The word “detox” has become a buzzword and gets used a lot in the health and wellness space.

A lot of the time, I believe people are just trying to sell a product. However, there are some legit products out there that impactful which we will get to later.

In addition, some people will say that “detoxing” is pseudoscience. Our liver already detoxifies all the toxins we come in contact with, and there’s nothing more we need to do to try and enhance that process.

This is where we strongly disagree.

Our opinion

We live in a world with an unprecedented amount of toxins that our bodies were never designed to deal with.

These toxins live in our tap water, ultra-processed foods, air pollution, personal care products, household cleaning products, our building materials, furniture, industrial byproducts, motor exhaust, plastic, agricultural chemicals, and so on.

The problem:

• Our liver, while effective at detoxifying our bodies of environmental toxins, is being overwhelmed with an amount of toxins it cannot effectively clear – as it was designed for a much cleaner world.
• This causes toxins to accumulate in the body, namely in the fat cells and brain tissue.
• When these toxins accumulate in our body and brains, over time this is when disease begins to emerge.
• Accumulated toxins are known to lead to autoimmunity, neurological decline, brain damage, chronic inflammation, accelerated aging, endocrine and developmental disruption, immune dysfunction and cancer, organ damage, and increased risk of mental health issues [5][6][7][8][9].
• In addition to too many toxins coming into our body, we also have the problem of being the most unhealthy population on the planet. Nutrient deficiencies, chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, poor diet, and poor gut health all severely impair over liver’s ability to effectively remove toxins from our body.
• A process known as methylation, which about 25% of the population has a genetic mutation for that reduces our body’s ability to methylate, plays a central role in our liver’s ability to detoxify us.
• Methylation is known to be reduced by oxidative stress from poor diet, unhealthy lifestyle, and exposure to environmental toxins.
• Impaired methylation from modern living reduces our ability to detoxify even more.

All in all, while we do have an organ like the liver that removes toxins from our body, we simply have too many toxins coming into the system than it can effectively clear while we are simultaneously impairing our body’s ability to clear toxins due to our modern diet and lifestyle.

Some alarming facts:

• In the United States alone, more than 80,000 man-made chemicals are currently in commercial use, with about 2,000 new chemicals introduced annually [1]. Of these, only 1% have actually been tested for safety [2]. These include industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, food additives, plastics, and more.
• Human biomonitoring data show that exposures to these chemicals (including pesticides, bisphenol A, phthalates, etc.) are nearly universal in populations studied.
• A major study by the Environmental Working Group detected up to 232 industrial compounds (including BPA, flame retardants, PCBs, heavy metals, pesticides, and more) in the umbilical cord blood of newborns in the United States, showing exposure before birth [3][4].
• Recent studies led by Emory University found measurable levels of PFAS in the blood of newborns, indicating in-utero exposure. Higher PFAS levels in mothers were linked to increased rates of preterm and early term birth, and disruptions in tissue growth and hormonal function in newborns [10].
• Multiple research efforts have detected hundreds of synthetic chemicals (BPA, pesticides, heavy metals, phthalates, and more) in newborns and their mothers. Some cohort studies found 287 out of 413 substances screened were present in newborn cord blood [11].
• Studies have found PFAS contamination in wildlife such as polar bears, whales, and seabirds living in the Arctic, as well as in rainwater from Antarctica and water samples from the Himalayas. PFAS have been mapped in wildlife on every continent, showing that these chemicals travel thousands of miles from their sources via air, water, and the food chain [12][13].
• PCBs, dioxins, and other POPs have been found in the Arctic, brought there by long-range atmospheric and oceanic transport. These chemicals have been detected in snow, rain, and animal tissue far from industrial centers. The Stockholm Convention on POPs was established in part due to these findings [14].

How to detoxify your body:

Open up detox pathways

In order to start really detoxifying the body, the best approach is to restore and optimize the body’s natural systems for processing and eliminating toxins.

Detox pathways can become overwhelmed or sluggish due to toxin overload, poor nutrition, stress, and unhealthy lifestyle factors.

