Detox or Redox?
By Amy Lupton
What is detox and redox?
Detox, short for detoxification, refers to the process of abstaining from and ridding the body of unhealthy substances or toxins. This can include diets, supplements, and lifestyle practices to aid in such elimination.
Redox, short for redox potential, are indicators that your mitochondria are functioning correctly or incorrectly. Improving redox relies on mitochondria, little power stations in our cells that convert nutrients into energy.
There is so much more to these two concepts, and I encourage you to research more into them if you’re interested. You can also follow along with us on Instagram as we discuss more. A great book (also technical) is the Mitochondrial Manifesto by R.D. Lee.
Many people try to detox before they have improved their redox potential. If you head straight into a detox without addressing the factors that make detox possible (called your detox pathways) you can end up causing more hormonal and metabolic issues and making things worse.
When you open these detox pathways (or improve your redox) you will detox so much more efficiently. Your body will also carry enough energy to remove what it needs to in an easier manner.
You do not want to free up toxins in the body if you can’t clear them out.
Ways to improve your redox potential:
These are great to do for a few months before a detox to get your body ready.
Red light therapy (infrared sauna or red light panel)
Sweating and exposure to cold (one without the other can be detrimental)
Getting ample sunlight
Seeing the sunset and sunrise (helps set the circadian internal clock and balance hormones)
Avoid EMF’s when possible (especially at night and while sleeping).
Minimize blue light after sunset (turning off screens)
Eating seasonally and appropriately for your location. Your body can’t digest a banana in the winter like it can in the summer.
Getting ample mineral intake through water or broth or supplements.
Rebounding
Grounding
Skin Brushing
Certain herbs that can help with redox:
Turmeric
Tulsi
Dandelion Root
Ginger
Lemon