The term "detoxification" is often used synonymously with "purification" and has become a kind of fad. Many dietary supplements are still advertised with the term "detox," even though this is legally impermissible. Since this term is also not clearly defined, a whole range of ingredients fall under it – and it is often unclear to the customer what exactly the "detoxifying" effect of the respective product is supposed to consist of.

Therefore, this section will begin by explaining what conventional medicine understands by "detoxification" and which organs in our body are primarily responsible for it.

Detoxification in conventional medicine

The absorption and release of substances from and into the environment is called metabolism. In this process, the body also takes in harmful substances that it must transform or eliminate. This process is known as "detoxification“ is referred to and finds v.aMetabolic processes take place in the liver, kidneys, and gallbladder. Additionally, metabolic products are also excreted through the skin and respiration.

The liver is the body's main detoxification organ and is involved in the entire metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Toxic substances, which are often fat-soluble, are broken down in the liver with the help of a wide variety of enzymes and prepared for excretion by being made water-soluble (a process known as biotransformation). Water-soluble substances return to the bloodstream and thus reach the kidneys, where the toxins are filtered out and excreted via the urinary tract. Particularly poorly water-soluble toxins and large substances, such as heavy metals, which cannot be excreted via the kidneys, are stored in the gallbladder and ultimately eliminated through the intestines.

Only when the body's own detoxification mechanisms are exhausted, may it be necessary, according to conventional medical understanding, to use "Detoxification therapies to intervene; z.B. in cases of renal insufficiency (dialysis) or poisoning (activated charcoal to bind toxic substances, gastric lavage or induced vomiting).

“slag"According to conventional medical understanding, there is no such thing as 'harmful residues'. However, it does recognize harmful residues, which are defined differently in a biochemical sense. These include: fat deposits (cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL), elevated uric acid in the blood and tissues (leading to gout), long-chain sugar-protein compounds (associated with aging processes, arteriosclerosis, and damage in existing diabetes), excess antigen-antibody complexes, v.a. in autoimmune processes (z.B. Lupus erythematosus, glomerulonephritis), lactate (lactic acid) or metabolites of medications and drugs (z.BMarijuana residue in fatty tissue).

Detoxification in Western naturopathy

The belief that inner cleansing of body and mind is beneficial is widespread in many cultures and religions around the world. Fasting is an integral part of Ramadan in Islam, and Christianity also observes, for example, the forty-day Lenten fast before Easter.

Supporters of Detox diets They believe that our bodies are exposed to so many toxins and pollutants in the modern world that the body's own detoxification processes are overwhelmed, leading to the accumulation of so-called metabolic waste products in organs and connective tissue. These pollutants include... u.aUnhealthy diets high in fat and sugar, nicotine, alcohol, environmental toxins, and stress are among the factors considered. Regular detox programs are intended to rid the body of these toxins.

In Western naturopathy, a detox cure is defined as... i.d.R...a pure juice cleanse understood. This is the basis of the idea of ​​the so-called...“Alkaline fastingThe basic principle is to avoid acid-forming foods. Such a cleanse begins with a bowel cleanse. On the following juice days, only fruit and vegetable juices are consumed, which is intended to stimulate metabolism and digestion. These cleanses are usually accompanied by massages, baths, saunas, and long walks, which are meant to enhance the detoxifying effect.

Detoxification in Ayurveda

When it comes to the Ayurvedic understanding of "detoxification", one must consider the concept of "Ama“discuss what translates “UndigestedThis means that if the digestive fire Agni is not strong enough, food is not completely metabolized and Ama is formed. Ama is white, sticky, foul-smelling, cold, heavy, impure, and most comparable to the "waste products" understood in Western therapeutic fasting or the toxins in conventional medicine.

According to Ayurvedic understanding, almost every illness can be traced back to an accumulation of Ama, which manifests as exhaustion or heaviness and is recognizable by a thick coating on the tongue. Depending on where in the body the Ama accumulates, illnesses then develop. For example, if Ama becomes lodged in the lungs, this can be the cause of chronic bronchitis.

