Sometimes, our bodies just need a cleanse. From the pollutants in the air to the chemicals in our food, the modern world is ripe with toxic materials that negatively affect our bodily functions. In order to achieve proper homeostasis and rid the body of these harmful toxins, it’s important to take time for detoxification regularly.

Detoxification involves several practices that help the body flush out toxins and recover from bad habits. While most people will experience toxification at some point in their lives, there are certain events and lifestyle choices that can intensify this problem. 

For these reasons, you may find yourself in need of a detox more than ever. However, you may be asking yourself, how often should you detox and what exactly should I expect? We’re here to answer it all. If you’re interested in this healthy practice and want to learn more about the reasoning behind it, read on for four signs you need to detox.

What Does Detoxing Do?

First and foremost, it’s important to understand what detoxing does. The process of detoxing involves changing your diet and habits for a certain period of time, in order to aid the body’s immune system, metabolism, and liver function.

Toxins enter our bodies in a number of ways. The most common path toxins take to the body is through ingestion, particularly those found in processed food, plastic containers, and nonstick cookware. These toxins include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, BHA, trans fats, and refined sugars. Other toxins may enter the body through air—particularly pollutants, heavy metals, and dangerous elements like radon or carbon monoxide.

When toxins enter the body, they put a strain on the cells and organs that remove them. This strain is where detoxing comes in handy. A detox may incorporate any of the following practices, in order to promote healing, balance bodily functions, and flush out these unwanted particles:

• Restricting alcohol intake
  
  
• Reducing consumption of processed food, particularly refined sugars and oils
  
  
• Decreasing salt intake, in order to prevent fluid retention
  
  
• Increasing intake of raw fruits, vegetables, and juices (for their antioxidant properties and micronutrients)
  
  
• Drinking plenty of water to help flush out toxins
  
  
• Prioritizing sleep to promote healing and recovery
  
  
• Taking supplements to improve cellular communication, liver health, and toxin removal¹

It’s important to note that not all detox plans are going to look the same. While some people prefer to limit their food consumption and focus more on fluids, others simply turn toward healthier foods and increased nutrient intake. 

The bottom line – Utilizing one or all of these practices will help improve your body’s ability to flush out toxins. No matter what your detox routine consists of, you want to make sure it’s done safely and effectively. If you plan on restricting your diet, keep this portion of the detox short in order to avoid malnutrition. A full 24-hours should be enough time to restart your system and get the toxins out of your body, although many detox supplements can be taken every day with the right dosage. Check out our blogs on foods to avoid during a detox and foods to eat during a detox to learn more.

Armed with this information, we can now address the real topic of today’s article: Signs you may need to detox. Let’s take a look at the most common reasons your body may be suffering from an overload of toxins:

#1 You’ve Been Drinking a Lot

It probably comes as no surprise that alcohol—as popular as it may be—is 100% toxic for the human body. While we aren’t telling anyone to quit drinking altogether, too much alcohol on a regular basis may be a sign that you need to detox.

When you drink alcohol, your liver and kidneys are essentially working overtime. Once ingested, alcohol quickly enters the bloodstream and reaches nearly every part of the body via blood vessels. When the liver comes into contact with alcohol, it begins converting it into water and carbon monoxide—a process known as oxidation. Too much oxidation causes stress on the body, which can lead to damaged cells, disease, and other unpleasant side effects. This is why drinking too frequently can lead to problems in the liver.²

The same can be said for the kidneys as well. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urination. While frequent urination from water can be helpful in detoxification, alcohol will not provide the same benefit. Instead, frequent alcohol consumption can lead to strain on the kidneys and severe dehydration.³

If there’s anything we know about detoxification, it’s that the process can do wonders for dehydration, cellular damage, and organ strain. By increasing your intake of antioxidants, cutting back on alcohol, and drinking plenty of water, you’ll begin to recover from the effects of heavy drinking. Assistive supplements, like our ReGenesis Glutathione, can also increase toxin filtration and reduce free radical damage in the liver.

The bottom line – If you’ve been drinking too much and you can feel the effects piling up, an alcohol detox may be the way to go. Increase your hydration, cut back on alcoholic beverages, and add a glutathione supplement to your routine.

