The term "detoxification" is often used synonymously with "purification" and has become something of a fashion trend. Many dietary supplements are still advertised using the term "detox," even though this is illegal. Since this term is not clearly defined, a whole host of ingredients can be found under it – and it's often unclear to the customer what the "detoxifying" effect of the respective supplement is supposed to be.

Therefore, at this point we will first explain what conventional medicine understands by “detoxification” and which organs in our body are primarily responsible for it.

Detoxification (“detox”) in conventional medicine

The absorption and release of substances from or to the environment is called metabolism. In this process, the body also takes in harmful substances, which it must convert or excrete. This process is called "detoxification“ and finds v.a. takes place in the liver, kidneys, and bile. Metabolic products are also excreted through the skin and the respiratory system.

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 variety of enzymes and programmed for excretion by making them water-soluble (so-called biotransformation). Water-soluble substances return to the bloodstream and reach the kidneys, where the harmful substances are filtered out and excreted via the urinary tract. Poisons that are particularly poorly soluble in water and large substances such as heavy metals, which cannot be excreted via the kidneys, are stored in the gallbladder and ultimately excreted via the intestines.

Only when the body’s own detoxification possibilities are exhausted, it may be necessary, even according to conventional medicine, to use “Detoxification therapies to intervene; z.B. in case of renal insufficiency (dialysis) or poisoning (activated charcoal to bind toxic substances, gastric lavage or induced vomiting).

"slagAccording to conventional medicine, there is no such thing as "antibody." However, it does recognize harmful residues, which are defined differently in the biochemical sense. These include: fatty deposits (cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL), elevated uric acid in the blood and tissue (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 erythematous, glomerulonephritis), lactate (lactic acid) or metabolites of medications and drugs (z.B. Marijuana residues 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 the forty-day fast before Easter, for example.

Proponents of Detox diets are of the opinion that our bodies in the modern world are exposed to so many toxins and pollutants that the body's own detoxification processes are overwhelmed, resulting in the accumulation of so-called 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 causes. Regular detox treatments are intended to rid the body of these toxins.

In Western naturopathy, a detox treatment is i.d.R. a pure juice diet. This is the idea behind the so-called"Alkaline fasting", in which acid-forming foods are avoided. To begin such a treatment, a bowel movement is performed. On the following juice days, only fruit and vegetable juices are consumed, which are intended to stimulate metabolism and digestion. Such treatments are usually accompanied by massages, baths, saunas, and long walks, which are intended to enhance the detoxifying effect.

Detoxification in Ayurveda

When it comes to the Ayurvedic understanding of “detoxification”, one must familiarise oneself with the concept of “Ama“ which translates as “Undigested" means. If the digestive fire Agni is not strong enough, food is not fully metabolized and Ama forms. Ama is white, sticky, foul-smelling, cold, heavy, impure, and most comparable to the "waste products" in Western fasting or 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, illness can occur. If ama settles in the lungs, for example, it can be the cause of chronic bronchitis.

Accordingly, Ayurveda focuses on “detoxification” by strengthening the digestive fire Agni and eliminating Ama.

The “supreme discipline” for detoxification in Ayurveda is the so-called “Panchakarma treatmentFirst, Agni is strengthened so that Ama can be burned – ideally with the so-called "triple heat" (trikatu) of ginger, black pepper, and long pepper. Oil therapies are used to release the doshas from the tissue, and heat treatments are used to liquefy them so they can be transported to the nearest possible site of digestion. Finally, the accumulated doshas are removed with vomiting, laxatives, and enemas.

After such a “detox” treatment, so-called “rejuvenating” measures can be initiated according to Ayurvedic understanding – the so-called “Rasayanas". These are said to increase vitality and stimulate the immune system. For Vata constitutions, it is suitable as a rejuvenating agent v.aAshwagandha, for Pitta types Shatavari and for Kapha constitutions Punarnava.

Detoxification in TCM

In TCM, all food should either follow the path of Yang or that of Yin On the Yang path, they are burned and transformed into warmth and movement; on the Yin path, they are transformed into substances that nourish and regenerate our bodies. The unusable part of the food is excreted through urine, stool, and sweat.

While from a Western perspective v.a. Liver and kidney are responsible for detoxification, in TCM it is v.a. the spleen. If the body is overwhelmed with detoxification and excretion, or if the spleen is weakened, then it stores what it cannot convert or excrete in the body. In TCM, this is referred to as "humid heat“. Whereby “heat” in TCM means that the Yang (stands u.a. for warmth) in relation to Yin (stands u.a. for cold) dominates. And this inner heat gradually simmers the body's fluids, causing dryness. The trigger for many illnesses.