Accordingly, Ayurveda focuses on strengthening the digestive fire Agni and eliminating Ama as part of a “detoxification” process.

The "king of disciplines" for detoxification in Ayurveda is the so-called "Panchakarma treatmentFirst, Agni (digestive fire) is strengthened so that Ama (undigested food residue) can be burned – ideally with the so-called "triple spiciness" (Trikatu) of ginger, black pepper, and long pepper. Oil therapies are used to loosen the Doshas from the tissues, and heat treatments are applied to liquefy them so they can be moved to the nearest site of digestion. Finally, the accumulated Doshas are eliminated through induced vomiting, laxatives, and enemas.

According to Ayurvedic principles, after such a "detox" treatment, so-called "rejuvenating" measures can then be initiated – the so-called "RasayanasThese are said to increase vitality and stimulate the immune system. It is suitable as a rejuvenating agent for Vata constitutions. v.aAshwagandha, Shatavari for Pitta types and Punarnava for Kapha constitutions.

Detoxification in Traditional Chinese Medicine

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), all ingested foods should either follow the path of the Yang or the of Yin In the Yang path, they are burned and transformed into heat and movement; in the Yin path, they are transformed into substances that nourish and regenerate our bodies. The unusable part of the food is excreted through urine, feces, and sweat.

While from a Western perspective v.aSince the liver and kidneys are responsible for detoxification, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) v.aThe spleen. If the body is overwhelmed with detoxification and elimination, or if the spleen is weakened, it stores what it cannot transform or eliminate. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this is referred to as "humid heat“Whereby “heat” in TCM means that the Yang (stands u.a. for heat) in relation to Yin (stands u.a(for cold) dominates. And this internal heat gradually depletes the body fluids, leading to dryness. The trigger for many illnesses.

For a “Heat therapy“ (d.h. (in a figurative sense, “detoxification therapy”) are according to TCM v.aThe spring months are recommended, as this is the time when the liver and gallbladder, which are important organs for detoxification, are associated with this period.

A key component of such therapy is grain-based diets, in which one consumes, for example, grains for 10-14 days.The diet consists solely of cooked rice, intended to expel dampness and heat, thus restoring balance to Yin and Yang. Physical therapies such as cupping massage also help stimulate metabolism and eliminate toxins. Finally, acupuncture can help move liver Qi and tonify the spleen.

In addition to the grain diet, you should The following things should also be observed in everyday life, whether heat problems can be avoided in the long term:

• Dandelion tea – is cooling and has a particularly beneficial effect on the liver and stomach organ systems.
• Eat cooling vegetables such as tomatoes, zucchini, asparagus, eggplant, mushrooms, celery, etc.; avoid warming vegetables such as leeks, garlic, and onions.
• Eat cooling raw foods such as leafy salads and cooling fruits (berries, lemons, oranges, melons, etc.).
• Reduce stress and alcohol, don't smoke
• Regular exercise to prevent Qi stagnation
• Soy products, algae, and grains such as rice, spelt, millet, quinoa, legumes, and lentils reduce humidity and heat.

Finally, it should be noted that detoxification, fasting cures, diets, etc. in TCM rather critical to be seen. And this is because v.a. in the two main types of Life energy Qi The reason is this: Prenatal Qi (also called "Jing"), which is formed from the energy of the parents and is finite (when the prenatal Qi is depleted, the person dies). And postnatal Qi, which is v.a...is formed from food, air, and movement. Therefore, if the body receives too little food during fasting over a prolonged period, it must resort to the precious and finite Jing.

Important nutrients for our detoxification organs

Choline Choline contributes to the maintenance of normal liver function and supports its enzyme system. It is also of great importance for metabolism and fat transport, as it is necessary for the transport of triglycerides and other fats from the liver to the tissues.

Calcium Contributes to the normal function of digestive enzymes and to normal energy metabolism.

