We have just entered a new decade and the season of resolutions, starting over with new habits and goals! You will undoubtedly be offered a deal on detoxing from the holidays or to jump start your new healthy routine. I want help set everyone up to meet their goals, to clear the runway for take off!
As I see it there are a few things that can stand in the way of a successful detox.
1. Nutrient deficiencies
In order for your body to be able to get rid of toxins, your cellular enzymes need all of the vitamins and minerals that help them function. It can be like trying to start your car without a key – you can still push the car down the street but you are not going anywhere fast. Given all the right vitamins and minerals, your detoxification machinery can zoom along at speed!
2. Hormonal imbalances
If you are already feeling unbalanced, it may be too difficult to go through a detoxification protocol. Adding additional challenges to an already unbalanced system could make things worse, not better. Our hormones help us cope and compensate for the challenges that life throws at us. If you have a lifetime of challenges under your belt, checking in on thyroid, adrenal and sex hormone balance may help you meet your goals and build resiliency for the years to come.
3. Immune system dysregulation
If you have been told that you have an autoimmune disease, allergies or sensitivities, it may be helpful to dive into what triggers your immune system to be so activated. Identifying, removing and managing triggers can make a huge difference in how you feel. Reducing the activation of your immune system may set you up to process toxins more successfully and to feel better every day. Inflammation can lead to pain, weight gain, rashes, brain fog and other symptoms that reduce the pleasure of living.
4. Gastrointestinal issues
The digestive tract is the body’s number one way to take in the things our cells need to function. It is also how we get rid of a lot of our toxins. If our gut isn’t working right, toxins can actually be produced in our gut or we may not be dumping our trash effectively. The balance of flora (gut bacteria) living with us can make things better or worse. Having the right balance of stomach acid, bile and digestive enzymes can also play a critical role in keeping our flora balanced and keep us absorbing the nutrients that we eat.
In my practice, I aim to treat each individual patient sitting in front of me holistically. Your version of thyroid disease or weight gain may not be the same as your neighbor’s. That is why it’s important to figure out what it will take to help YOU feel your best.