You have likely heard the term "detox" at some point, either mentioned by a friend, read about it, or even heard some supposed health “guru” talk about it on television. You may have even done a "detox" protocol yourself. Detoxification has become a topic of debate, even among alternative health professionals. The health and wellness industry is no different than any other industry when it comes to the "how’s" of achieving our optimal health and wellness. There are always conflicting opinions on certain topics, particularly when there is research to show support on both sides of the issue. One of the main topics that gets brought to the table in health and wellness coaching is detoxification of our body systems, and what might be the best way to achieve that, or if it is even a “needed” aspect at all. There are going to be those who wholeheartedly disagree with this write up, and that is okay. Environmental toxins, and how they impact our physiology was the focus of my evolutionary medicine certificate and something that I truly enjoy incorporating into my work with my clients. The information included in this write up is meant to encourage those looking at starting their health and wellness journey in ways that are proven to work, and that won’t create great financial burden to those that want to work on elimination of toxins from our bodies.

What does it mean to “detox” and why are people doing it?

In order to understand why there is such a big push for “detox” programs and supplements, it is important to look at why someone might think that they "need a detox". The main reason is because of the proven exposure to environmental toxins in modern life. Every day we are exposed to toxins, through ultra processed food and drinks, the air we breathe, the water we drink, the products that we use in our homes and on our bodies, and even the clothes we wear or the furniture we have in our homes. These chemicals are referred to as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP). There is research as early as 2002 that show the average person is exposed to up to 500 or more known toxins every day (Thornton et al, 2002). When our bodies are regularly and repeatedly exposed to toxic, synthetic chemicals our bodies inherent waste systems struggle to compensate for the increased load. Our bodies naturally produce toxins through normal metabolic processes which are removed from the body efficiently daily. However, the combination of normal metabolic wastes our bodies produce and exposure to everyday toxins creates more waste than our bodies can effectively remove. The toxins build up in the blood stream, and are then stored throughout the body. This has unfortunately been shown to impact almost every physiological system in our bodies (Thornton et al, 2002). Chronic exposure can wreak havoc on body functions, thus becoming a contributing factor to different types of chronic disease manifesting (Kim et al, 2016). For many, the opportunity to “detoxify” the body and remove these toxins from the body systems seems like the most appropriate answer. The problem is that many of the products that are being promoted for “detox” might really just be expensive snake oil.

Understanding how our bodies eliminate wastes is an important aspect to how best support the removal of toxins. The two most commonly known eliminatory organs are the liver and kidneys. However, these are only two of 7 eliminatory “channels” in our bodies. Our bodies are designed to remove toxins, it isn’t something that necessarily “needs” support. The combination of the gastrointestinal system (stomach and intestinal tract), respiratory system (lungs), lymphatic system (circulation), glymphatic system (brain), integumentary system (skin) all work together to maintain what is termed a "homeostatic balance" in our bodies. In order for true physical detoxification to take place, all of these channels must be fully functional and what is termed "open" in order to successfully remove the toxins that our bodies are making through normal biological processes, as well as what we are exposed to daily. If these systems are not functioning at their full potential, adding products that can create an increase in the toxin load on these systems can be damaging rather than health inducing. Unfortunately, this step is commonly overlooked when starting a "detoxification" program and can cause complications like unnecessary discomfort, and unwanted side-effects. The negative impacts these products can have due to being used in an inappropriate time is likely why many people have negative experiences with “detoxification”.

The issue I have with “detox” products (and protocols) is the same issue I have with supplements (this topic will be coming in the near future). It isn’t that toxic loads on our body systems isn’t happening, or that removing the toxins isn’t necessary because it has its’ place. My problem with it is that most people are using it as a crutch rather than truly changing the toxic lifestyle they might be living. Optimal health is rarely (if ever) found in just taking a pill or procedure. Just because something is “natural” doesn’t mean that taking that pill is going to ensure that someone restores to their physical health. There are programs and diets that are offered specifically for "detox", but there is concern that doing "detox" diets can be restrictive and are meant to be done for shorter periods of time (40 days or less typically). If these protocols are done for prolonged periods of time, it could lead to serious nutritional deficiencies. There are also certain suggested procedures that are advised during a typical "detox" program that are invasive (like colonics or enema's). If someone is constipated or obstipated, this might be necessary but these procedures should only be done if a person is experiencing issues with gastrointestinal tract function. Yes, pooping is important but if you aren't doing it daily a one time (or even two times) colonic or enema isn't going to do much for sustainable improvement. From my personal perspective the main issue with many “detox” protocols is this; doing a "cleanse" or "detox" program probably isn't going to hurt someone (as long as they don't have any pre-existing medical or genetic conditions) but it gives a false sense of security. People that utilize these programs see it as a way for them to live how they see fit during the "off" periods, and then use "detoxing" as a way to validate using products and having lifestyles that they know are harmful because it will be "detoxed" later (I have actually heard someone use this statement). Doing a week long (or even a month) detox every 6 months is like spitting into the ocean. It will do very little to impact our overall health long-term without making changes to what we are being exposed to on a daily basis. I was also taught at a very young age that the power that made our bodies is the power that can and will heal our bodies (quote by B.J. Palmer). If we remove the root cause of the toxin overloads, our bodies will re-establish the necessary pathways and ultimately restore our physical health. But this means making new choices about what we are putting in and on our bodies every day, and that takes work.

