Detoxification, often viewed as an optional step in our pursuit of good health, is far more critical than we can imagine. This is why I have dedicated the last seven years to research, study and write my latest book: ‘Detox before Energise.’

Detoxification: A Main Pillar of Good Health

Detoxification is a term that often triggers mixed reactions. Some view it as a trendy buzzword, while others consider it an essential aspect of their health journey. The truth lies somewhere in between, and understanding the real significance of detoxification can revolutionise our approach to well-being and mental health.

Many individuals question the necessity of detoxification, especially when it can make big flashy headlines. After all, our liver, kidneys, and other organs are designed to remove toxins and waste products from our system. Why, then, should we consider detox as more than just an optional step in our pursuit of good health?

The answer lies in the world we live in today. This is discussed extensively in ‘Detox before Energise’ and you might be glad the truth is out.

We are swimming in a world of toxins, most of which are man-made, never seen before, and our exposure is only growing and their levels in the environment are only growing exponentially by the day. The other problem is that because they are man-made, there is very little in nature to break those toxins down, and so many pollutants are called “forever chemicals,” and for good reasons. Better known as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the scientific world, many of these chemicals have now reached critical levels in the atmosphere and it may take many thousands of years for those chemicals to disappear if we stop their production and use TODAY.

POPs include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins and organochlorine pesticides like DDT, and PFAs.

Some well-known Forever Chemicals:

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAs). PFAs are a group of nearly 15,000 synthetic chemicals. PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) and PFOs (Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) are the most common of the PFA family.

Polychlorinated biphenyls, once prevalent in industrial and consumer goods, are chemical compounds with a high carcinogenic potential. Their production was banned in the United States through the Toxic Substances Control Act in 1976 and only globally by the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants as late as 2001.

Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) is an insecticide used in agriculture. The United States banned the use of DDT in 1972. According to the CDC, several countries still use man tonnes of DDT to control malaria-carrying mosquitoes. It is believed that malaria kills more than 800,000 people every year, and so its use — despite being a considerable problem to human health — is still warranted.

In 1995, the United Nations Environment Programme expanded its research and investigation into Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), initially focusing on a group of chemicals known as the "Dirty Dozen." These twelve chemicals were highly persistent and toxic, consisting of aldrin, chlordane, DDT, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor, hexachlorobenzene, mirex, polychlorinated biphenyls, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans, and toxaphene. While some of these pesticides are no longer used in agriculture, a few are still employed in developing countries.

Since then, the list of Persistent Organic Pollutants has expanded to include additional substances like carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), specific brominated flame retardants, and organometallic compounds like tributyltin (TBT).

Sources of pollution stemming from POPs encompass improper usage and disposal of agrochemicals and industrial chemicals, high-temperature processes and combustion, and the unintended by-products of industrial or combustion processes.

Persistent Pollutants: A Quick Note

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) exhibit an alarming level of toxicity, and exposure can occur through various avenues, including dietary intake, environmental exposure, and industrial leakage or accidents. The repercussions of POPs extend not only to human health but also to plants and wildlife, chronically polluting every natural ecosystem around the world. There may not be a place on earth not affected by pollution in one way or another.

Human Exposure

There is enough evidence to suggest that exposure to POPs can have severe effects on human health, such as:

• Allergic Reactions

• Developmental Impairments

• Damage to the central and peripheral nervous systems

• Disruption to endocrine, reproductive and immune systems

• Metabolic disorder. A study conducted in 2006 established a connection between elevated levels of POPs in human blood serum and the onset of diabetes (Lee et al. 2006).

• Cancer

• Death

Impact on Wildlife

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has documented a link between POPs exposure and a heightened occurrence of diseases and abnormalities in various wildlife species, including fish, birds, and mammals.

In aquatic environments, such as marine and coastal ecosystems, pesticides contribute to significant alterations in reef community dynamics. These changes are evident in diminished live coral coverage, elevated levels of algae and sponges, and harm to seagrass beds and other aquatic vegetation due to herbicide exposure. The adverse impact on marine life is far-reaching and warrants urgent attention.

What Causes Toxins to Build up in Our Bodies

Pesticides, air pollutants, heavy metals, and countless other toxins infiltrate our daily lives. They seep into our bodies through the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. Our modern world presents a relentless onslaught of toxins that our natural detoxification systems have not evolved to handle.

The consequence of this toxic onslaught is that our body's natural detox mechanisms often struggle to keep pace. While our liver valiantly attempts to neutralise and excrete toxins, it can become overwhelmed. Some toxins escape immediate elimination and are stored in fat cells, gradually accumulating over time. This buildup can lead to various health issues, including chronic fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, and an increased susceptibility to illnesses. The more overwhelmed the liver, the more toxins are stored in fatty tissue and the more dramatic the health impact. This is why losing weight too quickly often brings unwanted flu-like symptoms and a general sense of malaise.

So, why should we wait until our bodies exhibit these distress signals before considering detoxification?

Rather than viewing detox as an optional extra, something ‘fun’ to do once a year after the festive period, we should recognise it as an essential pillar of good health. By actively supporting our body's detoxification processes, we take proactive action to preserve and improve our well-being.

