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What is Detoxification and Why Do You Need It?

Today’s unnaturally fast-paced society makes healthy choices feel impossible. Preparing balanced meals, sleeping eight hours a night, exercising daily and practicing self-care is hard to squeeze in.

A detox program is a great way to reset your mind and body to help motivate you to make simple lifelong changes. Here’s what you need to know about detoxification and how it can help jump start better health habits.

What is a Detox?

Most people think of a detox diet as a restrictive fad diet that you do for a short time before returning to unhealthy habits. While certain components of a detox plan can be temporary, it’s important to consider a detox as a fresh start.

A detox is a unique opportunity to redefine your relationship with food, movement, stress management, and more. It’s a chance to de-stress, get back to the basics, turn inward and put yourself first. At Solaris Health, we think of a detox as a reset for the mind, body and spirit.

Supporting your body’s natural detoxification processes involves not only targeted foods and supplements, but also encompasses rest, stress management, self-love and acceptance. It encourages you to practice and adopt tools that you’ll incorporate into your life once the detox ends.

What Does Detoxification Mean?

Detoxification refers to a natural set of reactions run by your liver. It also involves the colon, kidneys, skin and lungs. A detox helps the body process and prepare to expel chemical compounds and heavy metals that are harmful.

These toxins can come from many sources in our modern-day world, such as pesticides, plastics, personal hygiene products, cleaning supplies, and more. An accumulation of toxins over time burden the liver and can lead to a host of health problems, such as weight gain and chronic diseases.

Similar to all aspects of health and wellness, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to detoxification. At Solaris Health, we pride ourselves in taking a functional medicine approach.

We look at your biochemical individuality, genetics, lifestyle, stress, sleep, diet and other personalized factors that impact detoxification.

Detoxification the Solaris Health Way

Stress can come in many forms. We specialize in chronic stress for supporting detoxification and optimal health.

Many people are surprised to learn that exposure to toxins is a major form of physical stress placed on the body. The liver is forced to work overtime and struggles under an increased toxic load.

This type of stress can manifest. It causes chronic inflammation and prevents your body from being able to heal itself.

The inability to effectively detox can have ripple effects on other body systems, such as the thyroid, gut, adrenals, brain, hormones and more.

For this reason, our detox program at Solaris Health encompasses a whole-body and individualized approach. It includes nutrition and gentle movement, and also hones in on supplementation, sleep and stress management.

We strive to encourage supportive practices, such as journaling, therapeutic baths, sleep hygiene practices and skin brushing to compliment detoxification and promote self-care.

In addition, we put particular emphasis on phase two detoxification, which is the phase that attaches to and neutralizes toxins and other molecules in preparation for them to leave your body.

Mind-Body Detox

Detoxification is not only about releasing of the physical toxins that burden the liver. It also encompasses the emotional and spiritual toxins that can profoundly slow down chemical reactions.

Along with medications, alcohol, toxic foods and other tangible sources of toxins, our emotional and spiritual well being is just as important a piece of the detox puzzle.

Solaris Health’s approach to detoxification is where science and lifestyle meet. We work hand in hand with you to find doable and highly effective detoxification approaches and solutions and get to the root problems that might be underlying why you aren’t feeling your absolute best.

The solution might not be overnight. However, a gentle detox program is the beautiful start of a process that encompasses education, tools, and practice to last a lifetime.

For more education on de-stressing your mind, de-stressing your body, and de-stressing your life, register for our complimentary detox series!

Read on to learn more about why you should detox, even if you already eat a healthy diet.

Why Should You Detox?

Considering how stressful life feels these days, there seems to be endless options for programs such as juice fasts, food-based cleanses, and more.

Unfortunately, most of these fad nutrition and wellness diets end up placing more stress on the body. This could set you up to feel worse even worse than before you started.

A smart detoxification program sets you up for long-term success by supplying the raw materials your body needs to naturally detoxify with whole foods, lifestyle changes, self-care and supplementation.

This article discusses the importance of a detox and why the SOLFUEL Clear Cleansing System® with vitamin supplements is the most effective method.

Why is a Detox Important?

Even for the most health-conscious, we live in a world where we are regularly exposed to toxins and chemicals every day, from the foods we eat to the air we breathe.

Detoxing is an opportunity to flush out and clear not only toxic materials, but toxic emotions, thoughts and patterns.

It is also a chance to press pause and examine your choices, from toxins in foods to hygiene and home-care products, and everything in between.

If you struggle with symptoms like fatigue, sluggishness, brain fog, insomnia, headaches or hormonal imbalances, it’s time for a reset.

These symptoms and others are clear signs from the body that detox systems are clogged, and the body has become less efficient.

A detoxification program and dietary nutritional supplements restore homeostasis and health, and lets you reclaim your vitality.

Why Are Our Bodies Toxic?

In today’s modern world, we are exposed to a slew of toxic chemicals daily. Even for those of us that live a “clean lifestyle,” toxins are sometimes an unavoidable part of living on Earth.

We are exposed to toxins in our food supply, our drinking and bathing water, and the air we breathe. For this reason, it’s crucial to embrace the power and choices we have to avoid toxins.

This includes buying organic, avoiding genetically modified foods, and drinking filtered water. Other daily habits that help you detox are getting enough sleep, exercising, and adopting a personalized nutrition plan.

People are also heavily burdened with mental, emotional and spiritual toxins and baggage that can weigh us down. It is equally as important to clear out and address these as harmful chemicals.

How Does A Detox Work?

To understand the science behind detoxification, as it’s helpful to understand how toxic build-up occurs, what symptoms can manifest, and how the body deals with this.

Think of the liver as a series of conveyor belts: every phase must be working efficiently and effectively to keep toxins moving and expel them from the body.

There are three important phases to liver detoxification. These include:

  • Phase I liver detox separates and converts
  • Phase II shuttles
  • Phase III transports toxins

Phase I can be thought of as your body’s first line of defense. It uses a group of enzymes called the cytochrome P450 family.

These enzymes help convert toxins into smaller particles that can be cleared out of the body. They also make toxins water-soluble in preparation for phase II.

Phase I oxidizes toxins and creates free radicals, which is why an optimally functioning phase II is essential to keep these toxins moving out of the body.

For this reason, it’s crucial to eat a diet high in antioxidants, polyphenols and flavonoids and (in some cases) certain nutritional supplements that activate phase I detox.

Phase II works by using six distinct pathways to move toxins out of the body through sweat, urine, stool, and bile. This phase depends on several key nutrients to function properly, including sulfur, certain amino acids and vitamin B12.

When the body lacks these important nutrients and is deficient in flavonoids from fruits and vegetables, phase II detox becomes impaired. This makes you vulnerable to the toxins metabolized in phase I that are now waiting to be escorted out of the body.

This can lead to brain fog, insomnia, headaches, fatigue, and hormone imbalances. It might even contribute to diseases like Parkinson’s, chronic fatigue and cancer.

Detoxing from Stress: Emotional, Mental and Spiritual Toxins

Conventional western medicine and most nutritional supplements online fail to take into account the emotional, mental and spiritual toxic load that so many of us carry around.

This load can negatively affect us and act as a precursor to disease, just like chemical and environmental toxins.

