Jumpstart Your Metabolism with a Healthy Detoxification Program!

The First Signs that You Are Detoxifying

You don't have to wait for Spring to start cleaning house! We've got to detox our bodies at least a couple times per year to get rid of that extra body fat and toxins you accumulated. Consider a healthy detoxification program to achieve a healthy body and clear mind, which you will enjoy for the rest of the year. You will be happy you did!

If you’ve never detoxed before, you will be amazed at the mental clarity and increased energy you will experience in just a few short days. Be aware, however, that you may feel worse temporarily before feeling better;, and this is a sign that the detox program is working. Temporary symptoms include bags under the eyes, coated tongue, sore throat, mild nausea, diarrhea, cramping, anal itching, insomnia and slight fever and headache- especially if breaking a stimulant addiction. Adverse symptoms should only last 2-3 days, at which point the your body will have begun clearing the toxins, and a sense of wellbeing will prevail.

There are two phases to healthy detoxification- phase I and phase II. Phase I involves the removal of toxins from the cells in which they are stored. Phase II occurs when toxins are neutralized and moved out of the body through feces, urine, skin, sweat and breath. It is important that your phase II organs are prepared to neutralize and eliminate the toxins. Pathological detoxifiers or those with weak organs need to take extra care to ensure a complete phase I and II detoxification.

A healthy detox program includes a clean diet, stress reduction, rest, light to moderate exercise, and supportive supplements. Start by scheduling time to rest and nourish your body, then. Decide ahead of time the length of your program, and which foods and supplements you will incorporate. Choose supportive exercise such as yoga, walking, jogging, and/or light muscular exercise. If your detox program is less intensive, you may incorporate more strenuous exercise such as weight training and intense aerobic exercise training.

• Focus on eating whole natural foods, eliminating toxins such as coffee, alcohol, sugar, most grains, preservatives and chemicals found in inorganic foods. Also eliminate digestive stressors- gluten, dairy, and all foods which you are personally sensitive to. By eliminating food toxins, you will allow your body to begin to removing and processing stored toxins. By incorporating nutrient-rich foods, you will support your detox organs- the liver, GI tract, skin, nose, throat, lungs, lymph system, kidneys, bladder and gall bladder. Before and during your detox, ensure a diet rich in antioxidants to neutralize the toxins as they enter your bloodstream. Click here to find a list of suggested detox foods. You may choose to eliminate additional foods.

• Decide ahead of time how you will ensure adequate fluid intake. Water comprises 70% of your body, and if you have an if insufficient amount during detox, toxins will be unable to flush. Plan to drink at least 80 oz. of water a day, adding more if you are sweating or talking a lot. You can add variety to your beverages by adding lemon, lime, Paleogreens, or making a smoothie with frozen berries, Finest Pure Fish Oils or Berry Frutol, and Paleomeal. You may also use non-caffeinated, chemical free teas.

• Use supportive supplements during your detox, as they will help provide your body with the extra nutrients needed to ensure a complete detox. Designs for Health has recently published a detox program which has received incredible reviews.

Detox Food List

Do not include a particular food if you are aware of sensitivity to that food.

Protein Choices:
Cold water fish (salmon, halibut, cod, mackerel, tuna)
Free range eggs
Lean red meat
Poultry
Shellfish
Wild game
Whey protein

Choose free range, grass fed, antibiotic/hormone free animal products to maintain gut bacterial health and obtain more helpful omega-3 fatty acids.

Fat Choices:
Avocado
Coconut Milk
Cod Liver or Fish Oils
Raw nuts and seeds (not peanuts or cashews)
Olive, flax, and nut oils for low no heat
Coconut, grape seed, and sesame oils for higher heat cooking

Vegetable Choices:
Artichokes
Arugula*
Asparagus
Beets/ beet greens
Bell Peppers
Bok Choy*
Broccoli*
Brussel Sprouts
Cabbage*
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery*
Chives
Cilantro*
Collard Greens*
Cucumber
Dandelion Greens*
Endive
Fennel
Garlic*
Ginger Root*
Green Onions
Kale*
Leeks
Lettuce*
Mustard Greens*
Onions
Parsley*
Radishes
Radicchio
Squash
Swiss Chard*
Tomatoes
Turnip greens
Turnips
Watercress*

Note the starred items are particularly useful in detoxification. Choose organic vegetables when possible.

