Detoxification: You don't need to do much

Each day, whether asleep or awake, you are exposed to chemicals. Air, water, clothing, cosmetics. Even your own body produces waste chemicals.

So what can you do to protect yourself?

Thankfully, your body has a powerful detoxification process that deals with the vast majority of toxic chemicals. To do so, it produces enzymes who are tasked with eliminating these chemicals.

These enzymes are primarily made in the liver, but also in the kidneys, lungs, intestines and in your blood.

I will try to simplify how this happens.

First, the liver produces enzymes, the job of which is to activate the toxin. Activation, in this case, means preparing the toxin to respond to stimulus later on. Next, your body will produce secondary enzymes who will then eliminate the toxin.

Think of it as lining up the target and then firing.

Some enzymes used in this process include P450, S-transferase, catalase and glutathione.

So what can you do to help this process?

Obviously, start by reducing your exposure to chemicals and toxins. Avoid Food, clothing and cosmetic that have harmful chemicals. If you can, move away from places that have high chemical exposure.

Food is a powerful tool.

Eat cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. These contain sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol, which boost both Phase I and II enzymes.

Consume foods rich in sulfur—like garlic, onions, and eggs—to support glutathione production, your body’s most important antioxidant.

Hydrate well to help your kidneys flush out water-soluble toxins. Avoid alcohol and processed foods, which burden detox enzymes.

Exercise regularly, as movement improves circulation and enzyme activity. Sleep well, as most detoxification processes ramp up during rest.

Finally, consider intermittent fasting once in a while, which gives the liver time to reset and clear waste.

One last word on this subject. Many of the foods I refer to are contraindicated for diseases. To illustrate, people with a thyroid condition are asked to avoid cruciferous vegetables.

But sometimes you have to evaluate the overall benefit versus the harmful effects.

Reach out to me on twitter @rbawri Instagram @riteshbawriofficial and YouTube at www.youtube.com/breatheagain