Thankfully, our bodies have remarkable built-in mechanisms for processing and eliminating toxins. From saliva to sphincter (sorry!), we are constantly managing the ‘body burden’ brought upon us by chemicals, drugs, diet, and stress. However, like any machine, the greater its workload, the greater the potential for exhaustion and failure.
This is why avoiding toxins and supporting our natural detoxification pathways is so important for maintaining a strong immune system, reducing inflammation, and fending off mental illness & cognitive decline.
So, how can we reduce the toxic load on ourselves and our loved ones?
- Replenish Your Glutathione
As mentioned in “Reducing Your Toxic Load – Part I”, replenishing your body’s (often very depleted) supply of the master antioxidant, Glutathione, is key to helping the liver process and eliminate toxins. B12 LOVE offers Glutathione as an IM injection and IV drip. For an added layer of protection at home, you can take liposomal Glutathione or N-acetylcysteine (NAC) supplements – a precursor to Glutathione. (Available at all B12 LOVE locations)
- Support Your Gut
When our gut is in a state of dysbiosis (imbalance) our whole body is affected. Toxins can not only contribute to dysbiosis, but dysbiosis can exacerbate the effects of toxins. There are many ways to support gut health, but taking a daily probiotic is a good place to start. We love Integrative Therapeutics Probiotic Pearls (available at all B12 LOVE locations).
- Stay Hydrated
While it may seem obvious that adequate hydration is critical for eliminating toxins from our body, most of us don’t drink nearly enough water on a regular basis. One way to provide your body with ample, long-lasting hydration is through an IV drip. IV hydration enters your bloodstream directly and quickly circulates through your body for optimum cell delivery and use.
- Make Room for Micronutrients
We know that vitamins and minerals are good for us, but research shows that specific vitamins and minerals not only directly assist in detoxification, but actually compete with heavy metals and other toxins for space in your body’s cells. How cool is that?!
- Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps reduce oxidative stress and plays an important role in the metabolism and elimination of heavy metals.
- B vitamins are essential to the proper functioning of detoxification by acting as cofactors for liver enzymes.
- Vitamin D has garnered a lot of attention for its immune-enhancing abilities, but it’s also a significant factor in detoxification and protection against environmental toxins.
- Zinc aids in the production of metallothionein – a substance that binds to toxic metals for elimination.
- Selenium helps metabolize mercury and other toxins.
- Magnesium deficiency is both a consequence and contributing factor in liver disease. In fact, every 100mg increase in magnesium intake is associated with a 49% decrease in the risk of mortality due to all liver diseases.
- Prioritize Sleep
Did you know that the brain has a waste management system? The glymphatic system is a series of tubes that carry fresh fluid into the brain, mix the fresh fluid with the waste-filled fluid that surrounds the brain cells, and then flush the mix out of the brain and into the bloodstream… all of which occurs primarily during deep sleep.
If you have trouble sleeping, avoid sleeping meds that may put added strain on your kidneys and liver. Instead, try natural relaxing agents, such as Magnesium, MIC, and Taurine (available at all B12 LOVE locations).
- Reduce Stress
Long-term activation of the stress response system and the overexposure to cortisol and other stress hormones can cause excessive inflammation and disrupt almost all your body’s processes, including detoxification.
- Get Moving
In addition to helping your body sweat out toxins, exercise reduces inflammation, replenishes Glutathione, and produces serotonin – a neurotransmitter that not only helps regulate mood and sleep, but also helps control bowel movements for proper elimination of toxins.
- Embrace NAD+
NAD+ is often touted for its “anti-aging” benefits because of its ability to nourish the mitochondria and regenerate cells. While NAD+ can speed up the body’s natural restorative power, toxins can deplete the body’s natural NAD+ levels. NAD+ not only helps flush toxins from your system, but can also enhance mood, increase energy, and curb cravings. (available as an IM injection or IV drip).
Have a safe and relaxing Thanksgiving!
Got questions? Send us a message or visit one of our Bay Area locations and chat with our licensed health professionals.
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