Our detox pathways include:

• The cell membrane – The toxins trapped in our cell membranes are difficult to remove but must be removed here first for true detox to occur. Phosphatidylcholine is the only supplement we know of that’s highly effective at doing this. In addition, supporting mitochondria and cell membranes, improving antioxidant status (like glutathione levels), and reducing inflammation will help your cells better handle and remove toxins.
• The liver – The liver is the primary organ for detoxification, converting fat-soluble toxins into water-soluble compounds via complex biochemical phases (Phase I and Phase II), so they can be excreted. The liver sends processed toxins to the bile for elimination via the digestive tract or to the bloodstream for kidney filtration.
• The kidneys – They filter waste products and toxins from the blood and excrete them through urine. Toxins processed by the liver (via Phase II) are often excreted through urine. The kidneys regulate fluid and electrolyte balance, which is vital for detoxification and general health.
• The lymphatic system – The lymphatic system supports detoxification by transporting waste and immune-related byproducts to lymph nodes for processing and elimination. Movement is the best way to move lymph fluid. Other things like rebounding (bouncing), lymphatic massage, and hydration enhance lymphatic drainage.
• The gastrointestinal (GI) tract – The liver secretes toxins into bile, which is released into the intestines and eliminated in feces. Our gut microbiota also metabolize certain toxins. A healthy gut microbiome is essential for efficient detoxification.
• The skin – The skin is the body’s largest organ. It removes toxins primarily through sweating.
• The lungs – The lungs expel gaseous toxins and metabolic byproducts like carbon dioxide through the breath. For example, alcohol is partially eliminated as acetaldehyde vapor through breath. Deep breathing and exercise support this pathway [23][24][25][26][27][28].

These systems work together continuously to process, neutralize, and eliminate toxic substances and waste from the body.

Our body’s detox pathways can become sluggish due to the onslaught of so many environmental toxins we’re exposed to combined with poor nutrition, poor methylation, poor metabolic health, inflammation and oxidative stress.

The following approach involves a combination of supplementation and lifestyle factors that can support or “open” these detox channels and are proven to effectively detoxify the body and improve health outcomes.

Lifestyle factors

Sweating

Sweating facilitates detoxification by mobilizing toxins from the bloodstream and sending them out of the body through the pores of the skin.

Sweating also supports the liver and kidneys – the main organs of detoxification –  indirectly by promoting circulation, lymphatic flow, and reducing toxic load.

Sweat is mostly water (about 99%) but contains small amounts of salts, urea, and trace amounts of heavy metals like arsenic, lead, copper, and mercury. Studies show that sweating can remove these heavy metals from the body, sometimes even more effectively than urine.

Key toxins known to be excreted through sweat include:

• Heavy metals – Sweating has been shown to excrete heavy metals like nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg).
• Microplastics – Particularly BPA has been found to be excreted through sweat.
• Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) – These are toxic industrial chemicals linked to various health issues. Specific types of PCBs have been found in sweat [20][21][22].

How to sweat:

• Sauna – We recommend using  a sauna at least 2-3 times a week to stay clean in a toxic world.
• Exercise – Any form of moderate or high intensity exercise that causes you to sweat (running, CrossFit, biking, etc.).

Movement

Moving your body improves detoxification in several ways:

• It increases blood circulation – This helps transport toxins to elimination organs like the liver, kidneys, and lungs for processing and removal.
• It enhances lymphatic drainage – Unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system lacks a central pump (like the heart) and relies on muscle contractions for lymph flow. Walking, jogging, lifting, jumping, bouncing, stretching, and muscle engagement stimulate lymphatic drainage, which we know transports toxins to the lymph nodes for elimination.
• It boosts metabolic rate –  Increased metabolism during movement supports detoxification by enhancing cellular energy production and promoting enzymatic processes involved in toxin breakdown [20][23][24][26][27].

Aim to constantly move your body throughout the day. This could look like going for a 10-minute walk every hour or two or a 15-minute walk several times a day.

Also aim to lift heavy weights 2-3x per week and some form of aerobic exercise 1-2x per week. HIIT training is a great option as well to engage in a few times per week.

