{"id":13016,"date":"2021-12-29T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-12-29T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/annshippymd.com\/?p=13016"},"modified":"2022-04-08T11:04:29","modified_gmt":"2022-04-08T18:04:29","slug":"the-importance-of-detoxification-and-how-to-detox","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/annshippymd.com\/the-importance-of-detoxification-and-how-to-detox\/","title":{"rendered":"The Importance of Detoxification &#8211; And How to Detox"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">My mission<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0as a <strong>Functional Medicine\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><strong>physician<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">is<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0to educate and inform my patients and community about the toxins we face in today\u2019s world, the connection between toxins and disease<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0and how to effectively protect the body against potential harm.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The good news is that your body knows how to detoxify. In fact, your body is detoxifying for you as you read these words.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\"> Sometimes, however, we need to create the conditions for the body to optimize these processes and that\u2019s exactly what I\u2019m going to cover today.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>In this article, you will learn:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"0\" data-aria-level=\"1\">The importance of detoxification<\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"0\" data-aria-level=\"1\">7 detox strategies for everyday life<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Detoxification is an important body process.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Although the word \u201cdetox<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201d can conjure up thoughts of juice cleanses and hard-to-follow protocol<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">s, detoxification refers to biological<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">processes that are happening all of the time in order to eliminate waste. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The body removes\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">toxic byproducts<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0of cellular metabolism and normal body functioning, along with\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">environmental\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">toxins that make their way into the body.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There are 5 organs of detoxification that include:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"0\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The liver<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"0\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The colon<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"0\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The kidneys<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"0\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The lungs\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"0\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">And the skin<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The liver typically gets a lot of attention when it comes to detoxification, and for good reason. The\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/1749210\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">liver has the ability to transform waste products<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and toxins into\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">water-soluble<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0molecules that can then leave the body through\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">urine, bowel, breathing or sweating.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In order to effectively do its detoxification job (along with the hundreds of other jobs it\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">has to<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0do daily), the liver requires a lot of nutrition in the form of\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">vitamins, minerals, amino acids (from protein) and anti<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">oxidants<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A solid foundation of nutrition<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0from real food<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0supports detoxification in the liver. This is one\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">reason why<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0the food you eat is\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">critical<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0for health.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Most of the toxin exposures that we face now, in the 21<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">st<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0century, have<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0existed in the environment for\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">only\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">60-70 years. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has an inventory of over\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/tsca-inventory\/about-tsca-chemical-substance-inventory\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">86,000 man-made chemicals<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0that are in the environment.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Many of these chemicals are approved and released with little or no testing on safety. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">And there is virtually no research looking at the cumulative exposures that humans now face throughout our lifetimes<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, or the <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">synergistic <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">combination of <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">multiple<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0toxins<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0together in the body<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We are exposed to chemicals in the <a href=\"https:\/\/annshippymd.com\/blog\/air-pollution-and-autoimmune-disease-protect-yourself\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">air<\/a><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">, in the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/annshippymd.com\/2017\/01\/06\/erin-brokovich-water-problem\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">water<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">, in\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">our<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/annshippymd.com\/pesticides-harming-honeybees\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">food<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">, in\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/annshippymd.com\/ten-toxins-easily-avoid\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">personal care<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0and cleaning products, in\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/annshippymd.com\/reduce-toxicity\/pfas-health-risks-and-how-to-protect-yourself\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">non-stick cookware<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">, from toxic mold\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">(add link to article)<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0and even from\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/annshippymd.com\/2019\/06\/25\/5-ways-to-avoid-bpa-exposure-from-your-paper-receipts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">receipts<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">. The toxin exposures we face every day are more than any other generation in history<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0and every day in my practice, I see first-hand how these exposures overwhelm the body\u2019s detoxification systems causing symptoms and disease.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">My intention isn\u2019t to be alarmist, but to inform\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">and empower\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">you about these sources. There are many simple things you can implement into your daily life to both reduce your exposures to harmful chemicals as well as support your body in eliminating the toxins that you can\u2019t avoid.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>\u00a07 Everyday Detox Solutions\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">1. <strong>Limit the toxin exposures that you can<\/strong><\/span><strong>\u00a0control<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>.<\/strong> Here are some ways that you can reduce your chemical exposures by making small changes and swaps in your life and living environment. If this feels overwhelming, simply pick one thing off the list to start with.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The benefit of these lifestyle changes is lessening the toxic burden on the body so\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">that the detoxification systems in the body are more able to handle the toxin exposur<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">e<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">s that you can\u2019t control.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Swap plastic water bottles for a reusable glass or\u00a0stainless steel\u00a0water bottle.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0This helps decrease exposure to plastics and chemicals like BPA.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Filter water for cooking and bathing.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/annshippymd.com\/reduce-toxicity\/how-to-find-the-water-filtration-system-that-works-best-for-you\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">See my guide here to choosing a water filtration system<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.)\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">This reduces exposure to fluoride, chlorine, PFAS, microplastics, heavy metals and more.