Detoxification is not merely about following a short-term cleanse or a trendy detox program. It's a holistic approach to health that involves minimising toxin exposure first, then supporting our body's natural detox mechanisms and incorporating detox-supporting habits into our daily lives. This is essential to promote vitality, longevity, and a higher quality of life.

The role of Magnesium

While our liver is indeed a natural detoxifier, we live in a world filled with toxins, requiring additional support for effective detoxification. One potent ally in this quest is magnesium, a mineral often underestimated but with the potential to assist in detoxification and enhance brain health.

Magnesium is an indispensable element in a multitude of body functions.

Intriguingly, magnesium often goes missing in our daily diets. Over 60% of the population is believed to consume a fraction of the recommended daily intake. Modern lifestyles, processed foods, and soil depletion contribute to this deficiency crisis. The repercussions are widespread, impacting sleep, muscle tissue, mental health (e.g., anxiety), weight loss resistance, and overall vitality.

Recommended Daily Intake:

The recommended daily intake of magnesium varies depending on factors like age, gender, and life stage. Generally, adult men are advised to aim for around 400-420 milligrams of magnesium per day, while adult women should target approximately 310-320 milligrams. Pregnant and lactating women may require slightly more. Keep in mind that individual requirements may vary.

6 Reasons Magnesium is key for Detox

While magnesium's role in addressing common symptoms of deficiency is known, its impact on detoxification deserves equal recognition. Here are six known ways in which magnesium can support detox:

1. Liver Support:

Magnesium is a co-factor for many enzymes involved in phase 2 of liver detoxification. Without magnesium, these enzymes can't function optimally, and the liver may struggle to detox efficiently. Magnesium is particularly important for reactions like glucuronidation, which involves attaching glucuronic acid to toxins. This process makes toxins water-soluble and prepares them for elimination.

Some toxins can be highly reactive and harmful to our cells. Magnesium helps neutralise these toxins by facilitating their binding to conjugating molecules.

2. Cognition:

Magnesium supports optimal brain functioning and research also suggests it can help combat brain inflammation. Research is exploring its potential in treating conditions like depression and ADHD. Magnesium's cognitive benefits include enhanced memory and protection against neural disorders.

It makes sense since magnesium ensures nerve cells can communicate effectively, vital for various brain functions, including cognition, memory, and mood regulation.

While inflammation is a natural protective mechanism in response to injury or infection, chronic or excessive inflammation in the brain can be detrimental and is associated with various neurological conditions. Research suggests that magnesium has anti-inflammatory properties and can help protect neural tissues from damage caused by inflammation. It may reduce oxidative stress and prevent neuronal damage associated with chronic inflammation.

3. Heavy Metal Detoxifier:

Magnesium has been shown to reduce the accumulation of harmful metals like lead and cadmium. Since minerals compete for receptor sites, sufficient magnesium can displace these toxic metals.

In other words, when there are sufficient levels of magnesium, it can effectively displace heavy metals from cell receptor sites. This means magnesium ‘kicks out’ metals and essentially takes their place.

4. Gut Health:

Magnesium not only supports detoxification at the cellular level but also benefits your gut. A healthy gut is essential for efficient toxin elimination. Magnesium helps regulate gut motility, preventing constipation and promoting regular bowel movements, which aids in toxin expulsion from the body and prevents their reuptake.

5. Cellular Cleanser:

Our cells also rely on magnesium to detoxify harmful toxins (e.g., methylation). Without sufficient magnesium levels, our cells may struggle with their toxic load, and damage to our DNA can become inevitable.

6. Stress Reliever:

As a result of chronic stress, elevated cortisol levels can disrupt various bodily functions, including liver and cellular detoxification. Not only does magnesium support detox but also acts as a natural stress reliever. It is well-known for its ability to relax muscles and calm the nervous system. It does so by regulating the activity of neurotransmitters and hormones involved in stress responses. It can also alleviate anxiety, promoting an environment conducive to effective detoxification and improved overall health.

This relaxation effect is also attributed to its role in promoting the release of calming neurotransmitters like GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid).

Note that stress can deplete magnesium levels in the body. Deficiencies may exacerbate stress and anxiety. Also, When the body is under chronic stress, it can divert resources away from detoxification processes. In such cases, magnesium supplementation and dietary adjustments are required.

Final Words

When there is a deficiency of magnesium in the body, it can disrupt the balance between magnesium and calcium. Specifically, magnesium helps regulate the entry of calcium into our cells. Without sufficient magnesium, there can be an excessive influx of calcium into the cells. Cells rely on carefully controlled calcium levels to carry out tasks such as transmitting signals, contracting muscles, and regulating enzyme activity. When this balance is disrupted due to magnesium deficiency, cells may become hyperactive and may not function properly. This can lead to muscle cramps, irregular heart rhythms, and neurological problems.

Magnesium deficiency can also reduce the cells' ability to remove toxins and heavy metals. It is thus important to support your cells and your liver to protect your DNA from damage.

To support effective detoxification and maintain cellular functions, it's crucial to ensure adequate magnesium levels in the body through a balanced diet or supplements when necessary.