With so many supplements out there (and each with their own specific purposes) it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and not know where to begin. Detoxing your body refers to cleansing it free of toxins, and for those of us trying to lose weight, this is a very helpful step in that process. Before diving into 3 great supplements for detoxing, we spoke with health experts to learn more about what detoxification might mean to you and your weight loss journey if you’re new to it.
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Why Is Detoxification Important for Weight Loss?
There are a lot of supplements that can help you detox the body. Detoxification is a multifaceted and complex topic, so the best supplement to take will depend on what you want to detox, says Jordan Dorn, holistic nutritionist and co-founder of Zuma Nutrition. “For example, you might want a different supplement for detoxing your kidneys than you would for detoxing your liver,” he adds.
Detoxing removes the toxins that accumulate in your body from the foods and drinks you consume. There are many different types of toxins that can build up in your body such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, worms, fungi, and even cancer cells. When toxins build up in your system, they cause inflammation and other diseases that can lead to pain and discomfort, explains Janet Coleman, registered dietitian at The Consumer Mag.
“There are ways to remove these toxins from your body without having to undergo surgery or take dangerous medications that only make matters worse,” she continues. Detoxification, she says, can be performed by taking certain foods and supplements which can help clean out the colon, liver, kidneys, and lungs. “They will also help cleanse the blood of the impurities that accumulate over time.”
With that said, registered nutritionist and ASYSTEM Director of Formulation, Jay Cowin, points us to 3 supplements that are beneficial for weight loss. He explains why and how they work for your digestive system and not against it (an understandable fear for many who are new to supplements and the idea of detoxing). Read on to learn more about the all-natural milk thistle, turmeric and ginger root options.
Supplement 1. Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is a herb that has been “shown to be effective in cleansing and protecting the liver,” Cowin says. He notes that it is “also thought to work by supporting the liver's ability to clear toxins from the body.” Milk thistle seed extract contains a compound called silymarin that helps to detoxify the liver and is rich in antioxidants. “The liver is the body’s main detoxification organ,” Dorn adds, so supporting liver health with this in a supplement form “helps to improve overall detoxification in the body.”
2. Turmeric
Turmeric is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help build the immune system to fight against viral diseases, Cowin explains. “It also improves memory, reduces joint pain, and lowers the risk of heart disease,” he continues, saying that according to new research, “curcumin's antioxidant properties may help improve liver health by functioning as a detox agent in the body.”
3. Ginger Root
Lastly, there's ginger root. Ginger is a “health powerhouse,” Cowin says, with “many amazing health benefits that can help free the body from nasty toxins.” For example, he says ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce pain and inflammation in the body. “Additionally, ginger has been shown to be helpful in treating nausea and vomiting, as well as helping to improve digestion,” Cowin points out. Ginger is also a great source of antioxidants, which can help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals, making this another great supplement choice!