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Filter indoor air<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0to<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0reduce<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0exposure to mold, dust, particulates<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0and<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0chemicals from indoor air pollution.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">See my <a href=\"https:\/\/annshippymd.com\/resources\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Recommended List<\/a><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0for some quality air filter choices.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Choose organic, non-GMO food as much as possible. Use the Environmental Working Group\u2019s (EWG)\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ewg.org\/foodnews\/dirty-dozen.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Dirty Dozen, Clean Fifteen<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0list to help you prioritize what produce is most important to source organically<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0in order to reduce exposure to pesticides and herbicides.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Avoid\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/static.ewg.org\/pdf\/kab_dirty_dozen_endocrine_disruptors.pdf?_ga=2.18338681.1334184143.1528209752-470950233.1528209752\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">endocrine disrupting chemicals<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0in personal care products and make up. Check your current products using EWG\u2019s\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ewg.org\/skindeep\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Skin Deep Database<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Avoid heating food in plastic containers<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0because chemicals from the plastic can leach into food<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">. Instead use glass, ceramic or cast iron.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Use\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ewg.org\/guides\/cleaners\/content\/methodology\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">natural cleaning products<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0in your home<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0in order to avoid chemical exposure<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Take your shoes off in your home to keep out dirt, fertilizers and chemicals that may be on your shoes.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">R<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">egardles<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">s of partisan issues, we all want<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0to keep toxins out of the environment.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Support your political leaders to craft<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0quality legislation on a federal level<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0to address these issues<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0comp<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">rehensively and<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0fairly among all states<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">There are many personal things we can do to limit our\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">exposures, but<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0change on a greater scale is incredibly important as well.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><\/div>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">2. <strong>Eat detox supporting foods<\/strong><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. My\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/annshippymd.com\/paleo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Paleo<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0diet plan helps you to eliminate common toxins that are found in processed foods (food dyes, artificial flavors, preservatives and pesticides, for example) while providing key nutrients to support the body\u2019s detoxification processes. You\u2019ll also protect your liver from\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/annshippymd.com\/top-10-reasons-avoid-sugar\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">processed sugar<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0while protecting your future health.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In addition to the Paleo lifestyle approach, you can also add in specific foods to help support detoxification. Here are a few of my favorites:\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Cruciferous vegetables:\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Broccoli,<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Brussels sprouts,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">and cauliflower<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">are<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0powerful<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0for<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0detoxification<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Eat some daily, even with your breakfast.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"7\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"0\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Bitter greens:<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Nutrient-dense g<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">reens, including dandelion greens, watercress, kale and\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">arugula<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, help to\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">improve<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0digestion<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, support the liver and reduce inflammation. Greens are a gentle detox food to include every day<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and are easy to add to a smoothie<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"7\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"0\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Artichokes<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">:<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Artichokes contain silymarin, an antioxidant that\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/26310198\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">protects liver cells<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"7\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"0\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Lemons:<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Adding a slice of lemon to your water can help to stimulate digestion, bile flow and support the immune system.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><\/div>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">3. <strong>Drink tea<\/strong><\/span><strong>\u00a0to detox<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Medicinal herbs have a long history of use for supporting the organs of detoxification. Herbs can be taken very gently as a tea or tincture. For more therapeutic dosages, herbal extracts can be used as well.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><strong>Milk thistle:<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The seeds of a milk thistle plant can be ground and brewed like tea, either alone or with other herbs, as gentle liver detoxification support. Milk thistle contains silymarin, like artichoke, to protect and even regenerate liver cells.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"11\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"0\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Dandelion root:<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">T<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">his is another helpful tea for detoxification and can even make a\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">delicious<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0coffee replacement when the root is finely ground (often with chicory) and then brewed like coffee.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"11\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"0\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Nettles:<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Stinging nettles are a mineral-rich herb, often taken as a tea, that can act as a gentle diuretic that can aid in toxin removal.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"11\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"0\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Green tea:\u00a0<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Green tea contains EGCG, a powerful polyphenol that supports the body\u2019s ability to detoxify.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0My most trusted source is\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Pique Tea<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, as they triple-screen for toxins<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, and their<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0product does<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0not\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">use<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0a tea bag\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">(<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">some of which\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">steep plastic i<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">nto your tea<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">!).<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><\/div>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">4. <strong>Hydrate<\/strong><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Maintaining good hydration status supports the kidneys in being able to flush out toxins. We all have different needs for how much water we need based on our body size, how much we sweat, how much caffeine we consume, what climate we live in and our electrolyte status.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Be sur<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">e to<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0drink<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0enough water so that your urine is\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">clear<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and you aren\u2019t going long stretches (except overnight) without urinating. For many people\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">this will look like 60-75 ounces of water<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, or more, each day.