Detoxification is an activity that our body is doing all the time, whether or not we are aware of it, kind of like breathing. In fact, breathing is one way we detox, as well as sweating, and going to the bathroom.

We have many organs in our body perfectly designed and devoted to removing harmful chemicals: the liver’s main job is detoxification, and it works together with the kidneys, intestines, lungs and skin to get things really moving around. But life doesn’t always go as planned. And his name: is fat-loving toxic chemicals.

There are two types of chemicals: water soluble chemicals (like table salt, sugar and alcohol) are easily handled by the body. With the help of our kidneys we can excrete these through our urine, sweat and bile. Fat soluble chemicals are more challenging to eliminate. Fat soluble toxins include heavy metals, man-made chemicals, pesticides, pollutants, plastics and more. Fat-loving toxins are attracted to and stored in our fat tissues, and our brain just happens to be 60% fat–You see the dilemma?

For example, one of the aluminum salts in vaccines, aluminum hydroxide, is water insoluble, therefore not easily excreted. To drive this point home even more, they did a study looking at aluminum levels before and after vaccination of pre-term infants and guess what they found? No aluminum in their urine or blood serum post vaccination. They were reassured by this finding, which is odd. Because it’s not excreted. It’s stored. And that should be very troublesome. They also found a significant drop in iron, manganese, selenium, and zinc levels, and a significant increase in serum copper level, all which could have lasting negative health effects if not restored. This is the kind of information every mother and father should know, don’t you think?

When poor diet, not enough water, lack of exercise and toxic overload collide, it can cause all sorts of issues, including your detox organs to become sluggish, and not work so well. It can cause or exacerbate all sorts of auto-immune, allergic and neurological problems.

Why Detox?

In case you haven’t noticed–we are completely saturated in chemicals. And no, I’m not talking about necessary chemicals like dihydrogen oxide, which is a really scary way to say water. I’m talking about man-made, synthetic chemicals that sprang up under the guise of innovation, chemicals that we have not evolved with over thousands of years. No, these ones are new and exciting. These chemicals will one day be completely banned and future generations will look back on us and think we’ve all gone completely mad, but for now, they are deemed perfectly safe, and even beneficial, even crucial. We are so convinced by the necessity of these chemicals we oversaturate our entire existence with these chemicals, we eat them and breathe them and inject them. Like Scrooge McDuck we swim in them. And then we get really angry if anyone so much as questions these chemicals, that are clearly very profitable you know. Yea, those chemicals.

These lab-discovered chemicals have the ability to alter our DNA, alter our brain chemistry, our microbiome, lower our IQ, cause cancer and cause infertility. Chemicals like arsenic, formaldehyde, lead and mercury, are joined by aluminum, BPA and Phthalates, parabens, PEG, preservatives, pesticides, fluorides, flame retardants, and PFOA and PFOS, to name a few. There are really too many to list.

There are more than 80,000 chemicals currently used in the United States that have not been adequately tested for its impact on human health. There is just so much that we don’t know. Some of these chemicals are in our food, in food packaging, in our water, medicine, beauty products, air, clothing, cookware, furniture, etc. The result is that there is a significant bioaccumulation of toxins in our body, every day, without us even having to leave the house.

What About the Vaccines?

Vaccination may represent the most significant exposure to toxins, because vaccination takes place so early in life (sometimes in utero), repeatedly over those first few months, during very sensitive and critical periods of neurodevelopment.

Infants are anywhere from 4 to 10 pounds when they receive their first vaccine injection at 24 hours old, the Hepatitis B vaccine, which contains 250 mcg. of aluminum hydroxide, among other toxic ingredients. These babies are too young and maladapted to have a potato chip, but they’re perfectly fine to handle a Hepatitis B vaccine? Who is driving this car? The complete list of vaccine ingredients is available here.

The vaccination schedule has expanded so much throughout the years, it would be important to monitor the impact that this early, continuous toxic exposure has on the health outcomes of children.

Vaccines are but one area of toxic exposure, and there are many. There is a lot of research that the fluoride in our diet can combine with aluminum, either from dietary sources or pharmaceuticals, to form aluminum-fluoride complexes (AIF3) that are even more catastrophic to our health.

