Decoding DETOX
Unpacking the science of detoxification.
Detoxification is a natural process that is happening in the body all the time: it is the body’s way of neutralising and eliminating harmful substances and waste materials. The liver, kidneys and bowel are the main organs involved in detoxification, and they each play a different role.
The liver is the body’s primary processor of everything absorbed from our digestive system. All of the nutrientfilled blood leaving the stomach and intestines next passes through the liver, which breaks down proteins, fats and carbohydrates for use, and processes any chemicals we have absorbed, for example from medication. Resulting waste products or harmful substances are separated out and discharged via bile, or eliminated through the kidneys.
Circulating blood passes through the kidneys, where any water-soluble waste materials and toxins are filtered into the urine. These materials may come from the digestive system and have passed through the liver unchanged, result from processes occurring within the liver or be from metabolic processes happening elsewhere in the body. Some toxins enter the body via the skin and lungs, and these are also absorbed into the bloodstream and processed by the liver or kidneys.
The bowel (the small and large intestine) is also an important part of the removal of waste and toxins from the body. Bile from the liver is stored in the gallbladder and then used by the body to help break down fat. The bile and the waste material it contains is then excreted with digestive waste through the large intestine. If our elimination processes are sluggish, toxins and waste molecules may end up being reabsorbed from the large intestine before they can be excreted.
The liver, kidneys and bowel are busy neutralising toxins and/or removing these and other waste materials from our bodies all day, every day, and can therefore benefit from some support. This is particularly true if we know they are having to work extra hard – for example if we live in a city with poor air quality, or if we regularly take medication or drink alcohol.
If our organs of detoxification become overloaded, ill-health can result, as damaging substances cannot be adequately eliminated. One sign of this can be skin problems, as the skin becomes the “emergency exit” for excess toxins.
At Artemis we believe it is best to consistently support your body’s natural detoxification processes, rather than intermittently undertake a stringent “detox diet” that will not offer long-term health benefits. Supporting natural detoxification can be as simple as introducing nourishing Artemis herbal tea formulas into your daily routine.
Early morning is physiologically the most effective time for liver detoxification, and before breakfast is the perfect time to brew a cup of Artemis Liver Detox Tea. Kickstart your day by supporting your liver, digestion and regular bowel function with herbs such as St. Mary’s thistle, globe artichoke, dandelion root and peppermint.
Later on in the morning, enjoy an “internal shower” with Artemis Kidney Cleanse Tea. Herbs including nettle, birch leaf, horsetail and golden rod support the kidneys in filtering and flushing out water-soluble waste materials and urinary tract irritants.
Support your health and wellbeing by creating a new habit. Including the Artemis Liver Detox and Kidney Cleanse teas as part of your daily routine is easy and convenient, and it will make a significant, long-term difference to your biggest asset – your health.