Apr 04, 2023 
How to Detox for Autoimmunity
If you are living with an autoimmune disease, you know how challenging it can be to manage your symptoms. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the body, causing inflammation and damage. If you have an autoimmune disease, you know firsthand the toll it can take on your body and overall health. While there is no known “cure” for autoimmune diseases, it is important to detoxify for autoimmunity. Many people find relief by managing their symptoms through diet, lifestyle changes, detox and functional medicine approaches because those approaches treat what caused the autoimmunity. You may always have the tendency to have the autoimmune disease, but many of our clients no longer exhibit the symptoms of the diseases because of the diet and lifestyle changes they committed to making.
The good news is that there are natural ways to support your body’s detoxification processes and improve your overall health. One important aspect of managing autoimmune disease is detoxification. Detoxification is the process by which your body removes toxins and waste products that can contribute to inflammation and autoimmune dysfunction. When your detoxification pathways are not working properly, toxins can accumulate in your body and contribute to chronic inflammation, which is a hallmark of autoimmune disease. Toxins can come from a variety of sources, including the food you eat, the air you breathe, and the products you use. Reducing your exposure to toxins and supporting your body’s natural detoxification processes can help to reduce inflammation and improve your overall health. We swim in a chemical soup of over 85,000 different toxic chemicals emitted into our environment by industry, and the products we choose to use.
What is Detoxification?
Detoxification is the process of removing toxins and harmful substances from the body. The body has a natural detoxification system that includes the liver, kidneys, lungs, skin, and lymphatic system. However, due to the high levels of toxins and pollutants in our modern environment, our natural detoxification system can become overwhelmed. This can lead to chronic inflammation and other health problems, including autoimmune disease.
Detoxification can be an effective tool in managing autoimmune disease by reducing inflammation and removing toxins that contribute to autoimmune symptoms. Toxins can disrupt the body’s natural balance and trigger an immune response, which can exacerbate autoimmune symptoms. By removing these toxins, the immune system can focus on healing and reducing inflammation.
Detoxification can also help improve gut health, which is critical for managing autoimmune disease. The gut is home to trillions of bacteria, both good and bad. When the balance of gut bacteria is disrupted, it can lead to leaky gut syndrome, where the lining of the intestine becomes permeable and allows harmful substances to leak into the bloodstream. This can trigger an immune response and contribute to autoimmune symptoms. Detoxification can help improve gut health by removing harmful substances and promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria.
There are several ways to detoxify for autoimmune disease, and if you do them all, you are more likely to succeed. The first step is to reduce exposure to toxins by avoiding processed foods, alcohol, and environmental pollutants. Eating a diet rich in whole foods and antioxidants can help support the body’s natural detoxification system.
Eat a healthy diet.
Eating a diet rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods can help to support your body’s natural detoxification processes. Focus on eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods, sugar, and artificial ingredients, which can all contribute to inflammation and autoimmune dysfunction.
Stay hydrated.
Drinking plenty of water can help to flush toxins out of your body and support your natural detoxification processes. Aim for at least eight glasses of water per day, and consider adding fresh lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to your water for added detoxification benefits.
Support your liver.
Your liver is your body’s primary detoxification organ, so supporting liver function is essential for overall health. Eating plenty of cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and kale, can help to support liver function. You can also consider taking supplements such as milk thistle, which can help to protect and support liver function. Supplements can also be helpful in supporting detoxification. Glutathione, for example, is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the body from toxins and promotes detoxification. Other supplements, such as milk thistle and turmeric, can also support liver function and promote detoxification.
Exercise regularly.
Regular exercise can help to improve circulation, support lymphatic drainage, and improve overall detoxification. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day, such as walking, biking, or swimming.
Reduce your exposure to toxins.
Reducing your exposure to toxins is essential for supporting your body’s natural detoxification processes. Consider switching to natural, non-toxic cleaning products, and avoiding processed foods, sugar, and artificial ingredients. You can also consider using an air purifier in your home to reduce your exposure to indoor air pollutants.
In addition to diet and supplements, there are several other techniques to detox for autoimmunity that can be helpful for managing autoimmune disease. These include:
In summary, detoxification can be a powerful tool in combating autoimmune diseases and improving overall health. By reducing the toxic burden, supporting the body’s natural detoxification pathways, and eliminating potential triggers for autoimmune diseases, we can reduce inflammation, improve gut health, and boost the immune system’s function. If you’re interested in a safe and effective detoxification program, check out my Wilde Vitality Detox program at https://courses.wildevitality.com/wilde-vitality-detox.
Follow us on Instagram for a peek behind the scenes: Dr. Wilde's healthy life hacks, mindset, stories of adventure and personal growth and of course...food pics.
Take this Quiz and find out what is sabotaging your health, and what you can do about it.
