Sometimes this broken heart gives birth to anxiety and panic, sometimes to anger, resentment, and blame. But under the hardness of that armor there is the tenderness of genuine sadness. This is our link with all those who have ever loved. This genuine heart of sadness can teach us great compassion. It can humble us when we're arrogant and soften us when we are unkind. It awakens us when we prefer to sleep and pierces through our indifference. This continual ache of the heart is a blessing that when accepted fully can be shared with all.
~ Pema Chodren
Notes on Detoxification
By ANA
This week in school I’m studying toxicity and the different phases of detoxification so I thought I’d talk about this and some food/ plant allies that can support one of the most important organs for detoxification — the liver, albeit not the only one. There’s also the kidneys, intestines, as well as the skin via sweat and even tears are a way to release toxins.
Before getting into it, I want to express that it’s so important to always detox from a place of strength.
This means you’re not constipated or suspicious of having leaky gut - which can send mobilized toxins back into circulation
You want to make sure you’re hydrated. This doesn’t mean just drinking water but making sure you’re getting enough minerals (I add minerals to my water) so the water you’re consuming is actually hydrating your cells
You also want to make sure that you’re getting enough sleep, you’re not already over-burdened with stress as detoxing can temporarily cause stress in the form of fatigue, headaches, etc…, as toxins move out of the body
And, if you’re already dealing with a heavy toxic burden and have AI or other symptoms, it’s not a good time to detox. What would be better is to support the above mentioned processes and focus on gut health
There are plant allies specifically known as herbal antioxidants which help protect the liver
They’ve attracted researchers due to their potential and efficacy, especially against drug-induced liver toxicity- a big issue in the western world with pharmaceutical consumption. Many of these pharmaceuticals have damaging effects on the liver, hence the detox phases
TCM and Ayurveda are getting attention from researchers as they have traditionally used these allies for treatment of liver disorders for eons.
These allies can be sources for new therapeutic agents that could be used in the prevention of hepatic injuries. They mainly contain flavonoids, polyphenols and tri-terpenes and can be found in a variety of fruits and veggies and have shown promise in combating against the toxicity of several commonly used drugs including acetaminophen
This list does not contain anything you don’t already know about, but maybe having a deeper knowledge of how these foods support your well being, you might eat more of your fruits and veggies :)
-The following protect against liver damage by inhibition of fat oxidation and antioxidant capacity:
Barley grass, carrots, ginger, rosemary and tomato, citrus fruits, Eulethero, Ginko, Milk Thistle
-Grape Seed Extract protects against damage by blocking free radical generation and reducing oxidative stress
-Turmeric provides protection due to its antioxidant properties as well as inhibiting different molecules involved in inflammation
-Grapes and peanuts contain Resveratrol which has chemopreventive activity
-Crucifers, such as broccoli and brussel sprouts, protect the liver from getting damaged during detoxification. They can also stimulate detox enzymes, in other words, cause mobilization of toxins- so pay attention of you drink kale smoothies everyday
-Alliums such as onions and garlic help with the process
Of course, this is a very short list. I really just wanted to shed some light on the importance of eating nutrient dense foods and making sure your foundation for health is strong
Furthermore, food does not just provide nutrients but also ‘information’ to our cells about the environment we’re in and what needs to be triggered for our survival.
I’ve mentioned before that our bodies will always prioritize surviving over thriving. The less surviving it has to do, the more you will thrive and feel your best
Please do your due diligence if you are taking and Pharma-meds to make sure there will be no negative interactions with antioxidant-rich foods and herbs that you are taking.
For a deeper dive into toxin exposure and detox support, her’s a link to a blog from a well respected Functional Medicine doctor