A holistic detox needs to address the whole person, and this includes clearing toxic thoughts and toxic triggers, along with toxic materials from the body.

Traditional Chinese medicine teaches that our emotional state is directly linked to disease. Certain emotions are directly correlated with certain organs. The liver is associated with anger, irritability and resentment.

Emotional stress can be equally as toxic as poor food choices, lack of sleep, dehydration or even “good” stressors like exercise.

All of these factors put stress on the body, and too much or too little can create a toxic internal environment that over-activates the body’s natural stress response.

Balance might sound simple, but the fast-paced world that we live in can make it quite challenging.

At Solaris Whole Health, we strive to provide you with both support and education around how to work smarter, not harder.

A comprehensive detox and dietary supplements should allow you to recognize and clear emotional, mental and spiritual sources of toxicity, whether that be a dysfunctional relationship, toxic work environment, lack of self-care or energetic healing.

Conclusion

As we touched on in this article, a detox combined with vitamin and nutritional supplements serves as a powerful reset for the mind, body and spirit.

Your body holds the innate power and wisdom to cleanse, and a whole foods-based detox program allows you to lay the groundwork.

With the proper tools and professional support, you can give your body the gift of a fresh start. For more information, check out our complete detox nutritional programs here.

Check out our article on the 13 different ways to naturally detox without changing up too much of your diet or lifestyle.

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13 Different Ways to Detox Naturally: The Solaris Whole Health Way

With so much buzz these days about doing a detox program or cleanse, it’s hard to know what route is best. There are so many fad nutrition and lifestyle programs out there that you might already feel stressed just considering which one to choose.

In today’s fast-paced world, the last thing you want is for a detox to put additional stress on you. The good news is that a comprehensive whole-body program and nutritional supplements will do just the opposite.

This article provides information about the best natural ways to safely and effectively detox. We’ll also explain why the Solaris Whole Health approach of using functional medicine is the most effective.

13 Different Ways to Detox: The Solaris Whole Health Way

For a whole-body reset to be effective, it’s essential to identify and clear not only toxic materials, but also toxic triggers, thoughts, and emotions.

Many approaches can be effective in activating and mobilizing the removal of toxins. However, they are not always easy to follow.

The following 13 methods can easily be incorporated into your personalized diet plan to help you effectively reset your mind and body.

Reduce Toxic Exposure

According to research, over 80,000 chemicals are approved for use in the US. Many of these are known endocrine disrupters and obesogens. They interfere with hormonal balance and can cause weight gain or an inability to lose weight.

To reduce toxic exposure and support detox, follow these three simple tips:

  • Avoid unnecessary medications.
  • Use glass instead of plastic in your kitchen.
  • Opt for natural and organic cosmetic, personal hygiene, and household cleaning products.

Check out this article for more ways to avoid toxic chemicals, and the EWG’s Dirty Dozen Endocrine Disrupters.

Go Organic

While certain environmental toxins can be harder to avoid (such as those in the air), you have choices around the foods you consume.

Conventional foods that use pesticides and herbicides can increase the body’s toxic load. Those particularly susceptible to the dangers of food chemicals include children, pregnant and nursing mothers, and women of childbearing age.

To greatly minimize exposure to toxic foods, buy organic as often as possible. If you need to pick and choose due to cost, check out the Environmental Working Group’s dirty dozen list to learn which fruits and vegetables are most important to buy organic and which are somewhat less toxic.

Choose Real Food

Real foods from nature that are not processed contain nutrients, antioxidants, enzymes and phytochemicals that naturally support all phases of detoxification.

At Solaris Whole Health, we aim to help you work smarter-not harder-when it comes to detox and your health.

For this reason, many of our clients have found great success with the SOLFUEL Clear Cleansing System® , as it features a whole foods-based meal replacement and dietary supplements that are concentrated with specific macro and micronutrients to make your detox highly effective and efficient.

Here are some key highlights of our formula:

  • Contains targeted multivitamin blend from whole foods to fuel liver enzyme systems
  • Features 18 grams of easy-to-digest non-GMO pea protein
  • Provides high-quality antioxidants and fiber from superfoods to promote digestive cleansing
  • Contains protease enzymes to assist with protein absorption and healthy digestion

Eliminate Regularly

Daily bowel movements are foundational for proper detox. If you’re not eliminating regularly, then the body isn’t able to get rid of toxins.

This can produce dangerous free radicals that lead to systemic inflammation and even tissue damage. It also means that endotoxins (a bacterial toxin that lives inside of cells) can get reabsorbed in the gut.

If you’re not going to the bathroom every day despite eating a clean diet, taking dietary nutritional supplements, and staying well-hydrated, then you might need to work with a functional medicine practitioner to get to the root cause of your constipation.

Activate Detox Pathways

An effective detox plan includes foods and vitamin supplements that activate phase I and phase II liver detox.

You can accomplish this to a certain extent with just whole foods. However, using vitamin and nutritional supplements that offer detox-activating nutrients in therapeutic doses can be extremely beneficial.

At Solaris Whole Health, we use SOLFUEL Cleansing System® to support phases I and II liver detox. We place emphasis on phase II, as this tends to be sluggish in many people.

Activating phase I detox without supporting phase II can lead you down a dangerous road. Check out this article for more information on this important topic.

Dry Skin Brush

The practice of dry skin brushing is an incredible way to support detoxification pathways in the body. It doubles as a great self-care technique.

By brushing away dead skin cells, your skin becomes brighter, plumper and more toned. It also supports the body’s lymphatic system, meaning you’ll have a healthier immune system.

Check out this resource for a step-by-step guide on how get started.

Stay Well Hydrated

The importance of hydration for detoxification and overall health can’t be understated.

Water supports the kidneys and helps to flush toxins out of the body via digestion, urination and perspiration.

Drink a minimum of half of your body weight (in pounds) in ounces of water every day.

Gentle Movement

A detox isn’t the time for strenuous or intense forms of exercise, but it is a perfect opportunity for gentle movement. A detox is also a unique chance to redefine your relationship with exercise.

Remember that the human body was meant to move in many ways, so choose activities that bring you joy. This might be dance, walking, restorative yoga and stretching, meditative movement techniques like Qigong or taking a family hike.

Here are 10 detoxifying yoga postures that can be a relaxing compliment to your detox.

Practice Relaxation Techniques

Studies show that meditation lowers inflammation caused by stress, along with a myriad of other incredible physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health benefits.

Choose a relaxation technique that speaks to you, such as meditation, simple deep breathing (like box breathing), gentle yoga, Qigong, Tai Chi, walking in nature or time with friends.

Self-care and stress management are essential components to a detox. Since you’ll be saving time in the kitchen, consider devoting this time to some much-needed relaxation.

Identify and Clear Toxic Emotions and Thought Patterns

Chinese medicine associates the liver with toxic emotions of anger, increased irritability, and trouble letting go.

Part of a comprehensive detox program and personalized nutrition and health plan must incorporate a close look at whether toxic emotions and thought patterns might be at the root of impaired detoxification.

At Solaris Whole Health, we’ve worked with many clients who experienced physical symptoms as a result of sluggish detoxification. They were only able to heal once the mental, emotional, and spiritual toxins were identified and cleared.

