Tag: Detox

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Spring Detox: It’s Time to Recharge!

Spring is a time for renewal, rebirth, new beginnings – and spring cleaning. One survey found that almost 80% of us embark on at least one spring cleaning project at this time of the year, with bedrooms, closets, and kitchens being the top priorities. With this focus on fresh starts, it’s also a great time to focus on cleansing your body and recharging your health. After all, it was a long winter and taking some time to make your health a priority will help recharge your energy as we emerge from hibernation.

You might wonder why your body needs spring cleaning, since it’s not always as obvious as when the kitchen needs to be cleaned. However, every day, your body is exposed to multiple harmful toxins. Many of these toxins aren’t readily apparent: we’re often unknowingly exposed to environmental pollution and toxins in our food and water. Plus, chronic high stress, combined with our modern sedentary lifestyles, further contributes to harmful accumulations in the body.

Your body has many “cleaning supplies” that help eliminate harmful toxins, including your:

  • Liver – the body’s primary filtration system, converting toxins into waste products, cleansing your blood, and metabolizing nutrients and medications to provide the body with some of its most important proteins.
  • Colon – removes water, salt, and some nutrients forming stool which excretes toxins.
  • Kidneys – purify and filter our blood.
  • Lungs – act as filters for the toxins in the air we breathe.
  • Lymphatic system – lymph vessels connect to a group of lymph nodes which act as a filter for anything harmful that the body does not need.
  • Skin – acts as a barrier for our body and excretes toxins through sweat.

Does Your Body Need A Hand With Detoxification?

Just as we wouldn’t expect our household cleaning supplies to keep performing without some basic maintenance, over time, these organs need some cleansing themselves. Some signs that it’s time for a reset include:

  • Sluggish digestion
  • Mysterious skin issues
  • Unexplained fatigue
  • Bloating
  • Fuzzy thinking, poor concentration, and impaired memory

Jump Into Spring With A Healthy Detox

Ready to jump into your spring cleaning for health? The following steps are an important part of a spring detox.

Exercise.

Regular exercise reduces inflammation throughout your body, boosts endorphins, and gives you energy. Plus, the sweat from a good workout can help eliminate toxins. Although more research needs to be done, several studies have found that sweat helps get rid of toxins like heavy metals and BPAs. However, you’ll receive many benefits from movement even if you don’t work up a sweat. It’s a great time of the year to get outside for a walk or a hike! Spending time in nature is one of the best ways to rejuvenate your mental and physical energy.

Support your liver.

Your liver acts as your body’s filtration system, so when it is overtaxed, more unwanted toxins can enter your body. One of the most effective ways to support your liver is by being mindful of alcohol consumption. It’s generally recommended that women limit themselves to one drink per day, and men to two drinks, but total abstinence is a good way to kick off a spring detox. Avoid sugary drinks as a substitute, however, as they can contribute to fatty liver disease.

Herbs and supplements that support the liver, such as milk thistle and turmeric, can also improve liver functions. The chemical compounds in cilantro have been shown to bind to toxic metals and loosen them for easier transport out of the body.

Traditionally used as a diuretic, studies suggest that dandelion may help improve liver and gallbladder function. The blossoms of red clover also support liver function by stimulating bile production and act as an effective diuretic, helping to cleanse the blood and rid the body of excess fluids.

Increase your water intake.

Water flushes out waste products through urine and sweat. Staying hydrated also helps the organs in your body work optimally, so aim for two to three liters of water a day. An eco-friendly water bottle can help you stay on top of water intake, and some people like to add a bit of lemon or cucumber to their water to make it more interesting.

Make smart food choices.

Whole, natural foods help the detoxification process in several ways. This is particularly true for foods high in antioxidants. Antioxidants help combat free radicals, which are unstable molecules that cause cellular damage. Pollution and toxins like alcohol and tobacco lead to the production of free radicals, but antioxidants fight them and reverse the effects of the oxidative stress they create. Foods high in antioxidants include many nuts, brightly colored produce like blueberries, strawberries, kale, beets, goji berries, and dark chocolate.