If we truly want to "detoxify" our bodies, reducing the amount of exposure long-term is the most effective way. Eating whole, organic foods, drinking plenty of filtered water, and different body therapy techniques can be implemented into our activities of daily life. This, along side removing the exposure to toxins can influence our bodies own detoxification systems. Many toxins that we are exposed to come from inside our own homes; cleaning products, cosmetics, hair and body products, pesticides, clothing, furniture flame retardants, cookware, and drinking water. Doing what we can to adjust these particular aspects of exposure is a must in order to reduce the toxic load on our bodies. Research is continually finding more and more toxins that are being used in these types of products harmful to our immune, reproductive, and metabolic health. As a general rule, if one is looking at a specific "detox" program it would likely be more beneficial to incorporate the sustainable changes that are in the program into their daily activities. Drinking more water, eliminating alcohol and tobacco, eating less refined sugar, ultra processed foods and removing sugary beverages from the diet, increasing our intake of organic fruits and vegetables, getting plenty of physical movement are all things that are typically suggested in "detox" programs that can be incorporated long-term. There are times that doing a true “detox” may absolutely be necessary, and is advisable, particularly when there has been exposure to certain molds, toxic heavy metals, or if there have been diagnoses that show chronic disease processes that are already taking place. However, these circumstances should be supported by a qualified practitioner who is able to monitor the process closely as there may be complications that must be addressed appropriately.

Although there is some evidence that using specific actions in “detoxification” programs does improve certain body functions (Klein et al, 2014), doing these types of actions once or twice a year isn’t going to provide the longevity and healthy aging that most practitioners who suggest detoxing profess. Supporting our bodies already efficient eliminatory systems by removing regular exposure of toxins from our diet, controlling our stress levels and responses, getting good quality sleep for the appropriate length of time, getting enough movement, and removing as many products from our homes that have ingredients that are known toxins does more for our health than any one month program. There is also an aspect of detoxification that comes from leaving toxic relationships, jobs, setting boundaries with family and close friends, clearing clutter from our homes and offices, taking social media and technology breaks (the television counts too), and being out in nature that should be looked at closely when we are looking to “detoxify” our bodies, minds, and lives.

Health and wellness coaching is a holistic journey that encompasses true and lasting health through focused, consistent action. It is one of the main aspects of coaching that really caught my attention, and motivated me to become a coach. After realizing that people are turning to supplements as a substitute for allopathic medications because it is the “natural” route I started to tap into what I know about health: True health will never be found in just taking a pill or doing a "detox program" once a year. Supplements can still have negative impacts on our health if they are used in irresponsible ways, just like allopathic medications. Just because something is “natural” doesn’t mean that it can’t have drastic, negative impacts on our health if used inappropriately (supplements is one of the next chapters in the debates so keep an eye out). If we want to live to our full potential, regardless of if it is mental, physical, or spiritual there are no shortcuts. True healing and optimal health means that we are willing to look at what is causing us to be “dis-eased”, and then being willing to do the work to sustainably change it.

References

Carpenter, D. O. (2011). Health effects of persistent organic pollutants: the challenge for the Pacific Basin and for the world. Reviews on Environmental Health, 26(1). https://doi.org/10.1515/reveh.2011.009

Exposures add up – Survey results | Environmental Working Group. (n.d.). Www.ewg.org. https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2004/12/exposures-add-survey-results

Kim, J. A., Kim, J. Y., & Kang, S. W. (2016). Effects of the Dietary Detoxification Program on Serum γ-glutamyltransferase, Anthropometric Data and Metabolic Biomarkers in Adults. Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 6(2), 49–57. https://doi.org/10.15280/jlm.2016.6.2.49

Klein, A. V., & Kiat, H. (2014). Detox diets for toxin elimination and weight management: a critical review of the evidence. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 28(6), 675–686. https://doi.org/10.1111/jhn.12286

Thornton, J. W., McCally, M., & Houlihan, J. (2002). Biomonitoring of industrial pollutants: health and policy implications of the chemical body burden. Public Health Reports, 117(4), 315–323. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0033-3549(04)50167-x