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">5. <strong>Sweat<\/strong><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Toxins can leave your body through the skin via sweating. Sweating can be active, such as higher intensity exercise, that really gets the blood flowing and breathing deeply.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Just as toxins can leave your skin during exercise, they can also leave through your lungs\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">simply by breathing<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sweating can also be more passive and relaxing, such as sitting in a sauna or a hot bath.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I recommend\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sunlighten.com\/?leadsource=AnnShippy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sunlighten<\/a> infrared saunas<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0as well as<a href=\"https:\/\/doctorsmarket.com\/catalog\/product\/view\/id\/5527\/s\/incandescent-near-infrared-pocket-sauna\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a0<\/a><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Sauna Space<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0saunas<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, which are more portable and fit in smaller<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0spaces.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Add\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">my<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/shop.annshippymd\/clear-restore-bath\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Clear + Restore<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0bath soak for extra detoxifying power in the bath. And if you are sweating a lot, make sure to restore water and\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/shop.annshippymd.com\/electrolyte-reload\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">electrolytes<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><b>6. <\/b><strong>Stay regular. <\/strong><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We\u2019ve talked about ways to support the liver, kidneys, lungs and skin in terms of detoxification<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and staying regular is<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0equally<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0important<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Many toxins are excreted from the body through the digestive system. They can bind to fiber\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">in the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">digestive<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0tract or the body can release them into the digestive system through bile.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you aren\u2019t having regular bowel movements, these toxins can get reabsorbed into the body and have a hard time getting out. In this regard, correcting constipation is important before any detoxification protocol. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">To help you stay regular, make sure you are well<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&#8211;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">hydrated, eating fiber-rich foods and moving your body daily. In addition,\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/shop.annshippymd.com\/products\/daily-probiotics?_pos=1&amp;_sid=0a95d9857&amp;_ss=r\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">probiotics<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"><a href=\"https:\/\/shop.annshippymd.com\/products\/digestive-enzymes-capsules\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">digestive enzymes<\/a> and\u00a0 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/shop.annshippymd.com\/products\/magnesium-glycinate-125?_pos=2&amp;_sid=4eecbcf4d&amp;_ss=r\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">magnesium<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0can be helpful supplements, along with getting to the root cause of your digestive concerns.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">7. Sleep. <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Let\u2019s not underestimate the power of sleep! Many body processes happen during the sleeping hours, including detoxification<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0through the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">glymphatic system<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, so getting enough, high quality sleep each night is important for both daily detox and recovering from any toxin-related illness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you have trouble sleeping because of stress,\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/annshippymd.com\/cbd-vs-thc-differences-effects-and-quality\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">CBD<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0might be a\u00a0helpful\u00a0strategy to try.<br \/>\nHaving\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">a<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0relaxing\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">nighttime<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0routine and getting off screens before bed<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0can help<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0as well.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I encourage you to pick\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">at least\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">one of these <strong>7\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><strong>strategies<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong>to focus on and begin implementing in your life<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0as an easy<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and effective<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0way to support the body\u2019s natural detoxification processes. By limiting exposures to toxins and optimizing body function through diet and lifestyle, you\u2019ll likely see some changes in how you feel and\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">how your body functions<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I often recommend deeper detoxification programs if there has been a major\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">toxin\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">exposure or when\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Functional Medicine\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">testing reveals a specific\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">toxin in the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">body<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0is possible for you to<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">have<\/span> <span data-contrast=\"auto\">lab<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> testing<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/go.yourlabwork.com\/dr-shippy-lab-testing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> (click\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">here<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">) <\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">without a<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0physician\u2019s authorization<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">to help you\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">start<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">And\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\ufffc<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"><a href=\"https:\/\/annshippymd.com\/cleanse-program\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">click here<\/a> to learn more about my online<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/annshippymd.com\/cleanse-program\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Every Life Well\u00ae Cleanse Intensive<\/a> program<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0as another option to\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">detox wit<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">h me virtually.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I would love to work with you and support you in living every day well<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">!<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>My mission\u00a0as a Functional Medicine\u00a0physician\u00a0is\u00a0to educate and inform my patients and community about the toxins we face in today\u2019s world, the connection between toxins and disease,\u00a0and how to effectively protect the body against potential harm.\u00a0\u00a0 The good news is that your body knows how to detoxify. In fact, your body is detoxifying for you as [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":23328,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1,1643,2796,1637],"tags":[3066,2025,3067],"yst_prominent_words":[578,3074,170,3073,968,3075,2253,237,3161,1635,3069,3070,3072,3076,976,3071,1522,3068,268,269],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/annshippymd.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13016"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/annshippymd.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/annshippymd.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/annshippymd.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/annshippymd.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13016"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/annshippymd.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13016\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23648,"href":"https:\/\/annshippymd.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13016\/revisions\/23648"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/annshippymd.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23328"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/annshippymd.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13016"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/annshippymd.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13016"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/annshippymd.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13016"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/annshippymd.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=13016"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}