Foods high in fiber help with elimination and therefore act as literal cleansers. Foods high in insoluble fiber, such as whole grains , help clean the digestive system as they move through your system. Soluble fiber also supports the production of good bacteria in your gut, which supports the liver and other functions. Good sources of soluble fiber include beans, vegetables like brussel sprouts and broccoli, and fruit like apples. 

Detoxify your beauty and healthcare products.

Some beauty and health products contain toxic ingredients like parabens and phthalates, and their negative effects can be more than skin deep. Look for natural ingredients whenever possible. The Environment Working Group (EWG) website gives detailed information on exactly what many products contain and ranks them for their level of potentially harmful toxins.

Declutter your environment.

It’s a different type of cleaning, but getting rid of clutter in your surroundings can have a positive effect on your mental health, and act as an impetus for your spring detox. However, be sure to use natural cleaning products!

Stay on top of sleep.

Sleep really does clear your brain, as studies show that the brain gets rid of accumulated toxic byproducts while we sleep. It’s also when your brain processes the events of the day. Plus, being well-rested helps you tackle the other elements of staying healthy.

Don’t delay your spring detox! Your body and soul deserve as much attention as cleaning your home!

If you’d like to learn more and create a customized program for you, let’s talk!

Sources:

Silverman MN, Deuster PA. Biological mechanisms underlying the role of physical fitness in health and resilience. Interface Focus. 2014;4(5):20140040. doi:10.1098/rsfs.2014.0040

Sheng J, Qiu W, Xu B, Xu H, Tang C. Monitoring of heavy metal levels in the major rivers and in residents’ blood in Zhenjiang City, China, and assessment of heavy metal elimination via urine and sweat in humans. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2016 Jun;23(11):11034-11045. doi: 10.1007/s11356-016-6287-z. Epub 2016 Feb 23. PMID: 26903134.

Genuis SJ, Beesoon S, Birkholz D, Lobo RA. Human excretion of bisphenol A: blood, urine, and sweat (BUS) study. J Environ Public Health. 2012;2012:185731. doi:10.1155/2012/185731

Genuis SJ, Beesoon S, Birkholz D, Lobo RA. Human excretion of bisphenol A: blood, urine, and sweat (BUS) study. J Environ Public Health. 2012;2012:185731. doi:10.1155/2012/185731

Eugene AR, Masiak J. The Neuroprotective Aspects of Sleep. MEDtube Sci. 2015;3(1):35-40.

Dorothy A Kieffer, Roy J Martin, Sean H Adams, Impact of Dietary Fibers on Nutrient Management and Detoxification Organs: Gut, Liver, and Kidneys, Advances in Nutrition, Volume 7, Issue 6, November 2016, Pages 1111–1121, https://doi.org/10.3945/an.116.013219

Hossen MS, Tanvir EM, Prince MB, et al. Protective mechanism of turmeric (Curcuma longa) on carbofuran-induced hematological and hepatic toxicities in a rat model. Pharm Biol. 2017;55(1):1937-1945. doi:10.1080/13880209.2017.1345951

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Symptoms and Solutions for Detoxing

Microphone and computer; the blood sugar rollercoaster.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 33:35 — 30.8MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

We frequently receive questions about detoxing like what symptoms mean you need to detox, how to detox, how long to detox, how to know if it’s working, etc. In this week’s show, we’ll discuss symptoms and solutions for detoxing, including what supplements and diet changes are beneficial during a detox, some of the different detoxification pathways, and how different detoxes can target different organs.

Products Mentioned in Today’s Show

Vital Detox – This advanced blend of green plant concentrates and enzymes helps protect the body against chemicals ingested in the daily diet and through everyday environmental exposure. This formulation is rich in chlorophylls from Chlorella and contains a unique broccoli extract with glucosinolates. The chlorophylls in Chlorella form tight molecular complexes with a wide variety of everyday toxic chemical compounds, reducing their absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. A high-strength enzyme blend also breaks down dietary antigens and may support assimilation of beneficial constituents of Chlorella.†

Kidney Essentials – Champex®, a patented extract from Agaricus bisporus, the common white button mushroom, has been shown to help the body maintain a healthy ratio of creatinine in the blood versus the urine. Red ginseng, a specially processed form of Panax ginseng, also supports healthy kidney function and displays kidney-protective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. Astragalus provides support for healthy fasting glucose levels, along with healthy albumin levels in the urine.