#2 You’re Experiencing Digestive Issues

Problems with the digestive system can stem from a number of factors. Common digestive conditions that many people experience include:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Bloating
• Cramping
• Indigestion

While these issues vary in symptoms, severity, and causes, many of them can be relieved through detoxification practices. Here’s why: Detoxing gives the digestive system some time off, particularly when you prioritize the right foods and liquids. To properly detox the digestive system, try focusing on the following:

• Prebiotic and probiotic foods, beverages, and supplements
• Soft, easily digestible foods
• Smoothies and juices
• Raw fruits and vegetables with high antioxidant content
• Foods rich in fiber
• Water and electrolytes
• Anti-inflammatory foods and supplements, such as ginger or liposomal sulforaphane

The bottom line – Digestive problems can be a sign of poor diet and organ strain. Performing a detox with these techniques will relieve irritation and inflammation in the stomach and intestines, aid bowel movements, and reduce bloating.

#3 Your Tongue Has a Coating or Scalloping

One of the lesser-known, but equally important, signs that you may need a detox can be found on the surface of the tongue. If you’ve noticed a white coating or scalloped texture along with your tongue, this can be a result of toxins in the gastrointestinal tract.

Food, alcohol, and toxic air particles are common culprits of this type of toxicity. Overtime (particularly during the night) these toxins climb up the throat and make their home in the mouth. This can leave the tongue looking and feeling a little peculiar the next morning.⁴

While brushing and scraping the tongue will provide short-term relief for this symptom, the root of the problem can only be addressed with a detox. In this case, we recommend using activated charcoal to flush toxins out of the digestive system. A small dose of this powerful detoxification agent, along with plenty of water, is the quickest way to rid the body of harmful substances and give your GI tract a fresh start.

The bottom line – Coating or scalloping of the tongue can be a sign of toxicity within the GI tract. For a serious cleanse, opt for activated charcoal to flush out any dangerous substances and allow the body to resume proper nutrient absorption.

#4 You’re Gaining Weight

Everyone’s weight fluctuates. Whether you’re experiencing stress, a new diet, or building muscle, there are plenty of normal reasons for the number on the scale to change.

That being said, sometimes our bodies change in ways we’d prefer they didn’t. This is particularly frustrating if you feel as though you haven’t been doing anything different in terms of diet and exercise. In cases like these, you may be experiencing a slowed metabolism due to toxins in the body.

As we age, our metabolism tends to slow down. Unfortunately, the aging process is often sped up by free radicals caused by toxins. These harmful particles can lead to cell damage and hinder bodily functions. In order to prevent premature aging and slowing of the metabolism, try giving your body a detox.

Two detox methods in particular may be beneficial for boosting metabolism and promoting weight loss:

The bottom line – Unexpected weight gain can be the result of the cell damage caused by toxins and free radicals. A detox routine that includes antioxidants and shilajit supplements is going to help rid the body of these toxins, give your metabolism a much-needed boost and promote weight loss.

Cymbiotika: Detox Made Easy

Here at Cymbiotika, we believe detoxification is important—and something so important shouldn’t be difficult. 

Our mission is simple: Create safe, effective products for individuals who value their health. We formulate our supplements using nutritional science, organic ingredients, and essential nutrients. Whether you’re looking for detox aids, daily vitamins, or immunity boosters, we have something for everyone.

Your body and mind go through a lot, and it never hurts to get a little help when it comes to your health. Listen to the signs and start a detox program today, with Cymbiotika!

Sources:

1. Healthline. Full Body Detox: 9 Ways to Detox Your Body. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-to-detox-your-body 
2. Healthline. Everything You Should Know About Oxidative Stress.  https://www.healthline.com/health/oxidative-stress#effects 
3. NI Direct. What Happens When You Drink Alcohol? https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/what-happens-when-you-drink-alcohol 
4.  Back2Health. Did You Know There is a Layer of Toxins That Forms on Your Tongue Every Morning? https://www.back2health.net.au/did-you-know-there-is-a-layer-of-toxins-that-forms-on-your-tongue-every-morning/ 
5. Healthline. 12 Healthy Foods High in Antioxidants. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-high-in-antioxidants#TOC_TITLE_HDR_12