Pinpoint Toxic Relationships

Part of identifying toxic emotions and thought patterns also includes pinpointing relationships in your life that aren’t serving you. This could be a romantic partner, friend, coworker, or family member.

Working with that person to improve the relationship or letting go of the relationship completely can profoundly impact the body’s ability to effectively detox.

Get Adequate Sleep

Sleep allows the body to recharge itself and remove toxic waste byproducts that accumulate during the day.

Lack of sleep has been linked with chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. It also significantly increases the body’s primary stress hormone: cortisol.

If you struggle with insomnia, check out this article for simple and effective strategies to get better sleep.

Smart Supplementation and Functional Foods

While whole foods are certainly the foundation of detoxification support, functional foods and nutritional programs can be an ideal way to concentrate nutrients into a convenient and effective meal replacement that replicate foods found in nature.

The SOLFUEL Clear Cleansing System® includes SOLFUEL Clear® , which is a functional food powder designed to support detoxification while maintaining muscle mass.

Along with optimal macronutrient breakdown, this meal replacement also provides:

  • A full spectrum multi-vitamin/mineral for detoxification enzyme support.
  • Key nutrients to support both phases 1 and 2 pathways.
  • High levels of antioxidants to ensure safe detoxification.

SOLFUEL Clear® is paired with a phase II-specific support formula, and the SolGI Prozyme® to support efficient digestion and digestion of protein.

To learn more about supplementation for detoxification, check out this article.

Conclusion

Like most things in health and wellness, a detox and personalized nutrition plan can be highly customized to fit your body’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs.

However, these 13 detoxification strategies will benefit just about everyone, and can move you in the direction of vitality, growth, gratitude and a zest for life.

With the proper tools and professional support, you can give your body the gift of a fresh start. For more information, check out our complete detox nutritional programs here.

Find out the best detox method for you in the section below.

What is the Best Detox Method?

Life nowadays can be incredibly stressful. Family demands, work pressure, financial worries and more are often daily realities.

Add toxic food choices, exposure to chemical-laden household and cosmetic products, and environmental toxins, and your body is very likely struggling to function as it should.

A good detox program can help you reset. It paves the way for lifelong healthy changes to help you better handle these stressors.

Below we’ve listed the pros and cons of several common detox methods. We’ll also explain what goes into designing smart and effective nutrition and lifestyle programs.

Why is a Whole-Body Detox Program Important?

When it comes to detox and nutritional programs, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Your unique biochemistry, lifestyle, stress and energetics call for specific detoxing methods.

Unfortunately, many popular nutritional weight and wellness programs cause more harm than good for most people. Juice cleanses, fasts and detox or fad diets that entail heavily processed foods and nutritional supplements online deprive your body of essential nutrients that are critical for supporting detoxification pathways.

On the flip side, a well-designed, comprehensive and science-based detox and personalized nutrition plan can help you to naturally rid the body of toxins and set the stage for a whole body reset.

You might consider pressing the reset button with a whole-body detoxification program if you struggle with the following:

  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Weight gain or an inability to lose weight
  • Increased cravings
  • Bloating, gas, and other digestive symptoms
  • Poor sleep
  • Problems concentrating
  • Hormone imbalances
  • Bad breath
  • Joint or muscle pain
  • Skin problems

It’s important to understand the pros and cons of different detoxing and personalized nutrition and health strategies in order to understand which ones are right for you, and which likely aren’t appropriate.

Phase II Focused

You might recall from this article that phase I detoxification includes transforming the structure of toxins to help get them ready to leave your body. Phase II is where they are excreted out of the body.

While phase I is a natural and necessary process, it produces free radicals, which can wreak havoc on the body.

If you focus on stimulating phase I pathways without enough attention on phase II, you end up with a dangerous combination of too many free radicals and no way to neutralize them. Therefore, a detox plan that is heavily focused on phase II detox is necessary.

Essentially, if phase II is slower than phase I, you end up with highly reactive substances that are even more harmful to the body than the original toxins, and no way to move them out.

A balance of support for all detoxification phases is essential. While particular focus on phase II is imperative, we recommend that you think twice about any detox program or method that does not take this into account.

Pros

  • Helps clear out free radicals in the body produced during phase I

Cons

  • Not a balanced program as it places emphasis on one detox phase more than the other

Glutathione

Glutathione is often called the master antioxidant. All good detox methods should include foods and nutrients that boost its natural production.

Both detox phases I and II depend on glutathione to carry out various functions. When the body is over-exposed to toxins, glutathione can be exhausted in phase I, leaving phase II without adequate supply.

Again, this can create a scenario where phase I becomes overactive while phase II becomes sluggish, leading to high levels of free radicals and oxidative stress.

Pros

  • Provides the body with a high-quality antioxidant to eliminate toxins

Cons

  • May lead to an overproduction of free radicals in the body and an imbalance between the two detox phases

Chelation Therapy for Heavy Metals

Some people use chelation therapy to remove excessive build-up of metals like mercury, aluminum, arsenic and lead, among others. This therapy is very powerful, and without proper preparation and guidance, you can become extremely ill.

Chelators form bonds with heavy metals and escort them out of the body, or you might use an adsorbent supplement, like activated charcoal.

Gentle support for natural heavy metal detox with chelating foods is a safer method that most people can do on their own. It includes eating foods such as spirulina, chlorella, sea vegetables like dulse, cilantro, and fermented foods, like raw sauerkraut.

Pros

  • Provides a forceful detox of very dangerous heavy metals

Cons

  • Must be done under the supervision of a healthcare provider

Ketosis for Weight Loss and Detox

One particular trend that has become extremely popular for both weight loss and detox is the ketogenic diet.

While this very high fat/ low-carb diet model has been well-studied for its use in treatment of childhood epilepsy and might be promising down the road for cancer and neurodegenerative conditions, no studies have looked at ketosis’s ability to reduce toxins.

Some people find success with using a ketogenic diet for weight loss, but studies are also lacking around this diet’s long-term health consequences.

Particularly for women, such high fat/ low-carb diet model have the potential to over-stress the body and lead to hormonal imbalances.

Proceed with caution if you’re considering keto. Using it as a short-term catalyst for weight loss instead of a long-term plan is best.

Pros

  • Has been proven to assist with weight loss

Cons

  • Has not been shown to remove toxins

Juice Cleansing

Raw fruits and vegetables contain certain nutrients and compounds that are lost in the cooking process, such as glutathione.

For those who realistically aren’t going to eat many whole fruits and vegetables, juicing is an alternative that is certainly better than skipping out on these foods altogether.

However, juicing comes with some serious cause for concern. First, even juices that are freshly pressed are high in sugar, which can be toxic to the body.

Especially for those with diabetes, a poor microbiome, candida, metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance, juicing is counterproductive.

Juicing a lot of raw vegetables can also potentially be problematic for the thyroid. Many green veggies contain goitrogens, which are substances that interfere with thyroid function.

Eating fruits and vegetables in their whole form is superior to juicing, assuming you have no major digestive issues.

Multiple studies have shown that in order to reap the full benefit of plant foods, it is best to eat the fiber content.