Reduced L-Glutathione – Glutathione is the master antioxidant in the body and is heavily concentrated in tissues such as the liver, spleen and heart. Therefore, it plays a crucial role in immune function, detoxification capacity and protection against oxidative stress. This formulation is preformed, reduced glutathione (GSH) and provides a 250 mg dose in a one-capsule serving.

You can also listen to Symptoms and Solutions for Detoxing on our YouTube channel here.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Bad Breath… Need to Detox?

Microphone and computer; the blood sugar rollercoaster.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:56 — 30.2MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

Bad breath is a common issue that can have several possible causes. These can include an oral issue such as gum disease or an infected tooth, blood sugar imbalances, kidney or liver issues, and certain infections. Increasing your body’s ability to detox may help with some of these issues. In this week’s episode we will discuss some supplements and diet and lifestyle changes that may help lessen bad breath, as well as discuss why people with bad breath may need to detox more than those without it.

Products Mentioned in Today’s Show

Active Mega Multi II – Active Mega Multi II is a comprehensive, hypo-allergenic, multivitamin and mineral blend. As a complete multivitamin, it provides high-quality nutrients to build a healthy micronutrient reserve. USP* B vitamins support energy production and folate (as Quatrefolic™ – 100% 5-MTHF), the biologically active form of folic acid, improves methylation. Albion® TRAACS® chelated mineral complexes enhance bioavailability.

UT Support Formula – UT Support Formula is a hypoallergenic blend of 10 species, in an inulin base, specifically designed to support a woman’s genitourinary system.† Concentrated with Lactobacilli, secreted biosurfactants, and lactic acid may help promote a healthy vaginal pH.†

Vital Detox – This advanced blend of green plant concentrates and enzymes helps protect the body against chemicals ingested in the daily diet and through everyday environmental exposure.

You can also listen to Bad Breath… Need to Detox? on our YouTube channel here.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Cleaning Up A Toxic Liver

Herbs and limes; cleaning up a toxic liver.

Our bodies have to deal with a near constant influx of toxins including pesticides, chemicals, pollutants in our air and water, chemicals in our food, heavy metals, mold, and much more. The liver has many important jobs, and one of them is filtering through these toxins each day, but due to the staggering amount of chemicals the average person encounters each day (which can range from hundreds to thousands of different chemicals), the liver often ends up overworked and dysfunctional. The liver is such an important organ that is necessary for many vital functions in the body, so it’s important to keep it as healthy as we can. Let’s discuss what the liver does, and some things we can do to help clean up a toxic liver.

Jobs of the Liver

The liver is responsible for over 500 tasks like producing bile, filtering blood, producing cholesterol, storing glucose, and many others. Keeping your liver healthy is crucial to overall health, and sluggish livers are a common problem today. We encounter many different chemicals every day in our air, water, food, medications, beauty products, plastics, etc. Our bodies are constantly working to filter through these chemicals to minimize the harm done, but our livers and other organs can’t always keep up. Many people also do not eat correctly and lack vitamins and minerals essential for proper liver function, add this to the toxic load we’re carrying, and it’s a wonder our livers are functioning at all.

Glutathione

Glutathione is an antioxidant that the body is supposed to produce in cells, but production may not be optimal due to genetic mutations and/or environmental factors. We also produce less glutathione as we age, so supplementation is often recommended, especially for older individuals. Glutathione has many functions and benefits, including potentially reducing damage in liver cells, supporting a healthy nervous system, and improving insulin resistance and fat-burning especially in older people. One of the main benefits of glutathione is that it can help reduce oxidative stress, which greatly influences aging, certain chronic conditions, and autoimmune conditions. In autoimmune conditions, the mitochondria of the cells are often damages, and gluathione may help protect the mitochondria from further damage. Supplementing with glutathione may help aid in cleaning up a toxic liver, as well as many other potential benefits.