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

The central component of such a therapy is grain cures, in which one eats, for example, grains over 10-14 days.It's just cooked rice, which is supposed to eliminate dampness and heat. This restores balance to yin and yang. Physical therapies such as cupping massage also help stimulate the metabolism and eliminate toxins. Finally, acupuncture can help move the liver qi and tonify the spleen.

In addition to the grain cure, the following things are also taken into account in everyday lifewhether heat problems can be avoided in the long term:

• Dandelion tea – is cooling and has a particularly positive effect on the liver and stomach organs
• Eat cooling vegetables such as tomatoes, zucchini, asparagus, eggplant, mushrooms, celery, etc.; avoid warming vegetables such as leeks, garlic, and onions.
• Eat cooling raw vegetables such as leaf 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, pulses and lentils reduce humidity and heat

Finally, it should be noted that detoxification, fasting cures, diets, etc. in TCM rather critical be seen. And this is v.a. in the two main types of Life energy Qi The prenatal Qi (also called “Jing”), which is formed from the energy of the parents and is finite (when the prenatal Qi is exhausted, the person dies). And the postnatal Qi, which v.a. from food, breath, and exercise. Therefore, if you fast and do not give your body enough food for an extended period, it will have to rely on the precious and finite Jing.

Important nutrients for our detoxification organs

Choline Contributes to the maintenance of normal liver function and supports its enzyme system. Choline is also important 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 said to have a strong detoxifying and purifying effect, whereby v.a. the liver is to be supported in its detoxifying effect. In addition to the rejuvenating and circulatory strengthening effects, Ayurveda v.a. Blood-purifying and detoxifying effects are also attributed. According to Ayurvedic texts, Guduchi also balances all three doshas and strengthens the digestive system.

Triphala extract Consists of equal parts of Amalaki (myrobalan tree), Bibhitaka (beleric myrobalan), and Haritaki (chebulic myrobalan) and is said 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 powerful digestive properties.

Maitake is used in TCM to maintain the health and strengthen 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

Dandelion contains bitter compounds that increase the secretion of saliva and stomach acid. At the same time, they promote the release of digestive hormones and enzymes and stimulate bile production.Through these effects, dandelion stimulates the appetite and gets the digestion going. The medicinal plant can also help if the stomach bloats and an unpleasant feeling of fullness sets in after a fatty meal. Other ingredients of the plant, such as flavonoids and plenty of potassium, can have a mild diuretic effect. Therefore, dandelion is often used in so-called blood-purifying and detoxifying teas. In addition to the bitter substances carotenoids known for their healing properties, the dandelion plant contains plenty of vitamins B, C, and E. The medicinal plant also contains minerals such as potassium, calcium, and iron, as well as flavonoids, coumarins, triterpenes, and omega-3 fatty acids. Therefore, many people use the medicinal plant in spring cures and fasting cures to cleanse the liver and purify or detoxify the body. Dandelion promotes the release of waste products from the tissue and supports the liver in breaking down toxins so that they can be expelled from the body. The herbal remedy purifies the blood and can alleviate liver diseases such as cirrhosis or hepatitis and improve liver dysfunction.

A study on rats published in 2017 shows that dandelion protects against lead poisoning prenatally when dandelion is administered to the rat mother: 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 may be suitable for preventing liver damage caused by paracetamol: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28841174/

Cinnamon Promotes and stimulates intestinal activity and can prevent digestive problems such as bloating and fullness. Furthermore, certain components of cinnamon are thought to influence blood sugar levels. Laboratory tests show that cinnamon increases the release of the hormone insulin.

Milk thistle

The Milk thistle Originates from the Mediterranean region and has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb to treat liver diseases (scientific evidence for this is 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 membrane of the liver cells, which prevents toxins such as alcohol from penetrating the liver cells.

A 2017 study concludes that high-dose silymarin is a good choice for improving liver biochemical profiles 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 positive efficacy in reducing transaminase levels in fatty liver patients. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29245314/

Legal consumer information

German and European law seeks to protect consumers from supposedly misleading claims of effectiveness. The statements made here refer to the original Ayurvedic and TCM texts. This ancient knowledge, handed down over thousands of years, is based on experience passed down from generation to generation. It is not intended to claim that the products described here have an effect in the sense of Western medicine. All products are dietary supplements; they are not medications and have no medical effect. If you are ill and require medical care, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.