Have you ever tried a detox or detox diet and it didn’t work? Maybe you even felt WORSE? Read more to find out why!
As promised, this month is all about detox! The last blog article discussed why the health coach you select can impact your detox results. The next two articles will cover the dangers of improper detoxing, heavy metal detoxes, and amazing tools to support you as you detox. This article is going to explore common reasons why detoxes fail — let’s get started!
Detox diets and cleanses are often touted as a way to remove toxins from the body, jump-start a weight loss journey, or promote health benefits such as increased energy. However, the promise behind detoxes—that they rid our bodies of toxins and improve our overall health—may not be experienced in many cases. Did the detox truly “fail” or was there an issue with implementation?
Over many years of working with clients, I’ve found there are a few common reasons for a detox to “fail.” Thankfully, these issues can be corrected to produce a successful detox if the client works with the right Functional Health Coach. (For more on this, read my last article!)
Key Takeaways
- Detox and cleanse diets can help remove toxins from the body.
- Some people may not experience the health benefits of detoxification strategies.
- There are common reasons why detoxes “fail,” but these can be corrected.
I Get It Because I’ve Been There!
Several years ago, after experiencing multiple gut issues for years, I decided to do a Functional Medicine Detox Retreat. The timing was perfect, because it was at the end of a very successful but stressful corporate career and my body needed some TLC! This retreat was the full package, including special foods, teas, supplements, and even colonic hydro cleansing. Let’s just say things did not go as I anticipated. This experience, coupled with the work I’ve done with hundreds of women, underscored the need for some key things to be in place PRIOR TO detox efforts. This article will discuss two of them, but first, let’s review some basic information about detoxes!
Understanding Detoxes
If you’re considering starting a detox, it’s important that you understand a little bit about them before you start.
What are Toxins?
Toxins — a word you’ve probably heard countless times in the context of health and detox. Your body is continuously being exposed to harmful substances from air, food, water, and the environment that need to be purged. Your body naturally contains organs such as the liver, kidneys, and lungs, which are designed to eliminate these substances without the need for extreme detox diets. However, as the toxic burden on our body increases, our level of health decreases, and these systems become less effective at detoxification.
The Science Behind Detoxification
Detoxification is a process that’s inherently part of your body’s biology. The liver works to neutralize substances that could be harmful, while your kidneys filter your blood to remove waste. Additionally, the gastrointestinal tract ensures that toxins are excreted from your body. But when your body is overwhelmed and these organs are compromised, they cannot do their jobs. A detoxification program – led by an experienced practitioner – can be just what your body needs to get back to health!
Herxheimer Reactions
You might have heard of a Herx or Herxheimer Reaction. This is the feeling of worsening or flu-like symptoms as your body reacts to the release of toxins. However, many people don’t realize that if you prepare your body properly before you start a detox, you should not experience significant negative reactions.
Reasons Why Detoxes Fail
So, why do detoxes fail? In my experience, there are four main reasons that detoxes fail: Mineral Depletion, Insufficient Protein, Improper Drainage, and Poor Gut Health. In this article, we’ll focus on the first two. (Stay tuned for next week’s article to learn more about the last two.)
Mineral Depletion
Before we dive into the “how” and “why,” it’s vital to understand that minerals aren’t just rocks in your body; they’re essential for its proper functioning. Let’s explore the role of minerals in detoxification and what happens when they’re running on empty.
Minerals Are “The Spark Plugs of Life”
Imagine your body as a high-performance engine—minerals are the spark plugs that make everything run smoothly. They activate enzymes which, in turn, kickstart various bodily functions, including detoxification. Without an adequate mineral balance, your body’s detox pathways can’t operate at peak performance.
Why Minerals Are Necessary for Detox
Minerals like magnesium and sulfur are integral in liver detoxification processes. If you’re lacking these, it’s like trying to cleanse your system with a clogged filter. These tiny-but-mighty elements ensure that waste products don’t just loiter in your body but get shown the door.
How Do We Deplete Our Minerals?
Everyday stress, poor dietary choices, heavy metal exposure, and even the water you drink can strip away your mineral stores. If you’re reaching for processed foods or salts lacking mineral diversity, such as regular table salt, you’re missing out on full-spectrum mineral benefits. Instead, consider incorporating Redmond’s Real Salt or Celtic Gray Sea Salt for a wider variety of minerals than just sodium chloride.
Sodium and Detox
Your body needs sodium—it’s a fact. But not just any sodium will do. You need the kind that comes packed with complementary minerals found in food sources of sodium like cheese, eggs, and seaweed. This helps maintain fluid balance and supports kidney function, a crucial detox ally. If you find yourself craving salty foods like potato chips, this is a clue that your body wants natural sodium.
Potassium and Detox
Ever heard of the sodium-potassium pump? It’s responsible for cellular function and detoxification. To keep this pump primed, ensure you’re getting enough potassium from foods like avocados, bananas, Cream of Tartar, and potatoes. Without adequate potassium, your cells struggle to say goodbye to toxins. The RDA of Potassium is 4,700 mg, so supplementation with a high-quality source of potassium may be necessary.
HTMA Testing
To get a clear picture of your mineral levels, consider Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA). This non-invasive test can show you not just where you’re deficient, but also provide insights into your body’s heavy metal load—information that’s gold when you’re figuring out why your detox isn’t working. Heavy metals take up space where minerals should be, so if you have metal toxicity, you’ll be deficient in necessary minerals. Trying to do a detox without adequate mineral levels is like trying to take a trip with no gas in the car.