Symptoms of a Sluggish Liver

When the liver is not working quite as well as it should be, it is often referred to as sluggish. This doesn’t mean it is diseased, just that it is not functioning at the level it should be. Some of the symptoms of a sluggish liver may include:

  • Dark circles under the eyes
  • Waking up at 2am-3am for no apparent reason
  • Fatigue
  • Acne and/or rashes
  • Moodiness
  • Headaches
  • Brain fog

This is not an exhaustive list as symptoms can manifest differently in each person, but it is good to be aware of these common ones.

What Can You Do?

The good news is that we can do a lot to promote healthy liver function, but consistency is important. Reducing your exposure to toxins as much as possible is a great first step. Try to avoid synthetic household cleaning products, aerosol products like hairspray and air freshener, and opt for natural products whenever possible. You can also supplement with vitamins, minerals, and herbs that can help promote healthy liver function. Liver Support & Detox and Vital Detox are great products for liver health, and can aid in both phase 1 and phase 2 liver detoxification. Limiting alcohol intake is also important because excessive drinking can cause liver damage and may contribute to some forms of liver disease.

Cleaning up a toxic liver means you should focus on eating a varied diet of fruits, vegetables, high-quality meats, and healthy fats like coconut oil and avocados. You should also make sure the food you eat is organic because pesticides are a major source of toxins, and make sure you are drinking clean, filtered water to avoid the chemicals, heavy metals and other harmful substances found in tap water. Exercising regularly may also help improve liver function, and limiting alcohol intake may decrease your risk for certain forms of liver disease. Your liver is a very important organ and it has a lot of responsibilities, so take good care of it!

You can listen to our Happy Liver Makes a Happy Life podcast episode here. You can also listen on our YouTube channel here.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Happy Liver Makes a Happy Life

Microphone and computer; hanging on to anxiety and stress

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:29 — 30.0MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

The average American encounters so many different environental toxins each day. Some experts estimate that we are exposed to hundreds of different chemicals every day, and some experts believe it could be as high as tens of thousands of differenct chemicals. They can be found in our air, food, water, cosmetics, soaps, cleaners, clothes, etc., and can cause a myriad of health issues over time. Our liver has many functions in the body, but one of its most important functions is the filtering of toxins. The liver works constantly along with other organs like the kidneys to rid our body of the different toxins we consume. However, if the liver is not functioning properly, its ability to filter things can be inhibited, this is why it’s so important to support the liver. In this week’s show we’ll discuss some things you can do to help support the liver, and why a happy liver makes a happy life.

Products Mentioned in Today’s Show

Reduced L-Glutathione – Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant and detoxifying compound consisting of three amino acids: cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine.† Produced in the liver, glutathione assists with detoxifying xenobiotics and heavy metals, neutralizes hydrogen peroxide, maintains the integrity of blood cells, and helps transport amino acids across cell membranes.† It aids in the breakdown of oxidized fats and is necessary for carbohydrate metabolism.† Glutathione is also involved in metabolizing insulin and regulating blood glucose levels.† This hypoallergenic formulation has been specifically designed using the active, reduced form of glutathione for maximum benefit.

Liver Detox & Support – This formula contains nutrients known to enhance intracellular levels of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD)—crucial antioxidants that protect hepatocytes and help detoxify everyday foreign substances.† The balance of supportive nutrients makes this product suitable to help strengthen the liver against everyday challenges to liver function.†

N-Acetyl Cysteine – This derivative of the amino acid cysteine is often used as the preferred substrate for intracellular glutathione synthesis. It also assists detoxification, provides cellular antioxidant protection, and is much safer than cysteine.†

You can also listen to Happy Liver Makes a Happy Life on our YouTube channel here.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

What is Detoxing and How Do You Do It?

Lemon and water; what is detoxing and how do you do it?

Detoxing has become a buzzword frequently used to market certain teas, supplements, foods, and fad diets, but it’s not as simple as drinking a cup of “detox” tea every day. While there are herbs and vitamins that can aid in detoxification, your body works constantly to detoxify. The liver and kidneys are filtering your blood all the time, working to metabolize medications and environmental toxins, and preparing them to be excreted. So, taking a product labeled as a “detox” won’t magically remove all the toxins from your body. This is a complicated process that your body has perfected, but it does need the right nutrients and herbs to keep this process functioning optimally. Let’s take a look at what detoxing is, and how you can do it every day.

