You’ve probably heard the word toxin. It sounds so ominous, right?

Especially considering toxins are seemingly everywhere… from processed ingredients in food to pollution to plastics to heavy metals in deodorant and even furniture (yes furniture!)

The bad news is that a lot of these are unavoidable. But the good news is that your body has a built-in system to handle it.

Detoxification — or detoxing — is actually one of your body’s primary functions, and it’s simply the removal of unwanted toxins and waste.

So the act of “detoxing” is really all about supporting your body’s natural detox system.

(no magic pills, maple syrup concoctions, or special juicing required)

While your lungs, kidneys, colon and skin all play a role, your liver is your main detox organ. It works in two phases. Here’s the super skimmed breakdown:

• Phase 1 → Toxins begin to be neutralized. Ironically, this process produces byproducts called free radicals that can be even more harmful than the toxins themselves.
• Phase 2 → Toxins / free radicals all get eliminated for good.

But here’s the thing: Phase 1 gets activated easily by certain healthy foods but also external toxins like caffeine, wine, pesticides, or paint fumes. And Phase 2 requires certain nutrients and plenty of fiber to work properly.

So for a simplified example, say you activate Phase 1 with a cup of coffee. Now you’ve got harmful toxins and free radicals circulating throughout your system. If your eating isn’t exactly healthy, your Phase 2 can’t keep up. So now the toxins are left to circulate, damaging cells and causing inflammation. Eventually, they get stored again where they can also continue causing problems.

When toxins build up, well, you don’t feel so good. This can show up as:

• Fatigue
• Weight loss resistance
• Increased belly fat
• Headaches
• Bloating
• Moodiness
• Skin problems like breakouts or eczema
• Trouble sleeping

Over time, this build up can even contribute to accelerated aging, cancer, or diseases like Parkinson’s.

By supporting your body’s natural detox system, especially Phase 2, you can make sure you’re eliminating toxins as your liver is able to filter them.

In addition to eating plenty of fresh, nutritious foods, here are a few key ways to help:

1 – Eat cruciferous veggies. 

These powerhouses activate detox enzymes, neutralize free radicals, and have a unique ability to balance Phase 1 and speed up Phase 2. Crucifers include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, arugula, kale, cabbage and cauliflower.

2 – Eat plenty of fiber.

Fiber helps latch onto toxins in the gut to make sure they make a final exit. Aim for 25 to 40 g of fiber daily from fresh, whole foods.

3 – Drink lots of water.

Water also helps flush out toxins via urine. Aim to drink at least half your bodyweight in ounces of water per day, or ideally closer to 100 oz when detoxing is a priority.

I view detoxification as a foundation of vibrant health. And “health” can sound general, but it’s really a foundation for everything my clients are specifically trying to achieve: fat loss, improved fitness, glowing skin, energy all day long, and just feeling good!

When your body’s detox system is working properly, all of the above come easier. And of course, vice versa.

That’s why I created a brand new detox program that will be available next week! You can find details and the wait list sign up here.