Hydration

Adequate hydration supports detoxification in multiple ways:

• It supports kidney function – Water is essential for the kidneys to filter blood and flush toxins out through urine. Adequate water intake ensures sufficient urine production, allowing efficient filtration and flushing of toxins. Dehydration reduces urine output, leading to toxin buildup and potential kidney strain.
• It maintains good blood circulation – Hydration maintains blood plasma volume, improving circulation and the delivery of toxins to the liver and kidneys.
• It prevents toxin accumulation – Adequate hydration dilutes toxins in the bloodstream and urine, reducing their potential to harm tissues.
• It maintains electrolyte balance – Consuming water with added electrolytes or trace minerals will improve your electrolyte balance, which is critical for kidney and cellular function during detoxification.
• Supports digestive health and bowel movements – Hydration softens stool and promotes regular bowel movements, which is an important route for eliminating toxins processed by the liver. Dehydration can cause constipation, allowing toxins to linger and potentially be reabsorbed.
• It supports liver function – Without enough fluids, the liver becomes strained, making toxin elimination less effective and potentially causing toxin buildup.
• It supports lymph flow – Water maintains lymph fluid volume, ensuring smooth flow and preventing stagnation. Dehydration thickens lymph, impairing its ability to carry waste [29][30].

Aim to drink plenty of water daily, using your pee color as well as how you feel to determine the appropriate amount. Opt for either spring water or filtered water over tap. If drinking filtered water, make sure to remineralize it so you don’t strip minerals from your body with empty water.

Coffee enemas

Coffee enemas are a controversial practice. The conventional medical system demonizes them mostly because of the claims people make regarding their efficacy while there isn’t really any scientific evidence to support them.

However, that doesn’t mean they don’t work. Quite the contrary, enemas have been around for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians used them. Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, strongly encouraged them.

Coffee enemas were used by doctors and nurses during World War 1 as a treatment for pain and shock [31][32].

Daily coffee enemas are also used in Gerson therapy, which is a natural alternative treatment system developed by Dr. Max Gerson in the early 1900s, originally for migraines and later used for diseases like tuberculosis and cancer.

It is based on the idea that chronic diseases result from toxic buildup and metabolic imbalances in the body, which can be reversed by detoxifying, boosting immunity, and restoring cellular function through diet and supplements.

I personally have been using coffee enemas routinely for past couple of years, and while I don’t actually “feel” a sensation of having less toxins than I did prior to the enema, I do feel more energized that I otherwise would from drinking a cup of coffee.

How coffee enemas are alleged to work:

• Stimulating bile flow – The coffee is absorbed through veins surrounding the colon, where it is transported to the liver and dilates blood vessels and bile ducts. This stimulates the release of bile from the liver and gallbladder into the intestines, where it is then eliminated through the anus once the enema is released. Our body likes to store toxins in our bile, and typically 95% of bile is reabsorbed back into the body because it is very expensive for the body to make. Coffee enemas allow the toxic bile to be eliminated rather than reabsorbed.
• Enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity – Compounds in coffee like kahweol and cafestol allegedly stimulate the liver’s glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzyme by 600% to 700%, which helps neutralize free radicals and bind toxins to glutathione, making them easier to eliminate via bile and stool.
• Dilating blood vessels and bile ducts – The caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline in coffee act to relax smooth muscles in these vessels, helping improve circulation and toxin clearance.
• Supporting the liver’s detox capacity – By increasing bile flow and antioxidant capacity, coffee enemas may help the liver more efficiently process and remove toxic substances, potentially easing toxin buildup.

Again, there is no robust scientific evidence supporting coffee enemas for detoxification or other health benefits. Most claims are based on anecdotal reports.

However, we believe coffee enemas are effective and recommended trying them out for yourself.

We personally use this enema kit.