And it’s not just fiber found in the solid matter; there are also antioxidants bound to the fiber that are also lost in the juicing process.

Pros

  • Provides antioxidants from fruits and vegetables that can help remove toxins

Cons

  • Contains large amounts of sugar and may be problematic for thyroid health

Fasting

Water fasting is a form of detox that has been used throughout history for religious, spiritual and health purposes. Weight loss programs such as these can be dangerous.

While extended water fasting lasting beyond one day can provide benefits, it becomes very tricky and potentially dangerous in our fast-paced modern society.

Forcing your body to continually work while depriving it of nutrients can be very harmful. Women tend to be more vulnerable to this type of stress and its resulting health consequences.

If you are interested in using fasting for detox, it’s best to work with a functional medicine provider or naturopathic doctor.

Pros

  • Can provide weight loss benefits if done for more than one day

Cons

  • Can be a very dangerous way to detox, especially for women

SOLFUEL Clear Cleansing System

At Solaris Whole Health, we strongly value working with our clients to work smarter, not harder. This same rule applies to detox, as a fundamental part of any detox plan is how feasible it fits in your daily routines.

Specializing in chronic stress, we understand that life is hectic enough, and undergoing a detox shouldn’t be another source of stress.

While detoxing with a whole foods diet and smart dietary nutritional supplements is certainly possible, many people find that the time it takes to prepare such a specific combination of foods is unrealistic.

The SOLFUEL Clear Cleansing System® was our response to this dilemma, and is a ready-made nutritional program designed to provide effective detoxification. This detox plan was created with the understanding that food is information for the body.

The functional food powder is a specific combination of macro and micronutrients that boost detoxification without sacrificing muscle mass. It is paired with a phase II support-specific dietary supplements and an enzyme for optimal protein digestion.

Pros

  • Includes everything you need for a nutritionally complete 14-day detox in ready-made packets and capsules
  • Includes enzymes, vitamins, and minerals from whole foods to stimulate phase II detoxification
  • Combines all great detox methods into one on-the-go program

Cons

  • You won’t want to return to your old habits!

Conclusion

A detox can help reset your mind, body, and spirit. However, it can be hard to find the best program for you.

Whatever detox method you choose, be open to the possibility that finding the right detox method for you might be a process of trial and error.

Our bodies require different strategies to thrive, and the process of getting to know your body and tuning into its cues will benefit you for a lifetime.

For more information about our SOLFUEL Clear Cleansing System®, click here!

The following is a list of the top 7 formulas used to detox.

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Top 7 Formulas for Detoxification Support

In a perfect world, your balanced whole foods diet would naturally provide every nutrient the body needs for optimal detoxification. The reality, however, isn’t always so simple.

Between long hours at work, family and social obligations, financial pressures, toxins in highly processed foods and other daily stressors of our fast-paced lifestyle, sometimes the body needs additional detox support.

Adding nutritional supplements in the form of vitamin supplements and functional foods can help fill in the nutritional gaps and support your body’s natural detoxification process.

In this article, we discuss what nutrients are especially important to support detoxification along with a whole foods detox diet.

Why Do We Need to Detox?

When most people think of stress, they think of emotional stressors, such as relationship struggles.

While this is certainly one influential form of stress, it’s important to remember that toxins in foods, soil degradation and other chemical exposures are also huge stressors on the body.

Even the best personalized nutrition and health plans need supplemental help every now and then. This is because modern-day agricultural practices deplete the nutrients in soil, meaning that many foods are not as nutrient rich as they used to be.

Think of a comprehensive detox program as pressing the reset button for your mind, body and spirit, and a way to regain your energy, vitality and vigor.

Nutrients That Help Promote Detoxification

Before getting into the specific nutrients and formulas that are foundational for detox support, let’s consider the important differences between some of the products you often see on the shelves.

You may have heard the term “food as medicine,” and for good reason. Whole foods come not only with macronutrients (protein, carbohydrate and fat), but also with a plethora of micronutrients and compounds in the form of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, enzymes, trace minerals and more.

Each of these elements work together synergistically to enable your body to function as it should. Nutrients that form part of this complex web can’t simply be extracted and isolated from the whole and expected to do the same job.

However, many meal replacement and detox formulas try to do just that.

If you go to a local grocery or health food store and browse the nutraceutical section, you’ll notice that many meal replacements, shakes, powders and supplement formulas are purely macronutrient-based.

This means that they provide just protein, fat or carbohydrates in specific quantities, but without the micronutrients that come along with these macros in real foods.

It might be helpful to think of food like a car. Each part works together to make it to run. You can’t separate the engine and the wheels and call one of those components a car.

Each part depends on the others to serve its purpose, and in some cases can even be deemed useless when alone. The same rule applies to food. Nature never creates nutrients in an isolated form, nor does a well-designed nutraceutical.

Keep in mind that it’s not only about what we eat, but what we absorb.

Studies show that whey protein shakes that are consumed with digestive enzymes cause significantly better amino acid absorption than the same whey shake taken alone. This includes a 30% to 127% jump in amino acid levels after a four-hour period!

Key food components, like enzymes, fiber, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, are essential for slowing transit time and maximizing what you absorb from the foods you eat. The same goes for functional foods and supplements.

Functional foods and whole-foods supplements are formulated to provide higher amounts of these micronutrients and plant compounds, such as those that support detoxification.

Top 7 Formulas Detoxification Support

Life is stressful enough. Choosing a detox program shouldn’t be.

At Solaris Whole Health, we have found incredible success with the following functional foods and dietary nutritional supplements along with a simple food plan.

Functional Food Powder: SOLFUEL Clear®

Not all functional foods are created equal. This is why so much thought and research went into the creation of SOLFUEL Clear®.

This functional food powder is meant to support healthy detoxification with key macro and micronutrients. SOLFUEL Clear® provides 18 grams of highly digestible pea protein to ensure you maintain muscle mass during your detox.

It also combines a full multivitamin/mineral for detoxification enzyme support, high levels of antioxidants for safe detox, fiber for increased intestinal cleansing, and a comprehensive array of herbs to promote optimal liver function.

Several of the key nutrients and herbs included in this functional food are:

  • B vitamins
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin E
  • Zinc
  • Selenium
  • Branched chain amino acids
  • Dandelion and green tea extracts
  • A unique blend of vegetables and fruits
  • Many more!

A high-quality functional food powder can be thought of as food in a concentrated form, making it easy to take and providing the same synergistic benefits of whole foods.

Phase II Support: SolClear LP2®

As we’ve discussed in this article, a comprehensive detox program should provide additional support for phase II detox pathways.

If you focus on stimulating phase I pathways without enough attention on phase II, you end up with a dangerous combination of too many free radicals and no way to neutralize them.

To avoid this, the SOLFUEL Clear  Cleansing System® includes SolClear LP2®, which ensures proper phase two detoxification.

This nutritional support helps to conjugate toxins and prepare them for safe elimination from the body. You will feel better and be less likely to experience detox side effects.

Digestive Enzyme: SolGI ProZyme®

Another important component of a well-rounded detox program is digestive enzyme support. This is especially true for protein digestion, as illustrated in the whey protein example above.