Guduchi extract In Ayurveda, it is attributed with a strong detoxifying and purifying effect, whereby v.a...to support the liver in its detoxifying function. In addition to its rejuvenating and circulation-boosting effects, it is also used in Ayurveda for other purposes. v.aIt is also said to have blood-purifying and detoxifying effects. Furthermore, according to Ayurvedic texts, Guduchi balances all three doshas and strengthens digestion.

Triphala extract It consists of equal parts of Amalaki (myrobalan tree), Bibhitaki (Beleric myrobalan), and Haritaki (Chebulic myrobalan) and is intended to balance all three doshas. According to Ayurvedic understanding, Bibhitaki eliminates Ama from fatty tissue and optimally influences fat metabolism. According to Ayurveda, Amalaki aids detoxification through its strong digestive properties.

Maitake In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is used to maintain and strengthen the health of the liver and gallbladder. v.a. focused on maitake (Grifola frondosa). Two animal studies on rats from 2019 and one on mice from 2018 have shown a positive effect of maitake on lipid metabolism and, in particular, on fatty liver disease: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29873587/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31653116/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30403219/

dandelion

Dandelions contain bitter substances that stimulate the secretion of more saliva and stomach acid. At the same time, they promote the release of digestive hormones and enzymes and boost bile production.Through these effects, dandelion stimulates the appetite and gets the digestive system moving. It can also help if you experience bloating and an uncomfortable feeling of fullness after a fatty meal. Other components of the plant, such as flavonoids and abundant potassium, can have a mild diuretic effect. Therefore, dandelion is frequently found in so-called blood-purifying and detoxifying teas. In addition to the bitter substances known for their medicinal properties, the dandelion plant contains carotenoids as well as plenty of vitamins B, C, and E. Furthermore, the medicinal plant contains minerals such as potassium, calcium, and iron, as well as flavonoids, coumarins, triterpenes, and omega-3 fatty acids. For this reason, many people use the plant in spring cleansing cures and fasting programs to cleanse the liver and detoxify the body. Dandelion promotes the release of waste products from the tissues and supports the liver in breaking down toxins so that they can be eliminated from the body. The herbal remedy cleanses the blood and can alleviate liver diseases such as cirrhosis or hepatitis, and improve liver function disorders.

A study published in 2017 on rats shows that dandelion protects against lead poisoning prenatally when given to the mother rat: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28364786/
This 2018 study on rats shows that mulberry and dandelion extracts may have the potential to improve some of the pathologies associated with excessive alcohol consumption. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30105955/
A study published in 2017 shows that the polysaccharides of dandelion root could be suitable for preventing liver damage caused by paracetamol: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28841174/

Cinnamon It promotes and stimulates bowel activity and can prevent digestive problems such as bloating and a feeling of fullness. Furthermore, certain components of cinnamon are believed to influence blood sugar levels. For example, laboratory tests show that cinnamon increases the release of the hormone insulin.

Milk thistle

The Milk thistle Milk thistle originates from the Mediterranean region and has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb to treat liver diseases (though scientific evidence for this is still pending). The active ingredient in milk thistle is silymarin, which is composed of various natural phenols. The presumed protective effect on the liver is explained by silymarin stabilizing the cell membranes of liver cells, thereby preventing toxins such as alcohol from penetrating the cells.

A 2017 study concludes that high doses of silymarin are a good choice for improving the biochemical liver profile and quality of life in patients with chronic HCV liver cirrhosis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29135373/
This study, published in 2017, concludes that silymarin has a positive effect on reducing transaminase levels in fatty liver patients. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29245314/

Legal consumer information

German and European law aims to protect consumers from potentially misleading claims about product effects. The statements made here refer to original Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) texts. This millennia-old, traditional knowledge is based on experiences passed down from generation to generation. It is not intended that the products described here have any effect in the sense of Western medicine. All products are dietary supplements; they are not medications and have no medicinal effect. If you are ill and require medical attention, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.