The Ultimate Summer Detox Trio: Glutathione, Omega-3, and Vit C

Detox 101: What does it really mean?

Don't get me wrong, we really earned this summer and all the sun-soaking, socializing, and occasional over-imbibing. After over a year of lockdowns, I think we are all feeling a little "fomo" and we used summer to catch up! Whether your summer is coming to an end or you are looking for a way to refresh and continue on, detoxing your body might provide the extra spring in your step to carry you into the next season.

So what is a “detox” anyway? No surprises here, but detoxing is not an eraser that eliminates damage from overindulgence or free radical exposure overnight. There is no magical detox diet or tea that can flush the body of all damaging free radicals or toxins. Instead, healthy detoxes facilitated with vitamin supplements and plenty of water can support the body's natural detoxification process. The vital organ systems that detox the body include the lungs, the skin, and the digestive system, but the two primary "detoxifiers" are the liver and the kidneys. The detoxifying processes of each of these organs differ:

• Lungs detox by removing gases.
• Skin detoxes by preventing toxic substances from deeply penetrating the body.
• The digestive system detoxes by removing foods via vomiting and waste.
• Kidneysdetox by filtering toxins out of the blood and into the urine.
• The Liverdetoxes by converting fat-soluble toxins into water-soluble, then eliminating them via urine, bile, and stool.

Each of these organs can be bogged down by heavy metals and other toxins. Some signs that your body may be ready for a good detox are:

• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Brain fog
• Acne breakouts
• Skin infections
• Trouble falling asleep
• Bad breath
• Unexplained food cravings

Health Benefits of Detoxing

While many different supplements and teas claim to be the ultimate detoxifier, they don't often specify which organs they are detoxifying, how they are detoxifying them, or what they are detoxing them from. Following a detox diet that is filled with healthy and raw foods may support your general well-being. However, this doesn't necessarily mean it will kick-start detoxification. With that said, many people who make healthy food choices and drink plenty of water, as prescribed by detox diet plans, claim to see the following improvements in their overall wellness:

• Sharpened mental health and clarity
• Boosted energy levels
• Less bloating
• Improved circulation
• Weight loss (usually due to healthy habits rather than detoxification)
• Improved mood
• Strengthened immune system
• Clearer skin
• Reduced inflammation
• Relief from constipation

Try the Detox Trio: Glutathione, Vit C and Omega-3s

Whereas some detox programs claim that a singular food or vinegary juice can "clean you out" in a good way, they often leave you in the bathroom instead. Rather than juicing every green thing in sight, consider adding these scientifically-backed, natural ingredients to your detox plan and help support the vital organs in charge of eliminating waste and unwanted toxins.

• Glutathione:Glutathione is the body’s master antioxidant. Second only to water, glutathione is one of the most abundant molecules in the body. Glutathione can be produced by the body and is typically concentrated within the liver. On top of its ability to fight against free radical damage, glutathione supports the liverby binding to toxins like heavy metals and other chemicals and making them water-soluble so they can be removed from the body via urine. Unfortunately, the body's glutathione production levels are not always steady, especially after a night out or a summer of happy hours and brewery hopping. To boost your body's glutathione stores, try adding a glutathione supplement to your diet. Amandean's Premium Reduced Liposomal Glutathione ensures maximum bioavailability so you can closely monitor the amount of this antioxidant that makes its way through the body. Take it on its own (it'll be the healthiest shot you ever take) or mix it into a smoothie or your morning glass of water to feel refreshed and light on your feet. It could even help to refresh you and eliminate the hangover-headache after a night out!

• Vitamin C:Excessive alcohol and drug use can deplete your body of vitamin C. During a vitamin C deficiency, it's common to experience fatigue, rashes, muscle weakness, and other symptoms that overlap with the signs of toxicity or the need for a detox. Vitamin C is known to have anti-aging properties, strengthen the immune system, fight infection, and help the body to absorb certain nutrients and minerals. Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits as well as acerola cherries, rose hips, peppers, leafy greens such as kale, kiwis, broccoli, strawberries, and spices like thyme and parsley. You can also use a liposomal vitamin C supplement to ensure that you are getting the optimum amount of vitamin C in your diet. Simply mix some into a smoothie packed with vitamin C-rich foods or mix it into your lemon water to flush toxins far far away.
• Omega-3s:Sure you may have heard of taking fish oil to support heart health, but you may be surprised to learn all the ways in which these fatty acids can support your overall health. Although it's not commonly thought of as a detoxifier, omega-3s can support your body in managing symptoms such as fatigue, poor mood and mental health, an inability to sleep, acne-prone or inflamed skin, and inflammation. Through and through, DHA + EPA omega-3s are one of the best nutrients to add to your diet to support your health goals and keep everything running smoothly. Now, vegans, pescatarians, and omnivores alike can enjoy the health benefits of omega-3s with algae-based vegan omega-3 supplements. Enjoy clearer skin, improved vision and eye health, and better mental health by supporting your body's natural detoxification processes with vegan omega-3s.

Tips to Detox Safely and Effectively

• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate:That's water, not wine! Staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water is known to promote weight loss, improve digestion, boost energy levels, and strengthen the immune system. Add a squirt of lime or lemon juice to make it easier to get 15.5 cups or 3.7 liters per day.
• Exfoliate:Though exfoliating can't remove toxins from the skin, it will help to remove grime from the surface and dead skin cells. If you're feeling a bit oily or clogged up after some late-night fast food indulgence, try a caffeine exfoliation for extra energizing antioxidant power.
• Cut out sugar & booze:Both sugar and alcohol can cause serious inflammation, dampen the immune system, and cause flare-ups in the skin by inhibiting liver function. Get sober curious and opt for natural sweeteners during your detox period and leave the can crushing for another time.
• Avoid processed foods: Processed foods are often filled with excess sugar, salt, and toxins in the form of free radicals, preservatives, and more. Not to mention, they often contain pro-inflammatory ingredients that can make weight management near impossible! Skip the fast-food lines during your detox and food prep instead, so you're ready with a healthy snack at all hours of the day.  

• Dry Brushing:Brushing your skin with a natural bristle brush daily can help to improve circulation, decrease inflammation, and stimulate your lymphatic system to release toxins. Plus, it will force you to set aside some pampering "me time"!
• Eat alkaline-rich fruit & veggies: Dark leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, citrus fruits, root vegetables, legumes, and nuts are all rich in alkalines. Minerals from these foods like calcium, potassium, and magnesium can help to keep our skin clear and healthy. Pro-tip: add a daily Marine Collagen supplement to a source of Vit C to supercharge collagen production in the skin.

Before you brave a strict detox, remember to consult a doctor. If you think you are suffering from chronic disease or symptoms you can't seem to shake, a weekend detox probably won't do it. However, you may be able to boost your overall health with a couple of safe, effective, and natural supplements. For more information about the powerful effects of glutathione, vitamin C, or omega-3s, head over to the Amandean blog or reach out directly to team Amandean!

Article References:

1. https://vetmed.tamu.edu/peer/detoxification/
2. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/17-health-benefits-of-omega-3#TOC_TITLE_HDR_8
3. https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/vitamin-c-flush#research
4. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/detox-diets-101