The foods (and functional foods) that you eat are only effective if they are digested well. Proper digestion is necessary for nutrient breakdown and absorption.

Protein digestion is initiated in the stomach. Liquid meals pass through the stomach more quickly than solid meals. Less time in the stomach naturally means less time for digestion.

Paired with the fact that many people already have impaired protein digestion, an enzyme especially designed for protein digestion and absorption is important.

Elimination: Magnesium

Studies show that almost 20% of people in the United States are constipated. As discussed here, regular bowel movements are essential for proper detox.

If you’re not going to the bathroom every day, the body isn’t able to rid itself of toxins, and this can set the stage for toxins to get reabsorbed.

To avoid this, additional magnesium support can be extremely beneficial and safe.

Magnesium is a mineral that plays a role in over 600 biochemical reactions in the body, and every cell in the body needs it to function. There are many forms of magnesium; citrate, glycinate, oxalate, chelate, threonate and more.

Due to food choices and poor nutrition, soil depletion, medications and other factors many people are magnesium deficient, which can contribute to constipation.

At Solaris Whole Health we believe eliminating toxins daily supports a healthy experience during detox and beyond. We recommend SolEssentials Magnesium BGC® (coming Summer 2020) if you struggle with daily elimination, along with increased water intake and incorporating high fiber fruits, vegetables, legumes and on-the-go snacks like SOLFUELBars® in your diet.

Sleep Support: Melatonin, Serotonin and GABA

Without adequate sleep, the body doesn’t have the chance to carry out many important functions, including the elimination of toxic waste byproducts that build up throughout the day.

Over time, poor sleep also contributes to increased stress and anxiety, obesity and risk of many chronic diseases.

At Solaris Whole Health, we put strong emphasis on sleep as a major component of detox. We recommend SolMind PM™(coming Summer 2020) if you struggle with sleep, along with adopting healthy sleep hygiene practices.

Vitamin F: Food

No personalized diet plan or detox program would be complete without a simple and seasonal whole foods diet.

The SOLFUEL Clear Cleansing System® is complimented by an easy-to-follow personalized nutrition plan that helps you avoid processed and packaged foods. It encourages you to eat an abundance of natural, organic foods that provide your body the raw materials it needs to detox.

The program also includes a detailed menu plan, lists of optimal food options, recipes and more. When it comes to detox, nutrition and wellness, we want you to work smarter, not harder.

Vitamin L: Love

Last but certainly not least, a well-rounded detox program must include a focus on self-love, acceptance, kindness and patience.

Whether it’s nutritional weight and wellness or any other health goal, the Solaris Whole Health approach encompasses the reality that sustainable change is a journey and a process, not a quick fix.

Everyone’s journey is different, few are linear, and most come with their own unique ups and downs. Part of our detox program is cultivating a deep sense of gratitude for the process, and self-love along the way.

Conclusion

By focusing on a simple whole food menu, targeted functional foods and nutrients and a big dose of self-love, you can sail through an effective detox program without any additional stress.

In fact, the Solaris Whole Health detox aims at doing just the opposite: lessening physical, emotional, mental and spiritual stressors to leave you feeling renewed and revitalized.

Learn more about our program and dietary supplements here!

Does everyone need to detox or only those who eat a nutrient-poor diet? Find out below.

Who Should Detox?

With such a fast-paced lifestyle and stress that seems to be endlessly piling up, your health might have taken a backseat somewhere along the way.

Nowadays, quick-fix detoxes and nutrition and lifestyle programs are popping up everywhere. You might be wondering if you should give one of these programs a try.

Understanding the why, how and who behind detox can feel confusing and overwhelming, so we want to take the guesswork out of it.

So far in this detox series, we’ve explored what detoxification is, why you should detox and different ways to detox. In this article, we’ll explore who should detox and how it can be incorporated into a long-term personalized nutrition plan.

Stress and Detox

Stress impacts the body’s need to support detoxification. We usually think of stress as mental and emotional in nature, such as relationship conflict or a high-pressure job.

However, there are other forms of stress that most people face daily, and the body reacts with the same physiological response to each.

The individualized and some of the cleansing courses at Solaris Whole Health incorporate some form of our Four Pillars of Stress™ which encompass the body and minds performance and reactions to genetics, life events, lifestyle choices, and the environment.

The Four Pillars of Stress™ include:

1. Physical Stressors

These stressors might include not sleeping through the night, not feeling rested when you wake up, chronic heartburn, over or under exercising or skipping meals throughout the day to name a few.

It could also result from repeated exposure to foods or other compounds that you are sensitive or allergic to

2. Mental and Emotional Stressors

The most obvious kind of stress is mental and emotional. This could range from a death or birth in the family, a dysfunctional relationship, moving to a new home or area or an overly demanding work schedule.

Acute (short-term) stress is normal, but chronic (ongoing) stress can put undue strain on body systems, including detoxification organs and processes.

3. Chemical Stressors

We are exposed to chemical toxins on a daily basis. Food is a chemical; carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen. When ingested and absorbed it activates, signals and becomes our cells, our organs and even our thoughts.

As food is fuel for our body, culprits like hormones and antibiotics in commercially raised meat and animal products, genetically modified organisms in non-organic produce and processed and packaged foods that contain refined sugar and artificial ingredients can wreak havoc on the functions and natural homeostasis of our body.

These unfortunate standard American grocery and food offerings can create an undue stress on the body that can be avoided however is difficult to do consistently in this fast paced on-the-go food culture we live in.

Other major contributors to chemical stress include medications, personal hygiene and home care products.

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), 25% of women use 15 or more personal care products each day. Examples include shampoo, body wash, makeup and deodorant.

Many of these products contain well over 100 chemicals. Some of them bog down your detoxification pathways, increase inflammation and use up valuable nutrients to detoxify and eliminate.

To learn more aboutyour cosmetics, check out the EWG’s toxic 20 chemicals and contaminants in cosmetics list.

4. Environmental Stressors

Environmental stressors vary in nature. Some of them are harder to control, such as toxins in the air, water, high tension wires and cell phone towers.

You have more control over others, including amounts of television and cell phone use, cell phone handling and other forms of blue light, toxins that can be filtered out of drinking water, and mold.

5 Signs You’re Ready to Detox

The decision as to whether a detox program is right for you at this time should be come to without judgment, pressure, or comparing yourself to others.

Unlike weight loss programs, a detox can be the first step to everlasting changes to your permanent nutritional weight and wellness plan.

You might consider a detox if you want to:

1. Re-Center Yourself Emotionally, Mentally, and Physically

A detoxification is a perfect opportunity to re–center yourself on all levels. Along with omitting toxic foods, a detox includes avoiding chemical-laden products in our bodies and homes.

The SOLFUEL Clear Cleansing System recognizes that an effective detox program not only supports the releasing of physical toxins that burden the liver, but also the emotional and spiritual toxins that can profoundly slow down its chemical reactions.

2. Reclaim Healthy Habits

On some level, you probably already know what it means to live a healthy life, and what to do in order to feel energized, strong and vibrant.

A detox program is a chance to reboot and reclaim healthy habits you already know work. It allows you time to transform unhealthy habits that have crept into your daily life.

