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.
View More Free Articles
Liver Brain Link Will Have You Rethinking Memory Loss
Here’s something that might surprise you… Your liver could be secretly sabotaging your brain health. We know that what happens in the liver doesn’t always stay in the liver. But now, groundbreaking research reveals just how deeply this vital organ’s health is connected to a critical aspect of aging… your memory and thinking skills. Scientists...
Nature’s Pharmacy Knocks Out Long COVID Symptoms
I’ve had many people ask me about Long COVID recently. It’s a big concern because it’s affecting more survivors than you might think. If you’re one of them—before you resign yourself to a life of lingering symptoms—there’s hope on the horizon… And it comes straight from Mother Nature herself. Recent data paints a sobering picture....
11 Hacks to Beat the Winter Blues
As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, many of us find ourselves battling more than just the cold weather. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression that strikes during fall and winter, affects millions each year. While the exact causes aren’t fully understood, experts say that seasonal changes disrupt our body’s circadian...
Mailbag: Halt Hair Loss Naturally
“I take a lot of vitamins, but my hair is falling out by the handfuls. I am 85 years old, but don’t have any major health problems that I know of.” – Hair Today Gone Tomorrow Hi Hair Today, I understand your concern about hair loss. Few things make us feel older than our years, quite...
5 Fall Foods to Supercharge Your Immune System
It starts with a tickle in the back of your throat… Or a little sniffle or sneeze—and before you know it, you’re knocked down for the count. Cold and flu season has arrived. If you’ve managed to escape these sneaky little viruses so far, let’s try to keep it that way. Because, let’s be honest,...
Common Chemicals Could Be Sabotaging Your Sleep
Do you have trouble sleeping? Many of us blame common causes like afternoon coffee or evening screen time. But what if the real culprit is something you’d never expect—lurking right in your home? New research points to troubling evidence about how everyday chemicals could sabotage your shut-eye… Scientists have uncovered an alarming link between common...
The Forgotten Berry Your Bones Are Craving
Strawberries and blueberries rank first and second as America’s favorite berries. And, of course, cranberries shoot to the top of the list around this time of year. But there’s another underrated berry we should be giving a second look. Especially if you’re a senior concerned about your bone health. Because new research reveals this unassuming...
Gut Hack Helps You Avoid the Flu
Flu season hasn’t ramped up… yet. According to the CDC’s FluView, we’re still hovering at around one percent of the population testing positive for influenza. That’s fantastic news… but it doesn’t mean it’s time to rest. In fact, NOW is the time to prepare, because this is the calm before this season’s storm. As the...
Ditch “Calendar Age” to Live Longer and BETTER
“Age is just a number.” If we’ve heard that phrase once, we’ve heard it a thousand times. So, it’s easy to dismiss the thought. But the truth is, how old you feel is more critical than the number of candles on your birthday cake. Let me explain… Imagine the following scenario… Two 65-year-olds walk into...
5 Reasons to Eat MORE Pumpkin This Fall
When you think of fall, what comes to mind? Colorful leaves? Cozy sweaters? How about pumpkins? Sure, you probably carved one for Halloween, and you may bake a couple cans of it into a pie for Thanksgiving. But what if I told you that this humble squash could ALSO be your secret weapon for staying...