for supplement facts).

21 Day Paleo Detox Diet

It’s a new year and a perfect time to focus on you and your health! A detox is also great to do with family and friends so don’t forget about them as well! Happy New Year and let 2017 be a healthy and happy year!