10 Interesting facts about detoxing

1. Detoxification is constant

Our liver cleanses our blood 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The liver filters nearly 380 litres of blood every day to remove a number of micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites from our bloodstream. If our livers did not continually do this vital job, we would become extremely unwell within days.

2. Liver importance

If our liver gets overworked, toxins begin to get stored in our fat and muscle, and circulate through our blood stream. These toxins increase inflammation throughout our body which can cause symptoms such as headaches, weight gain, fatigue, lethargy and poor complexion.

3. Skin detoxification

The skin is our largest organ and plays a key role in eliminating harmful toxins through sweat, oil and shedding of dead cells. The inclusion of flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, water, vegetables and fruits in our diet can aid the skin in the detoxification process.

4. Immune boost

70-80% of your immune system is concentrated in your gut. If your body is properly detoxifying and your gut microbiome is in balance, your body will be better equipped against the common cold and the flu.

5. Sleep maintenance

Being overburdened with toxins may be the reason you find yourself waking up at odd hours of the morning, as the liver is most active at night. Ensuring your gut is in good health, will help to maintain adequate levels of serotonin (“the happy hormone”) and melatonin (“the sleep hormone”) to maintain a deep and restful sleep.

6. Hormone balance

Another important job of the liver is regulating our hormones. If your liver is not functioning optimally your hormones may become imbalanced and cause accumulation of excess oestrogen. Excess oestrogen can lead to premenstrual syndrome (PMS), excess weight, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), acne and even certain cancers.

7. Elevated energy levels

Consuming an excessive amount of refined carbohydrates causes a rapid rise in blood sugar levels followed by an inevitable drop in sugar levels. This fluctuation in blood sugar is likely the cause of your tiredness and lethargy shortly after consuming high carbohydrate foods. Following a detox program can cause a boost in energy levels due to eliminating inflammatory foods and replacing them with fresh vegetables, fruits and good protein sources.

8. Increased brain function

One of the major symptoms of liver dysfunction is brain fog. Participating in a detox program can promote clearer thinking due to the absence of refined foods that can make us feel fatigued and cause our thought process to be compromised.

9. Improved digestion

Detoxing can often combat digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, indigestion and flatulence which often occur due to a build-up of toxins and/or a poor diet. You are likely to experience more regular bowel movements and feel better overall.

10. Weight reduction

Detoxing can often bring about weight loss due to eating more nutrient-dense foods as opposed to calorie-dense foods. It’s a good idea to try and incorporate certain detox principles into your lifestyle to maintain the associated health benefits.

Dr Cabot’s 15-day Cleanse includes healthy delicious meals in conjunction with three daily therapeutic powders to heal the gut, boost liver detoxification and improve overall health.