Mailbag: Are Detoxes Healthy?

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted January 2, 2024

“Are detoxes healthy? Is there one I should do to lose weight?”

– Margaret

Detoxification is the process of ridding your body of harmful chemicals. And the body is constantly working to detoxify itself.

The major detoxification organs are the liver, kidneys, lungs, and skin. When they’re working properly, toxins are eliminated from the body.

However, toxins can accumulate and contribute to various diseases if they’re not functioning optimally.

Mainstream medicine tends to not acknowledge detoxification problems. However, research shows that stress, nutrient deficiencies, and exposure to toxins can all cause this natural process to falter.

In this case, a detoxification program can…

• give the gut a rest
• support the liver’s ability to rid the body of toxins
• improve overall well-being (sleep, energy, taste, etc.)

But not all detoxes are equal. I usually suggest avoiding ones that rely on herbs that “clean out” your digestive system. They can be too harsh.

And I typically advise against the popular olive oil detox that has you ingest a cup or two of olive oil for the same reason.

But you CAN support your body’s natural detoxification process by eating a healthy diet, taking supplements, and minimizing your exposure to toxins.

This means cutting out processed foods, added sugars, and grains (especially wheat).

Milk thistle, dandelion, and turmeric are excellent for overall liver support.

And be sure to provide your liver with the raw materials it needs to detox the chemicals you’re exposed to. That means ensuring you have enough B vitamins, glutathione, N-acetylcysteine, quercetin, and Coenzyme Q10.

Reduce the number of harmful chemicals in your home. You can buy good natural alternatives to almost every household cleaner and body care product.

If you need help picking out safer products, check out the Environmental Working Group’s consumer guides.

Avoid foods packaged in plastics. And consider purchasing a reverse osmosis filtration system for the water in your home.

Teas like Red Clover (to stimulate the liver and increase bile production) and Cleavers (to encourage toxin elimination through the kidneys) can also help with gentle detoxification.

And, yes, you can lose weight on these types of programs.

P.S. Have a health concern that’s worrying you? CLICK HERE to submit your question and get featured in the weekly mailbag

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

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