How to perform a coffee enema:

• Gather supplies – You will need an enema kit, some enema-grade ground coffee, and some water (highly filtered, distilled, or spring).
• Prepare the coffee – Heat about 2-3 cups of water on the stove. Being to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer. Add ground coffee to the water and allow to steep for 15 minutes. Start with 1 tsp of coffee and work your way up to 1-3 tbsps over time.
• Add coffee to the enema bucket – After 15 minutes, pour the coffee into the enema bucket through a colander to remove the grounds. It’s okay if a few grounds make it into the bucket.
• Cool the coffee – Cool the coffee to body temperature or slightly lower (80-98°F) by adding ice made from filtered water or by diluting the coffee with more water.
• Find a bathroom – Hang the enema bucket from an elevated rack like a towel rack or something similar. Insert the enema tube, and twist the release valve slowly to initiate the flow of coffee.
• Hold the coffee – Retain the coffee enema for 12-15 minutes for maximum detoxification.

Safety Precautions:

• Make sure the coffee is cooled to body temperature (98°F) – Please do not use hot coffee. There have been cases of rectal burns from people using coffee that was too hot. I usually cool mine to 90°F.
• Be sure to stay hydrated – Coffee enemas can remove electrolytes along with water so it’s imperative to replace those electrolytes.
• Be aware of caffeine content – Coffee contains high amounts of caffeine, which can causes adverse health issues if used in too high of amounts. Be mindful of the amount of caffeine your using for your enema.
• Be gentle with insertion – Be very gentle to prevent damage to any rectal tissue with sharp movements of the nozzle.
• Use the correct type of coffee – Not all coffee is the same. You want to use an organic, high quality coffee for your enemas. Definitely do not use a typical store-bought brand as most brands contain high levels of mycotoxins, pesticides, and other harmful substances you don’t want in your body. We use this brand.

Castor oil packs

Castor oil packs involve applying a cloth soaked in castor oil to the skin, typically over the abdomen or liver area, with heat, to increase detoxification processes.

Uses:

• Castor oil is a staple in Ayurvedic medicine, used for promoting liver detoxification, aiding digestion, and supporting women’s reproductive health.
• Evidence of castor oil use, dating back to 4,000 B.C., is found in the Ebers Papyrus and used for medicinal purposes and cosmetics.
• The Greek physician Hippocrates, the “father of medicine,” reportedly recommended castor oil for various ailments.
• In traditional Chinese medicine, castor oil packs are used to address issues with the flow of Qi and blood, promoting pain relief and supporting the reproductive system.
• In the mid-1900s, castor oil packs were used in hospitals and obstetrics departments in the U.S. to induce labor and treat various conditions.
• Many people use castor oil packs for conditions like gastrointestinal issues, menstrual irregularities, skin problems, and detoxification [33][34].

How Castor Oil Packs work:

• Enhancing circulation and lymphatic flow – When castor oil packs are applied over the liver area (upper right abdomen), the ricinoleic acid in the oil promotes increased blood flow and stimulates the lymphatic system, which increases the transportation of toxins out of the body.
• Supporting liver function and bile flow –  castor oil packs may help by promoting better liver function and bile flow, which assists in processing and eliminating fat-soluble toxins.
• Reducing inflammation and relieving pain – Ricinoleic acid in castor oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which can soothe abdominal discomfort, reduce muscle or joint pain, and support organ function during detoxification.
• Aiding digestion and bowel movements – The packs may have mild laxative effects, helping to clear the bowels and reduce toxic buildup in the colon [35][36][37].
• Promote relaxation – People commonly report feelings of relaxation when using castor oil packs.

We personally use this brand.

Supplements

Phosphatidylcholine (PC)

This is our #1 recommendation for removing toxins that are stored deep within our cell membranes that otherwise would remain. This is the only supplement we are aware of that actually allows pulls toxins out of our cell membranes and out of the body.

PC is a major component of cell membranes. Supplementing with PC helps rebuild and repair damaged cell membranes, normalizing cell permeability and supporting overall cellular function, which is fundamental for effective detoxification.

PC supports the liver by restoring the balance of key compounds like S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe), which is essential for producing glutathione—the body’s primary antioxidant and detox molecule. This helps the liver process fat-soluble toxins through phase one and phase two detoxification, converting them into water-soluble substances that can be safely excreted via urine or stool.

By boosting glutathione production, PC reduces oxidative stress and helps neutralize toxins, free radicals, and environmental pollutants within cells.