Vaccines Contain Neurotoxic Ingredients

• Aluminum Phosphate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Amorphous Aluminum Hydroxyphosphate Sulfate (AAHS) are vaccine adjuvants meant to “light a fire in the body.” The aluminum in vaccines was found to translocate to the brain via white blood cells. These aluminum adjuvants that are injected directly into the body are not rapidly eliminated by the processes described above, but can biopersist and remain in the body and accumulate. Aluminum has been found in the brains of those with Alzheimer’s Disease and Autism.
• Polysorbate 80 opens the blood brain barrier, allowing toxins to enter the brain.
• Formaldehyde is mutagenic and genotoxic.

Other Chemicals To Look Out For

Fluoride – neurotoxic, lowers IQ,  and forms complexes with aluminum in the body, causing damage to the kidneys, central nervous system and brain. Fluoride and aluminum are suspected in the etiology of autism spectrum disorder and Alzheimer’s disease. Fluoride can be found in dental products, drinking water, fruit juices, processed foods (chicken nuggets, lunch meat, mechanically separated meat), tea, beer, wine, coffee, grains, beans, Teflon coated cookware, dried nuts and fruit.

Aluminum in Consumer Products – Many packaged processed foods and frozen foods contain aluminum. It’s a common ingredient in baking powder, so baked goods, cake mixes, muffin mixes, frozen pizza. Aluminum is also a common ingredient in deodorant, antacid medications, drinking water, infant formula, cookware, drinkware, and canned food.

Lead and Arsenic – both are found in drinking water, baby food, fruit juice, wine, and more. Too much lead exposure can cause decreased bone and muscle growth, poor muscle coordination, damage to the nervous system, kidneys, hearing, speech and language problems, developmental delay, and seizures. Arsenic is another heavy metal that can cause hormone disruption and organ damage, as well as alter neurodevelopment, and is associated with lower IQ.

MTHFR Mutation

Another thing to take into account, is that everyone processes chemicals and toxins differently. Having one or two copies of these mutations MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) A1298C or C677T is another glitch in the detox process.

Some signs of an MTHFR mutation include:

• Midline Defects
• Sacral Dimple
• Lip or Tongue tie
• Stork Bite
• Sugar Bug (blue vein between eyes)

MTHFR is sometimes called the detox gene, because having one of these mutations can impair our body’s ability to eliminate toxins. “Dirty Genes” by Ben Lynch, M.D. is on my to-do read list.

:: DETOX PROTOCOLS ::

Avoid Tylenol / Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen, also called Tylenol, is an over-the-counter drug often recommended to give to babies around the time of vaccines, and this simple gesture can actually increase damage and lower antibody response to vaccination. Tylenol reduces glutathione, which is one of the most important antioxidants in the body. Created by the liver, glutathione is absolutely necessary for preventing damage from free radicals, peroxides, lipid peroxides, and heavy metals–basically everything that is in a vaccine. We don’t want to reduce a person’s glutathione. Glutathione is the antidote to an overdose of Tylenol! That’s how important glutathione is.

If Tylenol is administered to a baby before and after a vaccine, the glutathione is used up on detoxing the liver from the Tylenol, so then the vaccine ingredients can cause more damage to your baby, whether it’s a localized reaction on the thigh, or the aluminum is engulfed in white blood cells and travels through the lymphatic system to the brain, and gets deposited there, unchecked.

Breastfeed

If you are interested in detoxing an infant, breastmilk is the most replenishing source of nutrition. Breastmilk is a living food. It’s filled with leukocytes, epithelial cells, stem cells, and probiotic bacteria. It is the best detox for young babies. It’s not just food, it’s medicine. Actually all our food should be medicine right?

This may be why breastfed infants have lower rates of autism over formula fed infants. If you are formula feeding, look into human milk donation to help your baby recover from vaccines. Or become friends with a lactating mom nearby who is willing to donate some milk, bypassing the pasteurization process. Definitely avoid water with fluoride, and infant formula with high amounts of aluminum.