Detoxification

When people hear the word ‘detoxification’, most people imagine all the toxins being pulled from the body, and having increased energy and less brain fog. While this is partially true in that toxins are pulled from the body, this is done automatically, and if these processes are functioning optimally then you may have increased energy and less brain fog. While the body is great at detoxing, it can’t detox all toxins at once. It is a continual process that happens day and night, and the liver and kidneys in particular do a great job with this. However, these processes are dependent on healthy liver and kidney function. Having decreased liver or kidney function is much more common today than it has been throughout human history. Researchers have estimated that the average person can come into contact with as few as 120, to as many as 700,000 different potentially toxic chemicals each day. These chemicals can reach you through the air, water, food, skin care products, soaps, perfumes, air fresheners, furniture, mattresses, hair dye, makeup, etc. So, the average person’s liver and kidneys are having to filter through far more toxins than ever before in human history. This is believed to be one of the main causes of the sharp increases in liver damage and liver cancers over the last few decades, as well as kidney issues.

How to Support It

Although the body is very good at detoxifying by itself, we are now exposed to more chemicals than our livers and kidneys were really meant to handle. This means that they often need extra help to continue to carry out these vital processes correctly. These processes require enough vitamins and minerals to allow for proper organ function, but in some cases certain minerals are also needed to bind to certain toxins to ensure they are excreted properly. With so many people eating a diet that is lacking in essential nutrients, the body may not have enough of these nutrients from diet alone. This is why supplements have become more commonly recommended over the years, because it’s difficult to get enough key nutrients from our diets alone due to depleted soils, decreased absorption due to poor gut health, and processed foods often displacing healthy foods in a person’s diet. In addition to eating a varied diet full of organic fruits and vegetables, it is often recommended that you take supplements to help support your liver. Our Liver Support contains milk thistle which is one of the most popular herbs for liver health, along with several other ingredients designed to help support the health of your liver.

There are also certain herbs that aid in eliminating specific things like heavy metals. Several studies have found that chlorella and cilantro can remove the majority of lead, aluminum and mercury from the body within a few months with daily consumption. These herbs also help aid in the elimination of other toxins, but are well-known for their ability to help eliminate heavy metals. Our product Vital Detox contains chlorella and several other ingredients that may help support phase 2 liver detoxification and heavy metal elimination.

Although your body detoxifies constantly, it can use all the help it can get considering the incredible amount of toxins we encounter each day. Take good care of your liver and kidneys because they are responsible for detoxification and hundreds of other vital processes in the body. Remember to drink plenty of water each day, switch to natural products and organic foods whenever possible, and engage in stress-reducing activities each day to help keep your body and mind healthy.

You can listen to our Detox Your Way to Energy podcast episode here. You can also listen to it on our YouTube channel here.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Detox Your Way to Energy

Microphone and computer; early warning signs of a thyroid problem.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:11 — 28.9MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

We are exposed to countless enviromental toxins every day through our food, water and air. While the body works tirelessly to detoxify, humans are exposed to far more toxins than ever before, so our bodies can use all the help they can get. Heavy metals, mold, food additives, tap water contaminants, and medications all have to be filtered out, and these detox processes are reliant on healthy liver and kidney function, as well as having the appropriate nutrients to bind to these metals and chemicals so they can be eliminated properly. In this week’s show we’ll discuss how to detox your way to energy, why certain herbs are important for heavy metal detoxification, and how giving your body the nutrients it needs to detoxify properly can make a big difference.