Phospholipids like PC can encapsulate fat-soluble toxins in microscopic lipid bubbles, facilitating their safe transport and removal from the body via the liver and digestive tract.

PC also helps repair gut lining membranes, improves fat absorption, and supports mitochondrial function, all of which play indirect roles in detoxification efficiency and reducing toxic burden [18][19].

Glutathione

Glutathione is referred to as the body’s master antioxidant and plays a central role in detoxification.

Its’s called the body’s “master antioxidant” because it directly scavenges dangerous free radicals and reactive oxygen species generated during detox and normal metabolism.

This helps protect cells from oxidative damage.

Glutathione is also essential in the liver’s two-phase detox system. In phase one, toxins are converted into reactive intermediates, which can be harmful if not handled properly.

Glutathione then binds to these toxins in phase two, rendering them water-soluble and easier for the body to excrete through the kidneys, liver (bile), and intestines.

By protecting immune cells from oxidative stress and supporting white blood cell function, glutathione helps the immune system defend the body during toxin exposure and illness.

Glutathione plays vital roles in maintaining mitochondrial function and cellular repair, which are critical for healthy detoxification.

Liposomal delivery encapsulates glutathione in protective fat-based liposomes, shielding it from stomach acid and digestive enzymes, allowing more effective absorption into the bloodstream and cells compared to traditional oral supplements [15][16][17].

We have been using liposomal glutathione for years and we notice a huge benefit, especially on nights that we have a few drinks. We personally use this brand.

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

NAC is a precursor to the body’s most potent antioxidant, glutathione.

It has been shown to help detoxify the body in the following ways:

• Boosts glutathione levels – NAC provides cysteine – the rate-limiting amino acid needed to produce glutathione – which plays a crucial role in neutralizing free radicals and binding toxins to make them water-soluble for easier excretion.
• Protects liver cells – Higher glutathione levels means more protection for liver cells from damage caused by oxidative stress, helping maintain the liver’s structure and function during detoxification.
• Chelates heavy metals – NAC can bind to heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic, facilitating their removal through urine and aiding heavy metal detoxification.
• Antioxidant defense – NAC directly scavenges reactive oxygen species and improves antioxidant capacity, reducing oxidative damage and inflammation associated with toxin exposure.
• Mucolytic effect – NAC breaks down mucus, supporting respiratory detoxification by clearing mucus buildup in the lungs and airways [38][39][40][41].

We have been using NAC for years, and I have personally noticed a huge improvement in my resiliency to environmental toxins, particularly my ability to rebound after alcohol or nicotine use.

We personally use this brand.

Binders

Binders are substances that bind to toxins in the body—particularly in the digestive tract—and help escort them out through the stool, preventing their reabsorption and reducing overall levels of toxins in the body that we accumulate day to day.

There are many different types of binders that work in different ways and target different toxins.

Some common ones include:

• Activated charcoal – AC is a form of carbon processed to have a highly porous structure, increasing its surface area and making it highly adsorbent. AC binds to a broad range of toxins including chemicals, mycotoxins, and some medications. It can be taken daily to bind to daily exposures of environmental toxins.
• Zeolites – Zeolites are volcanic minerals with a porous structure that bind positively charged heavy metals (e.g., lead, mercury, cadmium) and toxins (e.g., pesticides, microplastics, environmental pollutants) in the gut, preventing absorption and escorting them out of the body via the stool.
• Bentonite clay – Bentonite clay is a negatively charged natural clay that binds to positively charged toxins, heavy metals, pesticides, and is particularly effective for mycotoxins.
• Modified citrus pectin – Unlike regular pectin, which is used as a gelling agent in foods, MCP is processed to have a lower molecular weight and altered structure, making it more bioavailable and absorbable in the digestive tract. It effectively binds heavy metals and mycotoxins, while also enhancing immune function, reducing inflammation, and supporting lymphatic and liver detox pathways by lowering toxin-induced damage.
• Silica – Silica a naturally occurring substance found abundantly in the Earth’s crust. It’s a major component of many rocks, sand, and clay. It has been shown to bind heavy metals, as well as some microbial toxins and opportunistic pathogens. Silica tends to bind medium-sized molecular weight particles and toxins in the gut without significantly adsorbing vitamins or essential nutrients, making it a relatively safe binder when taken properly.
• Chitosan – Chitosan is derived from chitin, a natural polysaccharide found in the shells of shellfish like shrimp and crabs. Chitosan has a positively charged structure, allowing it to bind with negatively charged toxins such as heavy metals and mycotoxins [42][43][44][45][46].

