The San Fermín festivities are over and now is the perfect time, especially being summer, to cleanse and get rid of accumulated toxins (especially if there have been excesses…).
Cleaning our liver and kidney allowing them to recover and strengthen is the goal of all depurative healing and detoxification, while it is true that it is a process that is currently very fashionable, has always been equally important.
When to purify our organism?
Our organism warns us when there is an overload of toxins due to punctual or continuous and inadequate excesses. A series of symptoms appear that cause us discomfort, as they are:
- Feeling tired and fatigued
- Digestive symptoms such as: bloated belly, gas, heaviness, nausea, constipation, bad digestions
- Bad breath
- Poor circulation, fluid retention
It would be advisable to make detoxification a regular practice before symptoms appear.
It is important to bear in mind that before starting a detoxification programme we must have a good general state of health, not weakened by any serious illness (in such a case, consult your doctor first).
When is the ideal time to start depuration?
When you suffer any of the symptoms described above. And also:
- After a period of inadequate and/or excessive intake as now after San Fermín, or the festivals of our villages, after the holidays, after a time of anxiety …
- In a change of season
- Before Starting a Weight Loss Program
- Any time we feel that the body needs a break from incorrect eating habits.
Why do toxins accumulate and where do they come from?
The body accumulates toxins that come from outside: pesticides, air pollutants, heavy metals, medicines, etc. Other toxins come from the food we eat, drinks with chemical additives, stimulants or alcohol. Even our own body generates toxins, whether they are the product of the normal functioning of the metabolism or the substances that the bacteria in our intestine produce.
How is our body purified?
The body eliminates toxins by neutralizing them, that is, by transforming them so that they can be eliminated by urine or feces (and to a lesser extent through the lungs and skin).
A healthy gastrointestinal health with a healthy colon allows for correct elimination and prevents food from remaining in it for long periods of time and can become toxic. If they are not eliminated, these toxins stagnate and go to other organs and tissues causing health complications.
Maintaining a clean and purified liver is essential for it to carry out its correct functions of purification and detoxification of the organism.
How can the continuous purification process be encouraged?
The body’s ability to detoxify and remove harmful substances is continuous. Maintaining healthier habits and using certain supplements, of which, in our experience, we emphasize the importance of lipotropic agents (explained below).
Advice and recommendations:
- Avoid processed cereals such as white flour, white rice, fast food and pre-cooked foods as they inhibit normal elimination processes.
- Include in our diet fresh vegetables and fruits (the more raw portions the better), whole grains, brown rice, legumes, nuts, seeds as they are rich sources of water-soluble fiber, necessary for proper elimination.
- Exercise, diet and a correct intestinal flora (thanks to high quality probiotics and prebiotics) are also essential; they prevent health problems and allow optimal absorption of nutrients.
- Exercise regularly and try to breathe fresh air (outings to the countryside, mountains…).
- Drink enough water (1.5 – 2 litres per day).
- Avoid alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, saturated fats (fast food, ready meals…).
- Take high-potency multivitamin and mineral supplements (zinc, selenium, magnesium, and copper) if needed. Antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin C, beta-carotene and vitamin E are important for the protection of the liver; B vitamins, calcium and trace elements are also necessary for the removal of heavy metals and other compounds from the body.
- Take nutritional supplements such as lipotropic agents and detoxifying herbs to protect the liver and stimulate its function:
Lipotropic agents
Lipotronic agents are compounds that promote the flow of fat and bile from the liver. They produce a “decongestant” effect on the liver because by liquefying the fat in this organ, it improves its function. This activates the liver’s function of filtering and eliminating fats and toxins from the body. Lipotropic factors are choline bitartrate, inositol and L-Methionine.
Purifying Herbs and Supplements
In addition, there is a wide variety of detoxifying herbs and supplements that act as purifiers and regenerators of the liver and kidney:
- Milk Thistle: Silymarin, an active component of milk thistle, is one of the most potent known liver-protective substances. It acts by increasing detoxifying activity, stimulating the growth of healthy liver cells and bile activity.
- Dandelion: It has been shown to stimulate the production and secretion of bile by the liver and gallbladder, and thus acts as a lipotropic agent (prevents the accumulation of cholesterol and fat in the liver and gallbladder).
- Turmeric: Important hepatoprotector as it increases the glutathione content and glutathione-S-transferase activity in the liver, very important protective substances against the harmful effects of toxins and free radicals.Schisandra: Research has shown that the active principles of the herb, schisandra, prevent liver damage, stimulate liver repair and normalize liver function.
Solgar combines the extracts of these plants (as well as others that complement their actions) in a single capsule. It’s a product that I love and don’t hesitate to recommend.