Detoxification Starts With the Gut

Detox can be very helpful for optimal health.

Integrative experts agree that for almost any health concern, the first step in the healing process is to start by cleaning up the gut. Leaky gut (intestinal permeability) has been shown to be present in many chronic conditions, including depression, diabetes, irritable bowel disease, hypothyroidism, rosacea, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

When it comes to detoxification, the gut is also the first place to focus. This is because if your gut isn’t in an optimal state, then you will keep passing toxins and toxic by-products to the liver and kidneys, placing an even bigger burden on these important detoxification organs.

While cleaning up the gut may look a little different for each person, the process is largely the same. Fixing a leaky gut involves uncovering and removing any foods or pathogens that are causing inflammation. Doing a food sensitivity test or stool analysis can be a very helpful tool as part of this process. Then, healthy bacteria and digestive enzymes are often recommended to help restore balance and promote the breakdown of food. Therapeutic herbs and nutrients can be given to repair and heal the compromised gut lining. Once the gut is in a healthy functional state, the focus can shift to optimizing the other organs of detoxification, such as the liver and kidneys.

Below is a sample gut-healing protocol relating to promoting healthy detoxification. Depending on the severity of one’s leaky gut, this regimen may be followed for 1 to 3 months. However, some nutrients, such as probiotics and fiber, are often recommended to be taken daily so that one can reap their health benefits on an ongoing basis. Consulting with a Village Green health expert can be very helpful in providing guidance specifically for you. If you have any questions, please let us know!

30-Day GI Reboot

  1. Eliminate bad bacteria – Berberine, 1 capsule three times daily
  2. Bind toxins for excretion – Fiber, 1 scoop in 8 oz. of water twice daily
  3. Provide healthy bacteria - Probiotics, 1 capsule daily
  4. Repair damage – GI Optimal Support, as directed by your health care practitioner (please call us for more information)

While on this gut-healing protocol, it is also great to supplement with a clean, high-quality collagen protein powder daily. Collagen is rich in amino acids and peptides that provide fantastic support for maintaining a healthy intestinal lining, balancing the body’s inflammatory response, and optimizing joint, muscle, bone, hair, skin and nail health. The powder is unflavored, so it easily mixes into a smoothie, soup, baked goods, or simply in water.