The Truth About Detox

Written By Isabella Sackheim

You’ve probably heard it before: “You don’t need to detox, your liver and kidneys do that for you.”
And that’s true… but it’s also more nuanced than that.

Your liver and kidneys are designed to help the body detoxify, and in many people they do with no problem. But in today’s world, they’re often overburdened by a constant stream of toxins, far more than our ancestors ever encountered. These include:

  • Pesticides and herbicides in food

  • Fragrance chemicals in perfumes, candles, and cleaning products

  • BPA and other plasticizers in water bottles and food packaging

  • Toxins from non-stick cookware and flame-retardant fabrics

  • Air pollution, and more!

For many people, this daily exposure exceeds what their bodies can easily eliminate, especially for those with genetic variations (SNPs) that affect detox pathways (like MTHFR, COMT, or GST).

So while your liver and kidneys are working hard for you, they may need support.

What Detox Support Actually Looks Like

Forget fad cleanses and extreme juice fasts. True detox support is about gently assisting the body’s natural pathways—ensuring toxins are neutralized and safely excreted.

Here are some evidence-based supports I often use in practice:

Nutrients & Botanicals:

  • NAC (N-acetylcysteine): Precursor to glutathione, supports liver detoxification and antioxidant defense

  • Broccoli sprouts (sulforaphane): Activates phase II detox enzymes in the liver

  • Calcium-D-glucarate: Helps with estrogen metabolism and toxin clearance 

  • Magnesium: Supports bowel regularity and phase I detox pathways

  • Phosphatidylcholine: Supports bile flow, essential for fat-soluble toxin clearance

  • Fiber: Binds toxins and supports daily elimination

Lifestyle & Environment:

  • Daily bowel movements: essential to prevent reabsorption of toxins the liver worked hard to package for removal

  • Stay hydrated: to support kidney and lymphatic drainage

  • Sweat regularly: through exercise or sauna to release toxins via the skin

  • Dry brushing and lymphatic massage: can further support toxin movement out of tissues

Avoidance Is Step One

Supporting detox is important, but reducing your toxic burden in the first place is foundational.
Here’s where to start:

  • Use non-toxic cookware (e.g., stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic instead of non-stick)

  • Choose organic when possible, especially for the “Dirty Dozen” produce

  • Swap conventional cleaning and body products for fragrance-free or natural alternatives

  • Avoid plastic containers, especially when heating food

Why Clinician Guidance Matters

Gentle detox practices—like increasing fiber, staying hydrated, and eating cruciferous vegetables—can be beneficial for most people. But more advanced protocols should never be done without professional guidance.Without proper supervision, detox protocols can lead to constipation, nutrient depletion, or worsening symptoms, especially if drainage pathways (liver, kidneys, lymph, and bowels) aren't supported first. A trained clinician can help ensure detox is done safely, effectively, and in the right order for your body.

Bottom Line:
You do have a liver, and it’s incredible. But modern life is asking more of it than ever before. Ditch the fad juice cleanses and rely on evidence-based protocols to give your body the tools it needs to feel your best. 

Curious if your symptoms could be linked to poor detox function or toxin overload?

Schedule a 15 minute discovery call today.

Isabella Sackheim
Next

Thyroid 101