3. Learn New Tools for Healthy Habits and Make Them Sustainable

We don’t see detox as a quick-fix solution, but instead the beginning of an important change of course on your personalized nutrition and health journey.

The Solaris Whole Health detox is not only aimed at the physiological process of detoxification. It also shows you what habits are most important and effective for detox, and how to make them sustainable.

4. Feel Stuck in Routines That Don’t Serve You

To be human means to sometimes feel stuck in routines or personalized diet plans that don’t serve you.

This might include spending too much time on screens, eating fast food or sugary processed foods, not having time to exercise, feeling distant from loved ones, getting down on yourself for how you look, and much more.

Whatever these routines look like for you, they are probably weighing you down and making you feel stagnant and stuck.

A gentle yet effective detoxification plan provides a myriad of tools to move out of these toxic routines and begin shaping new ones that are aligned with your goals.

5. Have the Following Symptoms:

Many common symptoms that point to impaired detox pathways include:

  • Brain fog
  • Insomnia
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Sluggishness
  • Hormone imbalances
  • Increased irritability and moodiness
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Difficulty losing weight or unexplained weight gain
  • Digestive symptoms, such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation or bad breath

Who Shouldn’t Detox?

Even if now isn’t the right time for you to detox, that doesn’t necessarily mean it won’t be down the road.

Remember, health and wellness aren’t about pushing, judging or comparing your body to others.

Instead, it’s a process of tuning into your body’s innate wisdom and cues and learning what it needs and when.

A Detox might not be right for you if:

1. You want a quick-fix weight loss solution.

Many people have reported losing weight on the Solaris Whole Health detox program. However, doing a detox is not a quick-fix weight loss solution.

The number on the scale is one marker to track, but others equally as important to consider are energy levels, body composition (inches, for fat versus lean muscle), skin health, signs of inflammation, digestive symptoms, sleep quality and lab work.

The Solaris Whole Health approach encourages you to trust in the process and give your body the tools it needs to safely detoxify ultimately decrease stress on your body so it can function more effectively, naturally, and sustain ably.

2. You’re not quite ready to look at the bigger picture.

A detox is the first step to a lifetime of better nutrition and wellness. If you enter a detox thinking of it as a crash diet that you do for a short time and then go back to your old habits, this program probably isn’t for you.

One of our top focuses is looking at the big picture: your goals, reasons for wanting to be the healthiest version of yourself, habits and symptoms that have held you back in the past, and how this detox can be a strategy to jump start long term goals and visions of health.

The Solaris Whole Health plan asks you to take time to prepare for your detox, fill out a few key questionnaires to personalize your plan and recap afterwards to determine effective strategies to move forward.

If this doesn’t resonate with you right now, our program might not be the right fit.

3. You’ve just come off a restrictive diet plan.

If you’ve just recently come off a restrictive diet plan, such as the ketogenic diet, a low-calorie diet or any other very restrictive diet or cleanse, this is not a safe time to embark on a detox.

Instead, take a month or more to focus as best you can on a whole foods diet that does not overly restricting calories to avoid over-stressing the body.

Additionally, if you are under the care of a healthcare provider, have any medical conditions or are taking medications, it’s important to first check in with your practitioner before starting a detox.

Conclusion

A true mind-body detox is a gentle and loving way to press the restart button. It’s another way to think of a healthy lifestyle with a few key components to safely accelerate the process of creating lifelong change.

You might want to consider a detox if you wish to re–center yourself, get back to good habits, or reduce inflammatory symptoms. You might also be a good candidate for a detox if you have hit a plateau or feel stuck in your everyday routine.

For more information about the best detox dietary nutritional supplements, check out the complete 14-day SOLFUEL Clear® Cleansing System.
In the next section, you’ll learn what to expect when you detox, including possible side effects and how to overcome them.

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What To Expect When You Detox

A detox is a great way to jumpstart long-lasting improvements to your health. They work by flooding your body with healing nutrients that purge inflammatory toxins to help boost energy levels, promote weight loss, improve mental health, and more.

However, many people experience adverse side effects as their body goes through the various phases of detoxification. They also tend to fall back into old habits when their detox plan is done.

While these symptoms are usually temporary and do not mean that you are doing it wrong, they can be discouraging. Here’s what to expect when you detox and tips for overcoming obstacles!

What is a Detox?

A detox usually involves a temporary dietary plan containing nutrients that support metabolic pathways in your body that remove toxins. You may only follow a detox diet for a week or two, but the right detox plan can have lasting effects.

At Solaris Premium, the complete 14-day detox program features drink mix packets and capsules with key nutrients that support phase I and II detoxification of the liver. During this process, the liver absorbs toxins, changes their chemical structure, and expels them from the body.

At the end of your detox, your body will be able to carry out important processes more efficiently, including metabolism, digestion, and absorption. You should experience increased energy levels, a cognitive boost, better digestion, healthier looking skin, and improved digestion.

What To Expect During A Detox

Knowing what to expect during and after a detox can help you overcome obstacles. The detox process is different for everyone.

Some people may feel great while their body eliminates harmful toxins. However, others may feel tired, irritable, and experience headaches as a result of this purge.

Here are some possible side effects of a detox:

1. Irritability

During a detox, you will be asked to eliminate sugar and refined carbohydrates from your diet as they contribute to inflammation in the body.

You may experience irritability as a result of sugar withdrawal. This is because research shows that sugar has a similar effect on your body as some drugs.

According to one study, sugar addiction is caused by neurochemical changes in the brain that also occur with addictive drugs.

Along with feeling irritable, you may experience physical withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue and headaches.

How to cope:

A good way to combat irritability is to focus on your sleep quality. Develop a routine that encourages healthy sleep habits at night, such as meditating for a few minutes or taking a brief walk after dinner.

Avoid watching TV or scrolling through your phone as the blue light emitted from these devices can impact melatonin levels and make it hard to sleep.

Research shows that sleep helps clean out your brain, which may help improve mood and cognitive function to help improve your mood. Getting more sleep can also help with fatigue and headaches.

We recommend SolMind PM (coming summer 2020) to help support neurotransmitter production, which is crucial for interrupted sleep. It contains GABA to promote calmness, phosphatidylserine to help regulate cortisol levels, and 5-HTP to support melatonin production so you can rest at night.

2. Lack of energy

Many people go on a detox diet because they feel tired all the time. It may become discouraging to feel even more tired as a result of your detox. However, these changes are usually temporary.

There are several reasons why you may feel tired during a detox. First, you’ll be asked to stop consuming caffeine.

For many people, this is an immediate source of fatigue, especially if you were reliant on caffeine to get you through the day before starting your detox!

You may also feel tired because you are consuming fewer calories than normal.

How to cope:

To help support your energy levels, it’s important to only use a nutritionally-complete detox, such as the 14-day detox plan by Solaris Premium.

This helps prevent nutritional deficiencies that may cause lack of energy while you purge toxins.

We also recommend SolAdapt to help balance adrenal gland hormones that are necessary for sleep, which can contribute to increased energy levels throughout the day.

SolAdapt also helps ensure you’re creating sufficient amounts of hormones that are needed for other important metabolic functions, such as metabolism and stress maintenance.