Fruit Choices:
Apples
Blackberries
Blueberries
Boysenberries
Cantaloupe
Cherries
Elderberries
Gooseberries
Grapefruits
Grapes
Honeydew Melon
Lemons
Limes
Pomegranate
Raspberries
Strawberries
Watermelon

Starchy vegetables/ grains:
Brown Rice
Wild rice
Squash
Beets
Quinoa
Sweet potatoes

Consume these only in moderation (1/2 cup serving) to avoid blood sugar fluctuation. Note starchy vegetables and grains are not nutritionally necessary as part of a healthy diet.

Condiments:
Sauerkraut
Brown Rice Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar
Bragg Amino's
Sea Salt
Garlic
Green Herbs

Detox Supplements

Paleocleanse:

A functional food powder containing quality hypoallergenic protein and all nutrients needed for fueling detoxification pathways. PaleoCleanse combines a high level of antioxidants for detoxification, full enzyme support, substrates for Phase II conjugation and botanicals to promote liver function and elimination.

Dosing: 1-2 scoops daily.

Amino D-tox:

Is formulated to aid the liver in Phase II detoxification of harmful chemicals. This formula is especially recommended for even the most sensitive of patients, such as those with multiple chemical sensitivities.

Dosing: 2 capsules three times per day throughout the detoxification program.

GI Revive:

Provides nutritional support for the regeneration and healing of the gastrointestinal tract lining which is a key component of the detoxification process. This powder easily mixes into any beverage and provides therapeutic levels of gastrointestinal healing nutrients to support optimal function.

Dosing: 1 tsp twice daily.

LV-GB Complex:

LV-GB Complex provides nutritional support for liver and gallbladder function. It aids in the elimination of fatty substances from the liver, as well as promoting proper bile flow. LV-GB Complex was designed with a combination of specific herbs that aid in processing and eliminating toxins.

Dosing: 1 capsule three times per day.

Paleogreens:

The alkalizing action of greens are a natural detoxifier for the body. Alkaline based foods are the greatest biochemical balancer for the person consuming the Western diet.

Dosing: 1-3 TBS mixed in water daily.

Paleofiber:

A combination of 12 fibers derived from fruits, vegetables, roots and seeds. Fiber both protects the intestinal tract from toxins and increases stool matter. This allows toxins to be absorbed and removed from the body. As with all types of fiber, increase your consumption gradually.

Dosing: start with 1 teaspoon per day and slowly increase to 1 per meal, 3 teaspoons daily.

OmegAvail Marine TG Liquid or OmegAvail Synergy TG softgels:

Essential fatty acids help cells communicate with one another and act as anti-inflammatory agents throughout the body, enabling all systems to work at their fullest potential.

Dosing: 1-2 capsules three times per day.

Or choose: Pharmax Finest Pure Fish Oil:

This high quality liquid fish oil is an excellent way to dose higher without taking capsules. It tastes good too! Replaces Omega-Ultra Marine or Omega Synergy.

Dosing: 1-2 TBS daily

HLC Probiotics:

Probiotics fortify detoxification by producing enzymes and aiding in proper elimination of toxins via improved bowel movements. They also prevent reabsorption of toxins through the gut wall, and aid in immune health. These human grade probiotics are proven effective at adhering to the gut wall and colonizing effectively which will support maintenance of toxin free cells.

Dosing- begin with HLC Intensive, 1 cap three times daily. Then use HLC High Potency 1 tsp 1-3 times daily.

Sample Protocol/Meal Plan 14-28 days

PaleoDetox Shake is a combination of PaleoCleanse plus Paleogreens & Paleofiber. This will allow you to receive optimal nutrition for detoxification and to lighten your body's digestive load.  You can use 1-2 per day for meal replacements, in addition to other supportive nutrients described in this article. 

Day 1:

Breakfast- Paleo detox shake
Snack- celery and carrots with olive oil and lime dressing, herbal tea
Lunch- Paleodetox shake
Optional snack- 1/2 apple with almond butter
Dinner- Dinner salad with grilled salmon and olive/flax oil dressing
Snack- 1 cup blueberries

Day 2:

Breakfast- Paleo detox shake
Snack- Raspberries
Lunch- chicken broccoli stir fry with bok choy, ginger, garlic, and scallions
Dinner- Paleodetox Shake
Snack- Avocado, cilantro, tomato and cucumber salad, herbal tea

Day 3:

Beakfast: Eggs scrambled in coconut oil with scallions, basil, and shrimp
Lunch: Paleo detox shake
Snack: Raw pumpkin seeds
Dinner: Baked chicken with roasted garlic, kale sauteed with slivered almonds
Snack: Blackberries, herbal tea