Increase Water Intake

An infants body is made of about 75% water. By one year that drops to 60%. For our bodies to work properly, and detox properly, we need to be well hydrated. For those who aren’t breastfeeding, water is necessary to flush your system, otherwise breastmilk is the best option for babies. For older children, half the child’s weight in ounces is how much water they should be drinking daily.

Water rich in silica, like Fiji water or Volvic water, has been shown to remove aluminum from individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. Mineral waters bind with aluminum in the body and allow it to be removed through urination. Aluminium expert Chris Exley found that individuals with autism have an alarmingly high amount of aluminum in their brain tissue.

Stay away from store bought juices as those have a lot of added sugar, and can also contain dangerous levels of arsenic, lead and other heavy metals.

Organic Fruits and Vegetables

Eating real foods will help your body to function at its best and detox properly. Non-GMO and organic produce, along with eliminating processed foods and eliminating added sugar, will be the best change you can make for your own and/or your child’s health. Consider making a smoothie or juicing any of these plants: 

Other greens to add in would be: Mustard Greens, Collard, Beet Greens, Spinach, Bok Choy and Swiss Chard.

Reduce / Eliminate Gluten and Casein

Foods that contain gluten (like wheat products) and casein (dairy products) are known to cause inflammation, slow digestion, and can exacerbate neurological symptoms from headaches and brain fog, to ADHD and autism and schizophrenia. Other foods to toss out while cleaning out the body are foods high in sugar, processed foods, and artificial food coloring and preservatives. Substitute raw honey for your sweetener for added health benefits.

Detox Baths

Baths are a great way to detox, and it’s great for all ages. You can combine many of these ingredients together, or use just what you have on hand. Soak for 20 minutes (and another 20 more if you want) and do not use any soap in the bath. Rinse well when done and drink plenty of water before and after the bath.

Pregnant women are not generally recommended to detox. However pregnant women can bathe in epsom salt, provided the water is not over 100 degrees.

Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate):

Epsom salt is a mineral that is soothing for sore muscles, aches, pains and bruises. It can relieve pain from sunburns, poison ivy, remove splinters, and boosts your body’s magnesium and sulfate, which leads to relaxed muscles. Epsom salt can also draw out infection, absorb toxins and is also anti-fungal. Epsom salt reduces swelling and inflammation, which may follow vaccination.

1/2 cup of salts for a child, 1 cup for adults in a standard size tub.

Bentonite Clay:

Bentonite clay is a special kind of clay that creates an electrical charge when added to water. It has a strong negative charge that bonds to the positive charge in many toxins, especially heavy metals. For this reason, you do not want to stir or prepare any bentonite clay mixture with a metal utensil. It “uses” up the charge, and thus the detoxing abilities. Bentonite clay can be used as a face mask, to brush ones teeth with (and apparently it’s safe for metal fillings because of the charge and granted you spit it out!) and in a bath to draw out the impurities and toxins through your skin. It can be drying so rinse well.

4 oz. of clay for children under 20 lbs.
6 oz. for children 20-50 lbs
8 oz. for children and adults over 50 lbs.

Baking Soda:

1/2 cup of baking soda for a child, 1 cup for adults in a standard size tub.

Other Ingredients: have fun experimenting with different ingredients and combinations. Making a detox bath is a little like cooking. A little citric acid will make the bath fizzy (when combined with baking soda). A few drops of lavender essential oil is good to relieve stress, eucalyptus essential oil is good to relieve congestion. Finely ground oatmeal (colloidal oatmeal) soothes inflamed, rashy or irritated skin, while breastmilk or goatmilk powder moisturizes dry, eczema, psoriasis covered skin.

Probiotics

Probiotics are a good part of a healthy diet whether or not you’re in detox mode. Restore the gut flora and balance the immune system. Can be taken as a supplement or eat probiotic rich foods like:

• Yogurt (I prefer plain, full fat to get the most benefits with the least sugar. Top with nuts and drizzle with raw honey or maple syrup.)
• Sauerkraut
• Kimchi
• Kefir

Cod Liver Oil / Fish Oil:

Everyone should be taking one of these for the amazing health benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids. I prefer Cod Liver Oil which is also high in vitamin A and vitamin D and has many benefits for dental health.