3. Digestive problems

If you’re not used to consuming large amounts of healthy nutrients from fruits and vegetables, then your body may be in for a shock when you start a detox!

The standard American diet tends to be nutrient poor, breaking down so easily that over time the body’s digestive juices get lazy. If your body is not used to breaking down fibrous nutrient rich foods, you may experience changes within your digestive system.

These changes may include bloating, gassiness, or changes (both increases and decreases) in your bathroom trip frequency. This is in addition to the frequent bathroom trips caused by detox ingredients that are aimed at “cleaning out” your system by promoting regularity.

Although these symptoms may be unpleasant to deal with, you can rest assured that your body is doing its job by removing unwanted substances from the body.

How to cope:

Practice chewing your food, 20-30x per bite with meat and vegetables so most of the digestion starts in your mouth easing the job on your sluggish digestive track.

Plan ahead accordingly by making sure you have access to a bathroom when you need it or give yourself the time to stop and take a break to release toxins.

Or if you find yourself getting constipated you may want to support daily healthy elimination using SolEssentials Magnesium BGC (Coming Summer 2020). These steps will help keep you comfortable so that you can continue with your detox for the intended duration.

4. Hunger

Hunger may occur during your detox due to the reduced amount of calories that you will be consuming. You may also experience sugar cravings.

How to cope:

Staying hydrated is the best way to control hunger and food cravings.

Remember that you will be constantly excreting toxins during your detox. This can lead to dehydration, which is commonly mistaken for hunger.

Try drinking lots of water during your detox. This will also help with other symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, digestive problems, and more.

5. Inability To Focus

You might notice that it’s harder than usual to concentrate during a detox. This can be a natural side effect of the detoxification process for some people.

This is because both your body and your brain are working hard to eliminate toxin buildup. Your cognitive function and mood may suffer until your brain adjusts to its new state of homeostasis.

You may also experience decreased focus due to lack of calories and nutrients.

How to cope:

A good way to combat decreased mental focus that sometimes accompanies a detox is to support neurotransmitter health. This can also help boost your mood and provide added nutrients that may be lacking during a detox.

SolCalm Balance promotes cognitive function and mood by support neurotransmitter production. It contains GABA, amino acids, B vitamins and other micronutrients thathelp promote a calm, relaxed state of focus.

6. Depression

Some people experience depression or sadness during a detox. This is likely due to the shift in hormones and neurotransmitters in the body.

These symptoms usually go away as your body starts to rebalance important chemical messengers, but this can make it hard to finish your detox.

How to cope:

Combat sadness by reminding yourself why you’re performing a detox in the first place. It may help you to keep a journal of your thoughts and goals.

You can also support your mood by ensuring that you’re getting enough B vitamins. Research shows that B vitamins may help improve mood and combat depression.

The SOLFUEL CLEAR CLEANSING system provides an excellent source of B vitamins as well as antioxidants from organic superfoods to support brain health during your detox.

Conclusion

A detox diet can help reset and recharge your mind and body by eliminating damaging toxins from your system.

However, some people may experience negative symptoms along the way.

A nutritionally-complete detox program can help you combat common symptoms of a detox. For more information, check out our 5 Week New You Course and the 14-day cleansing system.

Disclaimer:

We are doing our part for our clients by keeping office surfaces clean using this product here. This bleach product is EPA registered and kills 53 microorganisms within two minutes for C.Difficile spores and a one-minute kill time for general bacteria, bacteria, and fungi, including the Norovirus, MRSA, TB, and VRE. This includes the fastest time available based on a March 2018 analysis.

Legal Disclaimer:

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information provided or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem.

What Are The Best Detoxifying Supplements?

Detoxing has so many health benefits. It can help you boost a sluggish metabolism, protect against diseases, sleep better at night, enjoy more energy during the day, and much more.

With so many detox products on the market that claim to help you detox, it can be hard to know which ones to choose and which are a waste of your time (and money).

We’ve put together a list of the best detoxifying supplements with scientifically-proven results to help clear toxins from the body and leave you feeling better than you have in years.

1. Glutathione

Glutathione is found in high levels in all cells. It has been shown to perform the following detox duties:

  • It directly neutralizes chemicals of superoxide radicals, hydroxyl radicals, and singlet oxygen
  • It assist with the regeneration of vitamins C and E
  • It acts as a cofactor for several antioxidant enzymes
  • It neutralizes free radicals that are made during phase I liver metabolism of toxins
  • It gets activated intermediates produced by phase I detoxification ready to be excreted by the kidneys by making them water soluble
  • It transports mercury out of the brain and cells
  • It regulates cell proliferation and apoptosis
  • It assists mitochondrial function and maintains mitochondrial DNA

SolFuel Clear provides an excellent source of glutathione to help support your detox journey. It also contains several other ingredients that are proven detox helpers, such as green tea, B vitamins, milk thistle, antioxidants, and amino acids.

2. Magnesium

Magnesium has laxative properties that help detox the body by moving toxins through the digestive tract and promoting regularity. However, there are several forms of magnesium on the market and some are better absorbed than others.

Chelated magnesium is a highly bioavailable form of magnesium that ensures you’ll absorb it and reap all of its benefits. The SolFuel Clear Cleansing System contains chelated magnesium, glutathione, as well as many other supplements found on this list for a complete detox system.

3. Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is one of the best herbs for detox sold in supplement form due to its ability to promote liver and gallbladder health by protecting against a variety of poisons.

Research shows that milk thistle helps protect the liver through a number of methods, including via its antioxidant activity, by blocking toxins at the membrane level, and through enhancing protein synthesis.

Milk thistle also has immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic properties to further protect the body.

4. Probiotics

Taking a probiotic supplement is an excellent way to boost digestive health, which is necessary for the elimination of toxins.

Probiotics are the “good” bacteria in your gut. Research shows that they help restore bowel flora and improve liver enzymes in people with alcohol-induced liver injury.

They also have properties that help them bind to toxins from food and water and move them out of the body.

SolPro capsules contain 20 billion CFUs of the highest-quality probiotics from seven different strains to help support healthy gut flora and regularity.

For more probiotic power, try taking SolPro in packet form. One packet contains 225 billion CFUs from six different strains.

5. L-Glutamine

L-glutamine is an amino acid that helps protect against intestinal diseases.

It helps suppress pro-inflammatory signaling pathways, regulates tight junction proteins to prevent leaky gut syndrome, and protects cells against stressors.

L-glutamine also aids in the detoxification of ammonia and systemic acid-base balance, and helps restore the function and structure of the liver.

SolGI Integrity contains 4 grams of l-glutamine per serving along with other proven ingredients to protect the gut barrier, including N-acetyl glucosamine, zinc, deglycyrrhized licorice root extract (DGL), and aloe vera.

6. Vitamins and minerals from cruciferous vegetables

Finding a high-quality multivitamin that contains a blend of cruciferous vegetables is a great way to support your detox journey.

Cruciferous vegetables are a good source of sulfur-containing compounds, which have been shown to support enzyme production in the liver.

Research shows that organosulfur compounds (OSCs) also have chemopreventive effects by suppressing the growth of tumor cells. B vitamins are especially beneficial for the production of healthy liver enzyme levels.