Products Mentioned in Today’s Show

Perfect Plant Protein – Functional Plant Protein Vanilla Bean combines USA-grown, sustainable pea protein with microbiome-nourishing prebiotics and antioxidants. This great-tasting, bioavailable, and easy-to-digest protein formulation is 100% dairy-free and non-GMO.†

Vital Detox – This formulation is rich in chlorophylls from Chlorella and contains a unique broccoli extract with glucosinolates. The chlorophylls in Chlorella form tight molecular complexes with a wide variety of everyday toxic chemical compounds, reducing their absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. A high-strength enzyme blend also breaks down dietary antigens and may support assimilation of beneficial constituents of Chlorella.† Glucosinolate compounds in broccoli are powerful inducers of natural phase 2 detoxification processes in the liver. Most substances detoxified by the liver are released into the bile for excretion through the intestinal tract. Chlorella helps trap these toxins to reduce reabsorption.†

Amino Complete – A comprehensive, hypoallergenic source of essential amino acids. Designed to meet the needs of individuals who require additional amino acids for protein support. This formulation of 20 essential and non-essential “L-form” amino acids uses the highest-quality, pharmaceutical grade, crystalline amino acids in their “free” form to ensure maximum bioavailability and tolerance.

You can also listen to Detox Your Way to Energy on our YouTube channel here.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Your Most Common Health Questions Answered

Microphone and computer; exercising consistent health habits.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:01 — 29.3MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

Most of our patients are doing everything they can to get better, including evaluating their daily habits to see what might have a negative effect on their health goals. We wanted to address a couple of the most common ones about cell phone radiation and the safety of tap water. Cell phones and microwaves do emit radiation, and tap water can have some harmful substances in it, but cell phones are unavoidable, and you need water to live, so what can you do about it? Let’s take a closer look at these issues and some possible solutions. Listen today to get your most common health questions answered!

Common Health Questions

  • Is my cell phone killing me?
  • Can Vitamin D really save my life? Do you really need to take four times the recommended daily dose?
  • Is it okay to cleanse your body by fasting from time to time?
  • Can I trust my tap water? Does it make any difference if I buy bottled water?
  • Is my microwave giving me cancer?
  • How long am I contagious when I have the flu or cold?
  • Can I trust my tap water? Does it make any difference if I buy bottled water?

For example, tap water goes through intense filtration systems and is tested for contaminants often. However, the purification methods they use do not get out some potentially dangerous substances. Certain heavy metals and chemicals like chlorine, bromine, and flouride are often still found in tap water.

Find out the answers to these questions and all about the new products we are now carrying and what they replace.

Product Mentioned in Today’s Show:

D3 + K2 Ultra – Clinical research suggests that the combination of vitamin D3 plus K2 together help provide support for healthy cardiovascular function, bone health, and immune system function.

You can also listen to our Most Common Health Questions Answered episode on our YouTube channel here.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

What Gut Type Are You?

Microphone and computer; exercising consistent health habits.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:54 — 29.2MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

Good gut health is so important to your overall health. An imbalance in the gut may contribute to the development of issues like allergies, skin conditions, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and even some autoimmune diseases and certain types of cancer. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to help heal your gut and reduce inflammation. Let’s discuss gut health and figure out what gut type you are.

Gut Types

There are specific gut types that create certain environments in your gut. They are as follows:

  • Candida Gut:
  • The bad habit – Ice Cream, Cookies, Cupcakes, etc.
  • Emotional Profile – Worrisome, Anxious, Obsessive.
  • Gastric Gut:
  • The bad habit – Inhaling your food (and large portions of it).
  • Emotional Profile – Fiery, passionate, reactive.
  • Stressed Gut:
  • The bad habit – Overdoing the coffee and booze.
  • Emotional Profile – Type-A workaholics.
  • Immune Gut:
  • The bad habit – Popping antibiotics every time you feel sick.
  • Emotional Profile – Impatient, frequently frustrated, quick to anger.
  • Toxic Gut:
  • The bad habit – Eating processed or fast food.
  • Emotional Profile – Impatient, frequently frustrated, quick to anger.

Try cutting out processed foods and sugars as much as you can, and replace these foods with whole foods like fruits and vegetables, grass-fed meats, and good fats like coconut oil. Eating a diet rich in natural foods and low in processed foods and keeping your immune system healthy may also help reduce inflammation which may help reduce your risk of developing many different health conditions. There are also many supplements you can take to help heal your gut. Consuming organic bone broth is another great way to help heal the lining of your gut and reduce inflammation. Bone broth also contains amino acids and collagen that can help improve gut health and digestion.

