A Simple Approach to Detox: Cleansing the body should focus on the intestinal tract and liver, says Brendan Gaughran.

We must cleanse the body to stay healthy, and people are generally more aware that our environment and foods contain endocrine-disrupting compounds, herbicides and pesticides that need to be filtered out.

There are two main focal points: the intestinal tract and liver. Breaking down nutrients and absorbing them while defending against harmful organisms and chemicals is the complicated balancing act performed by our intestinal wall. When health is compromised, the gut is often where the problems first arise, so it’s important to incorporate a detox regimen that emphasizes it.

Probiotics and prebiotics that stabilize and feed beneficial microbes are important. In situations where harmful bacteria and other organisms have gained a foothold, they need to be cleansed from the gut to realize the benefits of probiotics.

A cleanse focused on rebalancing Candida is a good first step, because many people experience Candida overgrowth, leading to increased permeability of the gut lining (leaky gut). There are many natural ingredients that safely support this rebalancing, and the best approach combines enzymes with oregano oil, caprylic acid and anti-parasitic compounds.

Always drink plenty of pure water during a cleanse. It could run for two weeks to two months, depending on the supplements, intensity of the cleanse and the person’s current state of health. A good guide for daily water consumption is the weight in pounds and divide by two to arrive at the correct number of ounces.

During these cleanses, many toxins are released into the bloodstream, creating unpleasant temporary side effects ranging from fatigue to headaches and joint pain; this is normal. The best practice is to complement any cleanse with a liver supplement or liver-detoxifying foods. This is especially the case with Candida cleansing, because it releases more than 70 endotoxins during a “die-off”. It also helps reduce the buildup of stored toxins in the liver.

The liver conducts more than 500 chemical reactions, regulating functions from DNA repair to blood glucose levels, fat-soluble vitamin storage and ongoing toxin removal. If the liver is burdened by toxins, its ability to perform these functions will be compromised. Recent studies show a negative impact in diabetes, adrenal health, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol levels, chronic inflammation and even cognitive decline in people with toxic livers.

Combining intestinal cleanses with liver cleansing supplements or foods is a great way to reboot maximum nutrient absorption, increasing energy levels and reducing the likelihood of long-term disease.

Brendan Gaughran is the president of Liver Medic. For more information, visit LiverMedic.com.