The Best Way to Begin a Detox Plan for Optimal Health
In today’s world, we’re exposed to a wide range of toxins—not just through what we eat or drink, but also through the air we breathe. Major sources of exposure include mold, the standard American diet, and environments ranging from urban to agricultural.
It is estimated that there are over 80,000 toxic chemicals used regularly in the US. There are over 500 chemicals stored in our body and the average individual has at least seven pesticides tested in their urine (1, 2).
Toxins can also be absorbed through the skin, whether from personal care products, swimming, or bath additives meant to promote relaxation. It is imperative to have a daily detoxification lifestyle to get these unwanted toxins out of our system
In this article, you will learn what to expect during a detox, best strategies for a healthy detox process and how to mitigate unwanted symptoms that may occur during a detox. This article is written by our on staff functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner Tarah Black.
Why Detox Is Important
The liver performs hundreds of essential functions every minute, without rest. Key roles include:
- Filtering blood: Cleanses toxins and waste from approximately 1.7 liters of blood per minute.
- Producing bile: Aids in fat digestion. Without a gallbladder, the liver compensates by producing more bile.
- Metabolizing nutrients: Processes carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
- Eliminating toxins: Breaks down medications and other harmful substances.
- Storing nutrients: Holds vitamins, iron, and other essentials for future use.
- Regulating blood: Manages volume and clotting factors.
- Supporting immunity: Plays a role in fighting infections.
Caring for your liver is foundational to overall health and healing.
What to Expect During Detox
Starting a detox program should begin with energy and drainage support. If drainage pathways aren’t functioning properly, toxins can be reabsorbed, leading to symptom flare-ups or new issues. This also forces the liver to repeat its work, adding strain to an already burdened organ.
The Phase 1: Energy and Drainage Bundle focuses on cellular energy—often referred to as mitochondrial energy. Mitochondria power every organ and signal cells to function, impacting digestion, detoxification, waste elimination, immune defense, and tissue repair.
Detoxing requires extra energy, so supporting the liver and kidneys is crucial. As Dr. Jockers says, “You have to pee and poop your way to health.” BC-ATP supports mitochondrial function.
A key indicator of open drainage pathways is regular bowel movements—ideally 1–3 well-formed movements daily, with a sense of complete evacuation. This foundational step may take time, and that’s perfectly okay.
Tips to Support Bowel Movements
- Castor oil packs
- Coffee enemas
- Smooth Move tea
- CellCore Bowel Mover supplement
- Increased water intake with electrolytes
- Relaxation techniques – massage, meditation, prayer
- Chiropractic adjustments
Supporting Detox Organs
We use CellCore products because they’re highly effective. KL Support aids the kidneys and liver, while BioToxin Binder is a gentle, broad-spectrum binder. Again, elimination is key— “You have to pee and poop your way to health.”
Parasite Cleansing Phase
Once drainage is optimized, the next step—parasite cleansing—can begin. Para 1 acts as a “clean sweeper” for the colon, removing old waste where bacteria, viruses, fungi, mycotoxins, candida, and parasites hide under protective biofilms. Breaking down these biofilms is key to effective detoxification.
We add Para 2 in the first detox phase after you have graduated from energy and drainage. Para 2 supports the immune system and gut microbiome, enhances detoxification, and promotes cellular repair.
As you progress into a deeper detoxification stage, you will use Para 3. This is a liquid tincture that allows the body to absorb it more rapidly. Para 3 is focused on systemic detoxification.
Para 4 is the last of the Para supplements. This one is known for immune-boosting properties. It also targets microorganisms by reducing bacterial, fungal and viral loads.
Parasites are more active around the full moon, so we typically recommend more aggressive parasite cleansing in the days around the full moon cycle.
Binders For Different Phases
Just as we use different Para products for different phases of detoxification, we also use different binders in different phases as well to help eliminate what you are detoxifying.
The BioToxin Binder is the most gentle of the binders and is an ideal first-step. BioToxin Binder promotes the body’s natural ability to detoxify. It helps the gut microbiome, which optimizes immunity and digestive function.
The next binder in the sequence is ViRadChem Binder. It promotes the body’s natural ability to detoxify environmental and microbial contaminants while supporting cellular repair and increasing energy production.
The third step in the binders is HM-ET Binder. HM-ET supports the body’s natural ability to detoxify and encourages cellular repair. It helps support mitochondrial health, immunity, energy production, and long-term health.
HM-ET Binder is primarily designed for clients who are in the intermediate stages of detoxification.
The last binder in our steps is Carboxy. Carboxy is a binder that promotes the body’s natural detoxification processes and supports a balanced gut microbiome.
It contains short- and long-chain carbons, which can travel to different parts of the body, beyond the gut. This makes Carboxy an ideal detox support supplement for whole body wellness.
Carboxy is our most potent binder. It’s primarily designed for patients who are in the intermediate stages of detoxification.
Whats Next
After you have completed the first 4 phases of your detox then is the last phase, phase 5 the focus is on all around immune system support as well as target certain areas of wellness.
Symptom Relief Strategies
- Hydrate with electrolytes
- Prioritize sleep and increase the amount of sleep as needed
- Use binders
- Rest when needed – this could be just closing your eyes for 10 minutes or taking a full nap
- Practice self-compassion, grace and prayer. You are making big changes in your life.
- Keep a gratitude journal and symptom sheet
Managing Detox Headaches
Headaches may occur when eliminating caffeine or sugar. To reduce discomfort:
- Gradually reduce caffeine intake over time. Slowly wean yourself off by cutting your intake in half for 3-4 days and see how you do. If you are doing ok, then cut it again in half and continue this process until you have weaned yourself off of it successfully and without side effects.
- Replace sugary/caffeinated drinks with black coffee, tea, matcha, or dandelion root
- Drink plenty of water
- Rest and allow your body to adjust to the changes.
Minimizing Reactions
To reduce detox symptoms:
- Get adequate sleep – your body heals while it sleeps
- Stay hydrated
- Add electrolytes to water
- Eat an anti-inflammatory diet
- Engage in light movement or gentle exercise. Do not overexert yourself.
Deep detoxification typically takes around six months, though timelines vary. If you’re experiencing symptoms, stay consistent and listen to your body. Rest when needed. The full moon parasite cleanse is very effective but also having a good daily cleansing plan is also important.
Understanding Herx Reactions
Herxheimer reactions may include symptom flare-ups or new symptoms such as rashes, constipation, digestive issues, headaches, or emotional shifts. If this occurs, reduce supplement dosage and monitor changes. Microdosing may help shift the body from “fight or flight” into “rest, digest, and heal.”
Keeping a symptom log can be a powerful tool to track progress and stay encouraged throughout your healing journey. Keeping a gratitude journal is also beneficial. Remember healing is not a linear journey. Your healing journey is full of ups and downs and curves when least expected. Each change is an adventure to embrace and see what you learn from the detour.
I encourage anyone that would like a personalized approach to your specific healing journey to work with a health coach. I would be honored to work with you. Learn more about our Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner Tarah Black and her health coaching program here
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