The Ultimate Supplement Stack For Detoxification - From An Integrative Practitioner

In today's world we are exposed to a multitude of toxins that come from the environment, household cleaners, cosmetics, prescription and over-the-counter meds, gasoline, alcohol, pesticides and fuel oil to name a few. Over time, they can accumulate in our body and have a negative impact on our health.

The good news is that the human body is naturally built to continually detoxify itself through the liver, kidneys, and other systems. And a good supplement stack can aid and enhance the body in its detoxification process. 

Before diving into the various supplements that aid detoxification, it's important to first address these lifestyle modifications that can help support your body from the inside out.

• Hydration: Make sure to drink 2-3 litres of water a day to help support the kidneys in flushing out toxins. A tip I always recommend is to start the day with warm water and lemon to help flush out the toxins the liver that has been working hard clearing out during the night.
• Diet: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods like leafy greens, berries and citrus fruits that are rich in antioxidants.
• Exercise: Keeping an active lifestyle promotes circulation and sweating aids in the elimination of toxins. Saunas are a great way to eliminate toxins through sweat. 

The Supplement Stack:

Milk Thistle

Benefits: Liver Support

Milk thistle has an active ingredient called Silymarin which helps the liver regenerate cells and reduce oxidative stress. By making the liver more efficient it in turn enhances the body’s ability to eliminate and process toxins. 

Fibre

Benefits: Eliminates waste

Fibre, similarly to activated charcoal and Chlorella, binds to toxins and excretes them. It is a great way to detox the body whilst making sure the toxins are not reabsorbed in the digestive tract. It is important to take fibre with plenty of water in order for them to move efficiently through the body as they may otherwise have the opposite effect and lead to constipation.

Activated Charcoal

Benefits: Binds to Toxins

Activated Charcoal binds to toxins in the gastrointestinal tract preventing its absorption as it gets removed. It's great for detoxing heavy metals from the body or other harmful substances. Many individuals recommend using it after a colonic irrigation to bind any leftover toxins so they don’t get reabsorbed and flushed.

It is important not to take activated charcoal with other medications as it is highly porous and will bind and flush those out too. 

Bitter X

Benefits: Kidney and Liver Support

A comprehensive Liposomal blend of 9 bitter herbs and essential oils designed to gently stimulate bile production, enhance digestive function, and support detoxification. Dandelion root has diuretic properties which helps flush toxins out of the body through increased urine output. Dandelion can be taken in a tincture, pills or even in a tea.

Magnesium

Benefits: Cell Detoxification and Bowel Movement

Magnesium is responsible for over 300 enzymatic reactions including detoxification. It helps with bowel regularity which is an essential part of the detoxification and elimination of toxins. Similarly Magnesium Citrate to be beneficial if constipation is of concern. 

Read – Which Form Of Magnesium Is Right For Me?

Chlorella

Benefits: Heavy Metal Detox 

Chlorella is a green algae known for its powerhouse effects on detoxification. Similar to activated charcoal it also binds to heavy metals such as mercury and lead and helps eliminate them from the body. 

Glutathione

Benefits: Boost Glutathione Levels

Glutathione is the master antioxidant which is critical for detoxification. NAC is the precursor to glutathione supporting its production and helping neutralise free radicals and toxins particularly in the liver and lungs. 

Benefits: Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant

Turmeric fights inflammation in the body. It supports liver health in releasing toxin build up. Its active ingredient, Curcumin, increases the body’s natural detoxification process whilst combating oxidative stress. Turmeric is usually taken with Piperine to increase absorption.

Green tea

Benefits: Antioxidant

Green tea is a powerhouse antioxidant. It is rich in Catechins that support the liver and aid in detoxification. Its natural caffeine content boosts energy aiding in the detoxification process, counterbalanced by L-theanine that calms the body and keeps unpleasant coffee jitters at bay. 

Detoxification is a complex process but with the right diet, exercise and supplement stack you can support your body’s natural ability to eliminate toxins and cleanse and rejuvenate resulting in improved energy, mental clarity and a new sense of overall well being. Always make sure to consult your healthcare professional before starting any new supplement especially if you are taking medications as they may interact.