Product Mentioned in Today’s Show:

Stress Response – A comprehensive formula of nutrients and botanicals with demonstrated and unique neuro-supportive effects creates a robust and multifactorial approach to support daily brain health and function.

You can also listen to this podcast on our YouTube channel here.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Toxins and Disease

You’ve probably heard the term “toxins” many times. It’s often used as a general term to describe things that may be harmful to your body, but how much damage can they actually do? They can actually do extensive damage to your body depending on what the toxin is, how much of it you’re exposed to and how often, and your genetic makeup that may make you more sensitive to certain toxins and health conditions. Let’s take a more in-depth look at how toxins can damage and alter organs and bodily functions.

What are Toxins?

The word “toxins” is used to refer to many different substances that are known or suspected to be harmful to human health. This includes known and suspected carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, mold, most chemicals, preservatives, artificial colors and flavors, heavy metals, pesticides, and countless other substances. Everyone also has what is called a “toxic load” or “toxic burden” which refers to the amount of toxins your body is currently dealing with, and everyone’s toxic burden is a little different. If you work around chemicals every day in a factory or hair salon, your toxic burden will likely be higher than the average person’s due to the chemicals you are around every day. Chronic exposure to chemicals and other toxins is often the most dangerous because they can accumulate in your body, and your body doesn’t get a chance to get them out when it is continually being exposed.

Dangers of Toxins

The dangers of toxins should not be overlooked. Toxins can wreak havoc on different parts of your body, and have been found to contribute to the development of many serious health issues such as heart disease, autoimmune disorders, neurological disorders, and certain types of cancers. Daily exposure to toxins is essentially a slow, gradual poisoning of the body, which is one reason why many symptoms worsen over time, and often don’t develop into full-blown diseases until later in life. However, symptoms are often noticeable beginning in the teenage years and even younger.

One common issue we see in our patients is hormonal imbalances. Issues like low testosterone, low progesterone, high estrogen, and low DHEA are incredibly common problems. Toxins play a role in these imbalances by mimicking hormones like estrogen which can lead to estrogen dominance, or blocking hormone receptors in the body which can contribute to thyroid problems and other health issues. Certain toxins can also damage DNA and organs and bodily systems like the liver, heart, kidneys, and digestive system. Some of these organs play a large role in the body’s detoxification systems, and when they are damaged it can make it even harder for your body to rid itself of these toxins.

What Can I Do?

There are many ways to reduce your toxic burden, but it takes time and consistency. The first step is reducing the amount of toxins you are exposed to as much as possible. This means drinking filtered water, switching to all-natural cosmetics, soaps, and household cleaning products, and cutting out processed, chemical-laden food and replacing it with whole, organic foods. The next step is to work on building the nutrients in your body back up so the body has what it needs to detoxify efficiently. Eating plenty of organic fruits and vegetables, eating good fats like coconut oil and olive oil, and drinking plenty of filtered water every day is a great way to do this. You should also add in a high-quality multivitamin, fish oil supplement, and probiotic. Once you have “built” enough, you can try some detox protocols like a candida cleanse or heavy metals cleanse.

A few products we recommend are:

  • Lipotropic Detox – Contains taurine, choline, milk thistle extract, and other ingredients that may help improve liver function and detoxification.
  • HM Complex – Contains selenium, chlorella, alpha lipoic acid, and several other ingredients that may help to bind up and reduce heavy metals in the body.
  • Para-Shield – Contains Pau’ D’Arco, black walnut , garlic extract, and other ingredients that may help reduce parasites and candida in the body.
  • NAC – Stands for N-acetyl-cysteine and may help increase the body’s production of glutathione which is a very powerful antioxidant.

So, switch to all-natural products wherever possible, cut out processed foods, eat more organic fruits and vegetables, and consider starting a supplement regimen, especially if you do not eat a varied diet. There are many things you can do to reduce your toxic burden and help your body detoxify, but it will take time. It probably took years for those toxins to build up in your body, so it won’t be fixed overnight, but each little choice adds up.