The Detox Process

Toxins enter our bodies through:

• products we use topically on our skin
• physical contact
• the air we breath
• chemicals we inhale 
• food we eat
• medicines and synthetic vitamins we ingest
  • read about the side effects of synthetic vitamins here
• chemicals in our water
• biochemicals used in farming 
• household toxins including synthetic scents and household cleaners

The toxins are processed in our:

• liver:
  • this is the hardest working detox organ and does most of the work
  • converts toxins into urine that passes through the kidneys or bile that passes through the gallbladder
  • if the liver is overloaded and isn't able to convert all the toxins, some of the toxins are stored in fat causing excess weight gain

Then excreted through:

• kidneys:
  • processes and detoxes blood
  • excretes toxins via urine
• lymphatic system:
  • part of the circulatory system that pumps cells and blood throughout our body and into detoxing organs
  • if the lymphatic system gets stuck or overloaded, there is a bioaccumulation of toxins that can't be processed
  • keep the lymphatic system flowing by drinking clean, filtered water (I use a Berkey, use code tcmberkey), exercising, and dry body brushing
• skin:
  • removing dead skin cells 
  • sweat
• lungs:
  • exhaling carbon dioxide
• digestive tract and colon:
  • solid waste (yep, poop)

The Toxin Journey

• You put on a store-bought lotion with fragrance and parabens. Both are known toxins that should be avoided.
• The toxins are absorbed into your skin.
• They enter your bloodstream and lymphatic system.
• They get sent to the liver.
• The liver processes them and sends them to be excreted via urine, bile, or solid waste. 
• You sweat some of the toxins through your skin.

However, the average person also used shampoo, condition, face wash, makeup, and hair products that all have harmful ingredients. And that's before breakfast! This is why our bodies are overloaded and have bioaccumulation and need help detoxing. 

• Tallow Lotion
• DIY Deodorant
• DIY Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth
• Natural Hair Care
• Oil Cleansing Face Wash

Detox Side Effects: What to Know Before You Start

But before you start incorporating detoxes into your daily routines, you need to be aware of possible side effects. Even the gentlest of detoxes can cause side effects. While sometimes it appears that things are getting worse, it's actually part of the healing process. 

Things I've Said When Starting New Detoxes:

My back is breaking out! Dry body brushing is horrible for my skin.

Oil pulling makes me pee way too much. This can't be healthy.

I'm burping vinegar. This shot is making my indigestion worse.

I have a headache again. This is a sign my body needs more caffeine, not less!

Common Detox Symptoms & Side Effects:

• Headaches: 
  • As your body clears out toxins, you may experience headaches, especially if you're reducing caffeine or sugar intake.
• Fatigue: 
  • Detoxing can make you feel more tired than usual as your body uses more energy to eliminate toxins.
• Digestive Issues: 
  • Changes in diet can lead to bloating, gas, or changes in bowel movements including constipation or diarrhea. 
• Mood Swings: 
  • Fluctuating blood sugar levels and the release of stored chemicals can affect your mood.
• Skin Breakouts: 
  • Your skin is a major detox organ, so you might experience rashes or acne as toxins are expelled.
• Flu-like Symptoms: 
  • Some people report feeling achy, having a sore throat, or experiencing mild fevers.
• Body Odor:
  • Accumulated waste and toxins are being evacuated through sweat and your skin.
• Body aches:
  • This is your muscles and joints inflammatory response to coming into toxins as they are move through your body.

Gentle Detoxes to do Daily

Detox #1: Morning Detox Shot with Lemon Juice, Apple Cider Vinegar, and Cayenne Pepper

• This is an easy, inexpensive, and gentle detox you can do daily. When I take this daily, I notice increased energy, better breathing, and less bloating. 
• Mix any of the following:
  • 1 tbsp. Apple Cider Vinegar (it has to be raw, unfiltered, with the mother)
  • Juice from 1 lemon (I like this citrus juicer / squeezer)
  • 1/8 tsp Cayenne Pepper (find it here)
  • 1-2 tbsp. Honey (raw and local is preferred, if unavailable, this one is great)
  • 1/4 tsp Turmeric 
  • Water - You can dilute this as strong or as weak as you prefer. I usually add about 1/4 cup water. I filter my water with this filter, use code tcmberkey. 
  • Essential Oils
    • My favorites: Copaiba, Thieves, Lemon Vitality
• Get the full recipe here. 

Detox #2: Castor Oil in Your Belly Button

• I've done castor oil packs. I've put castor oil on my hair. I've washed my face with castor oil. And I've used castor oil to thicken my eyelashes. But when I saw videos of people putting castor oil in their button before bed and praising the results, I thought "say what??!!" So I tried it. I put castor oil in my belly button and now I'm singing the praises! 
• Get all the details here.

Detox #3: Oil Pulling with Coconut Oil

• Oil pulling is basically using oil as mouthwash, swishing, and then spitting out.
• Benefits of oil pulling include:
  • Detoxing & cleansing
  • Support mouth & gum health
  • Reduce Inflammation
  • Promote clear & healthy skin
  • Immune boost
  • Increase energy
  • Reduce PMS symptoms
  • Reduce head tension
  • Improve digestion
  • Hangover relief
• Get more details on oil pulling here.
• Learn how to make oil pulling chews here.

Detox #4: Detox Epsom Salt Bath

• With a few ingredients, you can upgrade your bath to the best immune boosting, muscle calming, deep breathing, glowing skin, and detoxing part of your day.
• Sweating is one way our bodies naturally cleanse and a good sweat session in a hot tub can be purifying. 
• Ingredients like Epsom salt, baking soda, apple cider vinegar, bentonite clay, and essential oils can be used to create a custom detox bath.
• Get detox bath recipes here.

Detox #5: Dry Body Brushing

• Want an easy way to get rid of dry skin & cellulite and increase circulation??!! Me, too! Meet one of my best friends -- my dry body brush. 
• A dry body brush has natural, firm bristles. I like to use one with a long handle so I can easily brush my back and legs. 
• Dry brushing improves the lymph flow and ability to detox.
• Learn how to dry body brush here. 
  

Final Thoughts

Pin this article to save it for later!

Also check out: