Five Types of Detoxes - Which is Best for You?
When I start working with a new client, I always encourage them to start with a functional medicine detox before we start conquering their specific health goals. A functional medicine detox helps support the natural detoxification organs of the body, such as the liver and kidneys, by giving them a break from processing toxins which allows these organs to function optimally and maintain overall well-being.
Detoxification also helps improve digestion and nutrient absorption. By eliminating toxins, the body can better absorb essential nutrients from food, leading to improved energy levels and overall vitality.
Furthermore, detoxification can support the immune system. When toxins accumulate in the body, it can put a strain on the immune system, making us more susceptible to illnesses and infections. By detoxifying the body, we can strengthen our immune response and enhance our resistance to diseases.
In addition to these benefits, when used as a kick-start to one of my health plans, the detox primes the body to reach and maintain the desired health goals. Most of my clients can lose between five to ten pounds just on a 7-day detox alone.
I encourage detoxification in the following five intensities:
Elimination Diet. Although this isn’t a detox in the truest sense of the word (A true detox means you’re providing your liver with the nutrients it needs for Phase 1 and Phase 2 detoxification), this is the easiest way to kick start positive health changes. It is essentially cleaning up your diet by eliminating sugar, dairy, alcohol, and processed foods and focusing on only whole foods. For added detoxification benefits, you can integrate sulfur-based vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, etc. which aid the body in detoxification.
Time Restrictive Eating. Also called intermittent fasting, this consists of only eating or consuming calories during certain parts of the day. The process of time-restrictive eating allows the body to naturally detox during the time when you’re not eating by giving it a digestive rest and not allowing additional toxins to enter the body when you’re not eating. At a minimum, I encourage a 12-hour fast for all of my clients. (Example: stop eating by 6 pm and start eating again at 6 am the following day.) Time-restrictive eating alone will provide better sleep, better blood sugar, regulation and detoxification.
1-Day Reset. A one-day reset consists of fasting from dinner one night to dinner the next night. The fast consists of consuming just water and a multivitamin (I prefer the Daily Nutritional Support). This can be done once a week as part of a detoxification maintenance plan.
Functional Medicine Detox. This is a 7, 14, or 21-day detox. It consists of two days of liquid fasting followed by five days of squeaky-clean eating supplemented with the proper Phase 1 and Phase 2 nutrients needed to support the liver.
Water-based Fast. Finally, the most extreme is a water-based fast. Technically this isn’t a functional medicine detox as your body is not getting the Phase 1 and Phase 2 nutrients; however, it can be used as a digestive rest.
Each modality has its own time and place. I encourage combinations of the five types above differently for my clients based on their specific current health status, future goals, and lifestyle.
Dr. Stephen Cabral has a great podcast episode detailing these detox types. Listen here for more information.
If you’d like to learn more, contact me to set up a call to discuss your specific goals!
