What to remember:
- Detoxification is a natural process of the body to eliminate toxins.
- Optimizing this process means, above all, supporting the functions of the emunctory organs (=which detoxify).
- To recover from excessive partying: take care of your liver and intestines.
- For a good detox, opt for good hydration, a light diet and supplements rich in plants.
What is a detox?
The principle of a detox is based on a modulation of one's lifestyle to facilitate the elimination of toxins from the body. Indeed, this is based on a natural process of detoxification of the body, functions of certain organs called emunctory organs which promote the elimination of waste. Among these organs, we find the liver , the kidneys, the lungs, the skin , the intestine .
Detox is therefore based on two principles:
- Control what enters the body to limit the entry of toxins
- Facilitate the elimination of waste from the body
Disclaimer : Detoxing isn't a miracle solution; it's a way to help you take care of your body. It shouldn't be done solely for the purpose of losing weight. Likewise, it shouldn't be continued long-term, but should be done occasionally to support your body.
When and why should you detox?
The excretory organs do not have a single detoxification function; they promote many other metabolic reactions. Their overload can therefore lead to discomforts such as fatigue, slowed digestion, metabolic disorders, deterioration of skin quality, and many others. Detox can be an effective way to reduce this overload and is preferred in several situations:
- After major overeating
- After heavy alcohol consumption
- After the holidays
- Following taking antibiotics
Indeed, the excretory organs allow the elimination of fats, alcohol, and medications that are considered harmful by the body. This is why it is important, after excesses, to reset through a good detox and pamper your body to allow it to function properly.
Our protocol for optimal detox after excessive parties?
To implement a detox, it is important to follow a well-defined detox protocol or to surround yourself with suitable health professionals.
During the holidays, it is common to overindulge in food, alcohol, and a rather unbalanced routine, which can lead to organ overload and body fatigue . It is possible to plan for these excesses and prepare your stomach for the end-of-year celebrations . However, it is also possible to repair the damage by adopting our 3-step protocol for a successful detox after parties and excesses .
Step 1 - Focus on hydration
In order to promote optimal body functioning, hydration is essential.
Infused or uninfused water, green tea, herbal teas, smoothies—the choice is vast for a detox after excessive partying, and depending on the drink, the benefits differ and complement each other. It is essential to provide the body with at least 1.5L of drinking water per day for sustained basic functions.
Step 2 - Favor a light diet
In order to limit the overload of the body and particularly the digestive system, opting for a light diet for 1 or 2 days is essential. Favor foods that are easy to digest: fruits, cooked vegetables, starchy foods, lean animal proteins and limit the consumption of industrial products, rich in fats, and vegetable proteins that are less digestible than animal proteins. Similarly, if you are prone to bloating, you should avoid consuming fermentable products, which are often not recommended in a low FODMAP diet .
Some so-called detox foods contain active ingredients or nutrients that aid digestion. They can therefore be incorporated into detox recipes to facilitate the elimination of toxins. Indeed, the intestine-liver axis is very important and can be at the heart of metabolic problems . An overloaded liver releases its toxins into other excretory organs such as the intestine and can potentially cause digestive disorders.
To prevent and avoid the occurrence of bloating , it is important to take the time to eat and chew to avoid significant air entry.
Step 3 - Pamper the body with herbal medicine
In order to thoroughly detoxify your body, the action of certain active ingredients can be essential. Indeed, herbal medicine is the ideal ally for preserving liver and digestive health. Certain plants such as milk thistle seeds or desmodium in the form of supplements will help support liver health by having a hepatoprotective action.
Sources :
[1] Strand J. (2022). Distinctive Detoxification: The Case for Including the Microbiome in Detox Strategy. Integrative medicine (Encinitas, Calif.), 21(4), 26–30.
[2] Klein, A.V., & Kiat, H. (2015). Detox diets for toxin elimination and weight management: a critical review of the evidence. Journal of human nutrition and dietetics: the official journal of the British Dietetic Association, 28(6), 675–686. https://doi.org/10.1111/jhn.12286
[3] Guan, Y.S., & He, Q. (2015). Plants Consumption and Liver Health. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine: eCAM, 2015, 824185. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/824185
[4] Strand J. (2022). Distinctive Detoxification: The Case for Including the Microbiome in Detox Strategy. Integrative medicine (Encinitas, Calif.), 21(4), 26–30.