Plant Sources of Omega 3:

• Chia Seeds
• Brussels Sprouts
• Hemp Seed
• Walnuts
• Flaxseeds
• Edamame
• Seaweed and algae

Elderberry

This super fruit boosts the immune system, promotes the stimulation of macrophages that filter out and destroy foreign particles. Also improves metabolism, enhances liver function, and may prevent cancer.

Adult – 1 Tbsp. every 3 hours
Children – 1 tsp. every 3 hours

Vitamin C

Most animals can synthesize Vitamin C during times of stress. For some reason, humans have lost that ability. During times of sickness and stress, it is important to supplement or eat vitamin C rich foods. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, boosts the immune system, repairs damage, including damage done by heavy metals, and can even reverse sepsis. There is also a Vitamin C protocol for whooping cough / pertussis.

For adults 1,000 – 2,000 mg daily. Loose stools is typical at high doses of vitamin C, just 1/2 the dose if needed for bowel tolerance.

Plant Sources of Vitamin C:

• Chili Peppers
• Strawberries
• Bell Pepper
• Jalapeno
• Pineapple
• Kale
• Mango
• Kiwi
• Cayenne Pepper
• Guava
• Brussels Sprouts
• Broccoli
• Orange
• Lemon
• Papaya
• Indian Gooseberry
• Camu Camu powder

Raw Garlic

Garlic is an excellent immunity booster with antiviral and antibacterial properties. Garlic contains selenium, a mineral that helps to detoxify the liver. It also has the ability to activate liver enzymes that can help your body naturally flush out toxins.

I finely chop up a clove or two of garlic and place it in a spoon of honey and swallow. Keep a glass of water handy as a chaser.

Camu Camu

Camu Camu is a true superfruit. Originating from a small bushy riverside tree from the Amazon rainforest in Peru and Brazil, camu camu is the single most concentrated source of Vitamin C found in nature. Camu camu is also rich in Iron, Niacin, Phosphorous, Potassium, Riboflavin, Beta-carotene and Amino acids. The fruit often comes in powder form, and is a natural source of powerful antioxidants (anthocyanins) which helps scavenge free radicals, reduce inflammation, and aids in detoxification. Animal and human studies have demonstrated that Camu Camu has anti-inflammatory properties, reduces cholesterol and obesity, and protects the liver against injury. Camu Camu has made its way into vaccine detox regimens because of its neuroprotective effects: reduces neurodegeneration, and delays paralysis, and help reverse cranial / optical nerve injuries due to vaccination.

Dose:

• 6 months to 1 year – 12% of adult dose
• 1 to 2 years – 25% of adult dose
• 3 to 7 years – 50% of adult dose
• 8 to 12 years – 75% of adult dose
• Adult dose is 1 tsp. daily

Tamarind

Tamarind is a pod-like fruit that is often used in Indian, Thai or Mexican cuisines. Tamarind was shown to increase fluoride urinary excretion from as little as one third of an ounce per day of tamarind consumption. Tamarind adds the tangy sweetness to Pad Thai and is the lovely deep red chutney that comes with an Indian samosa. If you buy a jar of tamarind paste, get ready for a surprise: it’s incredibly sour all by itself.

Exercise

No natural or gentle detoxification regimen is complete without some exercise. For the body to truly work at its best, it is the combination of eating nourishing foods, drinking plenty of water, and keeping the circulatory system active. A moving and active body, especially one that sweats a little, is very important to improve metabolism, digestion, and therefore detoxification.

Sweating is one of our processes of detoxification. Arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury all were excreted in detectable levels just from sweating alone. So encourage some outside play, sports, bike riding, yoga, hide and seek, followed by some water.

Final Thoughts

It’s never too late to detox, because in a way we are always detoxing, and we are always ingesting and breathing toxins. What we can do is give our detox organs a lift by eating healthy foods.

Did I leave anything important out? Have an awesome detox success story? Please comment below and let me know!