Dr. Brown's Essential Detox Tips

Here at Alkaline for Life we're often asked what to do to cleanse the body. Often people have the perception that detoxification is somehow “mysterious” or “complicated” even though there are many simple, effective techniques that have been used for thousands of years.

The foundation for any sound purification program is eating life-supporting whole foods and avoiding acid-forming ingredients like sugar, soda, caffeine, and food additives and preservatives. Identifying and eliminating those foods that you’re allergic or hypersensitive to can provide dramatic benefits, including better digestion, weight control, and decreased joint or muscle pain. 

8 Body Cleanse Tips to Try Now:

1. Get enough alkalizing minerals for metal regulation

Chronic low-grade metabolic acidosis makes toxic metals more toxic. Alkalizing nutrients can help reduce the uptake of toxic metals and enhance their excretion. 

• Calcium can help limit your absorption of both cadmium and lead. Maintain a calcium intake of 1,200 mg a day from diet and supplementation  — more if pregnant or lactating.
• Zinc is an essential mineral in key toxic-metal-removing compounds called “metallothioneins.” Most individuals should get at least 15 to 30 mg zinc daily.
• Magnesium deficiency encourages uptake of toxic minerals. Strive for 500–800 mg magnesium a day.
• Vitamin C  is important for successful detoxification and binding of the average daily toxic metal exposure. Take at least 2,000 mg of ascorbate — the form used in the body (vitamin C) daily.

2. Focus on the “toxic metal–buster foods”

Consume “super foods” high in available sulfur, including garlic, onions, ginger, eggs, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. Such foods enhance production of glutathione, a key antioxidant. Also, high fiber foods help the body bind and excrete toxic metals. Set a goal to consume 30 g of fiber a day.

3. Limit toxin exposure

You can’t avoid toxins altogether, but there are some steps you can take to lessen your exposure. Drink pure spring or filtered water, breathe clean air, and avoid products contaminated by heavy metals (such as some seafood, and dental “silver” amalgams).

4. Remember the beneficial bacteria

Microbes (probiotics) in the gut play important roles in protecting you from toxic metal absorption. For example, Lactobacillus microbes can sequester arsenic, lead, and cadmium from the environment. Eat fermented foods and take probiotics daily.

5. Hydrate

Drinking hot water helps support digestion and hydration, two key factors for a body cleanse. Try purifying herbal teas, veggie juices, and supplemental antioxidants. Many herbs are wonderful for detoxifying the blood and bowel. I often enjoy red clover tea, a well-recognized blood purifier, and a daily juice made of fresh carrots and green vegetables to support the liver.

6. Skin brushing

It is worth noting that our skin is our largest and one of the most active organs in our body. Every minute old skin cells die and new ones are created. Using a vegetable fiber brush over the entire body removes dead cells and stimulates new cell growth. Brush your skin while standing on a cloth and you will notice just how many flakes of old skin are removed.

7. Exercise

Exercising quickens breathing, promotes blood circulation, and increases sweat production — all factors that promote the release of toxins.

8. Detox mineral bath

Just add 1/2 cup each of baking soda and Epsom salts to your bath water and soak. Try adding a few tablespoons of sesame oil if your skin feels extra dry. This mineral bath releases toxins from the skin and provides a relaxing environment.