10 Warning Signs Your Body Needs a Detox | with Emily Bathgate
Detoxification is a natural process, allowing toxins from our environments and diets to be transformed into less harmful substances for elimination through our liver, gut, kidneys, skin and lungs.
By reducing the burden on the body’s detoxification system and supporting these key detox organs’ capacities, a detox can help, in turn, to promote optimum health and wellness.
Toxins are substances that can potentially interfere with our health both in the short and long-term. They can be in the form of dietary allergens, such as gluten, preservatives, or additives, or they may be environmental or lifestyle related: anything from pesticide exposure, to cleaning agents or cigarette smoke.
Toxins can even be created internally from the re-circulation of metabolic waste (the substances leftover by our metabolic pathways) or by the bacteria in our gut.
Why Should You Consider A Detox?
The aim of a detox is to reduce dietary toxins, improve our capacity for natural detoxification, neutralise any free radicals, and support the elimination of waste products from the body.
It’s not surprising that, when our overall detoxification system is sluggish and in need of some TLC, it really starts to show quite quickly throughout the rest of the body.
Aside from supporting our natural detoxification process, our liver, gut, kidneys, skin, and lungs all have essential functions in the body – everything from digestion, metabolism (of energy, hormones, fats, glucose, and more), nutrient absorption and storage, excretion, and protection, among others. Our bodies, and these organs, systems and functions, are constantly trying to keep us in a state of homeostasis (or stability and balance) for survival.
So, it makes sense that, if any (or all!) of these elimination organs are overworked or inflamed… it’s going to show!
Signs Your Body Needs A Detox
When I work with clients these are the ten major warning signs that give me an indication that their detoxification system might need some support:
1. Tummy troubles – constipation, bloating, food intolerances, nutrient malabsorption and deficiencies, gassiness, diarrhoea, and ‘leaky gut’
2. Unhappy skin - rashes, dermatitis, redness, premature ageing, hormonal breakouts, and acne
3. Fatigue
4. Brain fog
5. Sugar cravings
6. Poor immunity, and/or a surge in allergy symptoms
7. Seemingly unexplained weight gain, or struggling to lose, weight
8. Headaches
9. Worsening PMS (pre-menstrual symptoms)
10. An increase in anxiety, a plummet in mood, or irritability
So, you’ve established you're in need of a detox. Where do you start?
It’s unlikely you’ll need to embark on a crazy 30-day water fast or lemon detox, order in some fancy laxative ‘tummy’ teas, or buy-in to the latest celebrity ‘detox’ supplement program. Remember: detoxification is a natural process.
What you will want to do is focus on supporting your body’s own natural detoxification processes. Stay tuned for part two, where I share some of my favourite ways to kickstart better detoxification.
Need some one-on-one support? You canbook a consult with Emily here.
Love Emily,
Naturopath Emily Bathgate, offers natural, holistic and evidence-based treatments for a range of skin + general health condition, addressing underlying causes and setting you up for ongoing skin health + wellness.