Solaris Premium’s SolVit Multi Energy and Immune capsules provide an excellent source of B vitamins and minerals from sulfur-containing sources to help support your detox.

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Best Foods For Detoxification

If you’re interested in detoxing but don’t like the idea of starving yourself, then try adding more detox foods to your diet that targets your body’s natural ability to eliminate toxins.

We’ve put together a list of the best foods for detoxification so that you can flush toxins and feel great without going hungry. These foods are nutrient-dense, filling, and full of healing ingredients.

You can add them to smoothies, pair them with your favorite protein and healthy fats, or enjoy them as a snack in between meals. Here are the best foods for detoxification.

1. Beets

Beets have a unique flavor that not everyone loves, but we can all agree that they are one of the best foods for detoxing.

Research shows that beets assist in the production of several phase II detoxifying enzymes, which helps eliminate foreign chemicals called xenobiotics that may cause damage to liver tissues. Try adding fresh beets to salads or smoothies.

2. Oranges

Research shows that oranges contain a type of soluble fiber called pectin that can help with the elimination of heavy metal toxins, such as lead and mercury.

As a dietary fiber, pectin also helps promote digestive health so that you can flush your system regularly. This is the key to detoxing daily!

Oranges are also a great source of vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant in the body to neutralize free radical toxins.

3. Onions

Onions help with detoxification by feeding the “good” bacteria in your gut. As a prebiotic, onions fuel your microbiome and boost immune health to assist with the elimination of harmful substances.

Onions also contain antibacterial and antimicrobial properties to protect the body and boost the immune response against toxins. Additionally, they are a good source of the antioxidants quercetin and anthocyanins to further combat free radical damage.

4. Cabbage

Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable, which is best known for its ability to protect against cancer.

According to one study, cruciferous vegetables contain anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties that help boost liver health.

They’re also a great source of fiber to help with the elimination of toxins through stool and bile.

5. Broccoli sprouts

Broccoli is another example of a cruciferous vegetable. In addition to helping prevent chronic diseases, such as cancer, broccoli sprouts have been shown to help protect against the effects of air pollution.

Broccoli also contains enzymes that have been shown to protect against chemical carcinogens.

6. Spirulina

Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae with many proven health benefits. It’s usually available in supplement form as a powder or tea.

Research shows that spirulina can help boost the body’s immune response by reducing inflammatory markers. It also has anti-viral properties to keep you healthy.

One study found that spirulina can be used as a treatment for chronic arsenic poisoning. It also has powerful antioxidant abilities that have been shown to protect against heart disease and related conditions.

7. Asparagus

Like onions, asparagus provides a good source of prebiotic fibers to help the body eliminate toxins through stool.

Asparagus is also a natural diuretic and can help flush out excess fluids and salt. It can also help eliminate toxins from the kidneys and prevent kidney stones.

Adding more asparagus to your diet may also help positively contribute to your immune and digestive health.

8. Blueberries

Blueberries are considered a “superfood” because they contain higher amounts of nutrients than other fruits and vegetables. They are especially high in antioxidants.

One study found that blueberry treatments increased the expression of important antioxidant compounds in the liver, which can help promote a healthy detox response.

Enjoy blueberries by adding them to a smoothie or eating them raw as a snack with some raw nuts.

9. Spinach

Spinach is an excellent source of the green pigment chlorophyll, which has been shown to support liver health.

According to one study, chlorophyll may reduce the incidence of liver tumors by up to 63% and stomach tumors by up to 45%.

Another study found that chlorophyll may limit a compound known to cause cancer called aflatoxin. There is also research to support chlorophyll’s ability to reduce the risk of liver cancer.

Along with eating more spinach, aim for getting as many green vegetables into your diet as possible to boost chlorophyll levels!

10. Avocado

Avocados are rich, creamy, full of healthy fats, and also help promote liver health.

According to one study, the fatty acids in avocados may help protect against damage caused by a powerful liver toxin known as d-galactosamine.

Avocados are delicious in smoothies and salads. You can also pair them with your favorite lean protein.

Detoxifying Teas and Beverages

In addition to eating foods that help you detox, it’s important to cut out sugary drinks with empty calories from your diet and focus on ones that naturally get rid of toxins.

We’ve put together a list of the best detoxifying teas and beverages. Check them out below.

1. Water

The best thing you can do on a detox diet is to drink more water. It helps improve digestion by promoting regularity and making it easier to pass stool by easing constipation. This can help with the elimination process of toxins. Staying hydrated also helps curb hunger for many people, which makes it easier to avoid sugar cravings and stick to your detox diet. Many people find that drinking more water also contributes to skin health.

Try adding fresh slices of lemon to your water to boost your vitamin C levels. Vitamin C performs antioxidant abilities in the body to neutralize toxins by binding to free radicals and making them stable so that they are no longer harmful. Lemon water is also very refreshing if you don’t like the taste of plain water!

2. Green tea

Green tea is full of antioxidants to help flush toxins. It also contains caffeine, which helps increase urinary output and enhance the detoxification process.

Research shows that green tea contains catechins that boost the production of a group of detox enzymes known as GST enzymes in people who have low levels of them. Some people saw an increase in these enzymes by 80%!

According to the study’s lead author, GST enzymes may protect against chemicals that cause cancer as well as other toxins by modifying the harmful molecules before they can cause DNA damage. Green tea has been shown to increase the expression of these important enzymes.

3. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, such as E. coli, S. aureus and C. albicans. You can add apple cider vinegar to your favorite tea for a double detox effect or add a spoonful to a hot cup of water with lemon and drink first thing in the morning.

Be sure to buy organic, raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar that contains the “mother.” Most store bought brands of apple cider vinegar tend to be highly processed and lack these beneficial properties.

4. Turmeric tea

Turmeric contains a bioactive compound called curcumin that has powerful antioxidant and detox properties. One study found that curcumin treatment was found to possess a protective effect on mercury-induced oxidative stress in rats. It has also been shown to detox carcinogens.

You can find turmeric tea at most grocery stores. You also can make your own golden milk at home by combining warm unsweetened coconut milk with ground turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and coconut oil.

5. Lemon ginger tea

Lemon ginger tea contains a winning combination of bioactive compounds that help get rid of toxins in the body. According to one study, a lemon detox diet reduces body fat, serum cholesterol, and insulin resistance in overweight women.

Ginger also contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that can help neutralize free radical toxins. To enjoy at home, try boiling a few slices of lemon and fresh ginger in water.

6. Coconut kefir

Kefir is a dairy-based drink that contains probiotics, which are the healthy bacteria that live in your gut and contribute to immune health. Probiotics can support detoxification by promoting regulation to move toxins out of the body.

However, dairy may contribute to inflammation in some people. For this reason, we recommend going with a kefir product made with coconut milk.

7. Wheatgrass juice

Also known as green blood, wheatgrass juice is an excellent source of chlorophyll, which is chemically similar to hemoglobin. This helps increase oxygen to all body tissues.

Wheatgrass is also very high in several vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and enzymes that help the body naturally detox. You can buy wheatgrass powder at most health food stores and take “shots” daily to help support detoxification.

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