In addition to causing general issues with detox, heavy metals can impair your liver in other ways, including how it metabolizes hormones. This can impact your thyroid, your metabolism, your reproductive hormones, and even your cholesterol levels! But before you jump to taking hormone replacements or statins, consider where you might be exposing yourself to toxins like heavy metals: Water, cookware, air, personal care products, food, etc.
Lack of Protein
Inadequate protein intake is the second reason I see many detoxes fail. When you’re on a detox, your body needs sufficient protein to carry out its cleansing processes effectively. Protein is crucial because it supplies the amino acids that support the liver in detoxifying your body.
Amino Acids and Detox
Amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, play a pivotal role in the phase 2 detoxification process within your liver. During this phase, amino acids like cysteine, glycine, and glutamine help to transform the fat-soluble toxins into water-soluble forms, making them easier for your body to excrete. Without enough protein in your diet, your liver struggles to carry out these necessary functions, potentially leading to a build-up of toxins in your body. If you’re doing a detox that relies on fruit and vegetable juices, you won’t have adequate protein intake and your detox will fail.
Dietary Sources of Clean Protein
To support your body through a detox, focus on incorporating clean protein sources such as:
- Grass-fed/grass-finished beef
- Wild-caught fish, particularly those high in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon
- Plant-based proteins such as quinoa and lentils.
These foods can provide the necessary amino acids without overwhelming your body with toxins or excess fat that might impede the detoxification process. Remember, during a detox, it’s not just about the quantity of the protein but also the quality. Clean, high-quality protein will ensure that your detox pathways in the liver remain fully functional.
Lifestyle and Detoxification
When exploring the relationship between your lifestyle and detoxification, it becomes clear that the choices you make daily significantly impact your body’s natural detox processes. It’s not just about what you avoid, but also what you incorporate into your routine that supports a healthy balance.
Optimize Minerals
To support detoxification, ensuring you have a balanced intake of minerals like magnesium and potassium is crucial. These minerals aid in the function of your liver, the powerhouse behind eliminating toxins. Include nutrient-rich vegetables and fruits in your diet to keep your mineral levels optimal.
Intestinal Health and Regular Elimination
Fiber is your friend for regular elimination. It helps bind and remove toxins from your body. A diet high in plant-based foods supports a healthy digestive system, which is essential for detoxification.
Clean Protein
Incorporating clean proteins, such as lean meats and plant-based sources, aids in liver function and supports tissue repair. Protein helps in the synthesis of glutathione, an antioxidant that is key in the liver’s detox pathways. Be mindful of choosing proteins free of antibiotics and hormones.
Exercise
Exercise isn’t just for staying fit—it enhances your body’s detox capabilities by promoting circulation and elimination through sweat. Regular movement has been shown to decrease inflammation and support detox organs like your skin and lungs.
Hydration with Restructured (Mayu) Water
Staying adequately hydrated with Mayu water or restructured water can be more beneficial than regular tap or distilled water. It’s believed that the restructuring process aids the water’s ability to hydrate cells more effectively. Proper hydration is key for detox organs to flush out soluble toxins.
Conclusion
Your body has a highly efficient detox system that includes your liver and kidneys. These organs work tirelessly to filter out substances that aren’t good for you. However, we’re exposed to chemicals and toxins more than ever before on the planet. Our bodies just can’t keep up with the detox demand without some help.
I commonly see four issues that can lead to “failure” if they aren’t addressed before you start a detox. The first two – discussed in this article – are mineral deficiencies and inadequate protein. The second two – to be discussed in next week’s article – are inadequate drainage and poor gut health.
The good news: A simple HTMA Test can help identify exactly where you are with respect to mineral deficiencies and toxic exposures such as heavy metals. For more information on the test that can help your detox start off right, follow me on Linked In!
Frequently Asked Questions
Detoxes often come with a mix of expectations and confusion. In this section, you’ll find clear answers to some of the most common queries that come up when considering a detox program.
What is the HTMA and why is it helpful to do before starting a detox?
HTMA stands for Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis. This is a noninvasive test that gives tons of information on nutrient status and toxic burden. We’re exposed to toxins more now than ever before — in our air (smog), water, foods, cookware, personal care products and more. The harmful ingredients can cause a weakened immune response and other harmful effects.
What happens to your body during a detox?
During a detox, your body is in the process of eliminating toxins, which can influence your metabolism and overall feeling of well-being. Toxins are processed for removal, and your body may undergo various physiological changes as a result. High cholesterol levels may decrease, you may notice changes in bowel movements, high glucose levels may drop, joint pain may lessen, and low energy levels may improve as you ingest natural foods and essential nutrients.
How safe are detox diets, cleanse products, and detox pills?
The safety of detox diets, cleanse products, and detox pills varies widely, with some being supportive to your health and others potentially causing harm. It’s crucial to research the products and consult with a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner like myself, before starting any such regimen as they can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, diarrhea, or other medical conditions. People with diabetes, kidney problems, or other chronic illnesses should be particularly cautious of restrictive diets, a juice cleanse, detox supplements, or diets for weight loss as they can cause hypoglycemia.
What are common misconceptions about detoxifying your body?
One common misconception is that detoxes are a quick fix for long-term health and weight loss. Detoxification is a complex process and should be just one part of a healthy lifestyle. Another common misconception is that detoxes must involve fasting or severe restriction of carbohydrate intake, low-calorie or fat intake. The truth is that each detox should be custom-tailored to the individual and their unique needs.