Many brands offer combinations of these binders in one supplement. We recommend taking some form of binder daily due to how many toxins we are exposed to on a daily basis.

We have been using this brand for years.

Calcium D-Glucarate

Calcium D-Glucarate is a supplement derived from D-glucaric acid, a naturally occurring compound found in small amounts in fruits and vegetables, that helps facilitate the elimination of toxins, excess hormones (such as estrogen), and carcinogens by inhibiting an enzyme called beta-glucuronidase.

This enzyme can interfere with detoxification by breaking apart conjugated toxins and hormones in the gut, allowing them to be reabsorbed back into the body instead of being excreted.

Benefits:

• Enhances phase II liver detoxification – Calcium D-glucarate supports the liver’s Phase II detoxification by promoting glucuronidation, a process that conjugates toxins and hormones with glucuronic acid for excretion via bile or urine.
• Hormonal balance – It helps reduce reabsorption of excess estrogen, which may benefit conditions like PMS, painful breasts, and hormone-related cancers. Inhibiting beta-glucuronidase prevents the reabsorption of estrogen conjugates in the gut, increasing their fecal excretion and lowering systemic level.
• Removes a range of toxins – It aids in excreting environmental toxins, heavy metals, or carcinogens by enhancing glucuronidation.
• May reduce cancer risk – Enhanced glucuronidation removes carcinogenic compounds, and reduced beta-glucuronidase activity lowers inflammation linked to cancer progression. By detoxifying carcinogens and reducing inflammation, calcium D-glucarate is promoted as a supportive therapy for cancer prevention, particularly breast, prostate, or colon cancer [47][48][49].

Caution:

Calcium D-Glucarate is very effective at removing toxins and is known to cause herxheimer reactions where you may experience symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, headaches, or low mood when first taking it.

I had horrible brain fog, low mood, and symptoms of low dopamine even at low dose. I personally can’t tolerate any amount of this product.

I recommend starting at a low dose and working your way up over time.

Humic/Fulvic Acid

Humic and fulvic acids are natural organic compounds derived from decomposed plant and microbial matter, commonly found in soil, rivers, and lakes.

They help with detoxification through multiple mechanisms:

• Binding and removal of toxins – Both humic and fulvic acids act as natural chelators, binding to heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides, and other environmental toxins.
• Cellular detoxification – Fulvic acid, with its smaller molecular size, penetrates cells and helps transport nutrients in while assisting in carrying waste products and toxins out, supporting detoxification at the cellular level.
• Antioxidant properties – They neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, protecting cells from damage caused by toxins and inflammation.
• Enhanced nutrient absorption – Fulvic acid improves gut health and increases the bioavailability of minerals and other nutrients, which supports overall cellular function and detox processes.
• Gut health support – These acids promote a balanced microbiome, improve microbial communication in the gut, improve digestion, and maintain the integrity of the gut lining, which are all essential for effective detoxification.
• Immune and liver support – They help reduce toxic load on organs like the liver and kidneys, support immune function by lowering inflammation, and may help stimulate liver regeneration and mitochondrial function.
• Trace minerals –  They naturally contain a wide spectrum of essential macro and trace minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, manganese, copper, selenium, and many others—up to 69 different minerals have been identified in some forms. These minerals are often in an ionic or bioavailable form, which means they can be easily absorbed and utilized by the body [50][51][52][53][54].

We use this brand every single day to support detoxification and to make sure we are getting healthy amounts of trace minerals.

Summary

We believe that if you follow the tips laid out in this article, you will protect yourself from the unavoidable exposures to the ocean of environmental toxins we are exposed to every day, and this will not only make you feel much better mentally and physically, but you will be protected from so many different chronic diseases that are highly driven by accumulated toxicity.