Anyone who thinks detox is unimportant or bogus is not serving you or your body. It’s plain foolish to think you can sidestep or escape the 80,000 chemicals in our environment. “Detox” may be a trendy buzzword, but it’s an absolutely necessary step in your health regimen. If you ignore it, your health will suffer. The body has a natural ability to rid itself of toxins, such as heavy metals. But, in today’s world, this natural ability is severely compromised. Overexposure results in toxins finding their way into your fat cells and brain tissue. No matter how hard you try to minimize exposure, toxins still get in. The necessity for detoxification is based upon the principle that immunodeficiency, inflammatory and degenerative diseases, from allergies to arthritis to Alzheimer’s, result from the toxic, accumulative effects of poisonous substances and pathogens within the body. According to reports by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the average person now has 212 environmental chemicals in their blood ( things like mercury, lead, cadmium and industrial chemicals). The World Health Organization goes even further, with studies claiming over ~700 chemicals in our bodies.   No matter which reports you choose, it’s essential to have a strong digestive system and well-functioning detox pathways, and here’s how you can help those: 1. Consume antioxidants: For every molecule of toxin metabolized in phase I (such as from cigarette smoke or pesticides), you generate one free radical molecule. Free radicals damage DNA and accelerate wear and tear on the body, similar to rust on a car. Taking vitamin C and E, Alpha lipoic acid, flavonoids, carotenoids, and glutathione helps neutralize the free radicals you’re making each day. 2. Use an infrared sauna: Infrared saunas are THE most effective way of detoxing metals and chemicals from your fat. These saunas have many health benefits, including cancer treatment and prevention, detoxification and killing infections like parasites, yeast, and mold. 3. Go to the bathroom: If you aren't going #2 on a daily basis then your body isn't getting rid of many of the toxins it needs to get rid of. Work with a functional herbalist or doctor to heal your digestive system and overcome constipation. 4. Eat your veggies: broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and brussels sprouts contain sulfur, which helps you reduce estrogen dominance and support both phase I and phase II detoxification. 5. Reduce alcohol: Alcohol impacts both phase I and phase II detox pathways. Women who drink 3 to 6 servings of alcohol per week have a 15 percent greater risk of breast cancer compared to nondrinkers, according to the Nurses’ Health Study. This is because your liver metabolizes excess estrogen. And if you can’t get rid of that excess estrogen, you’re going to have weight gain and potentially even cancer. 6. Attend The Heavy Metals Summit. Wendy Myers, FDN-P, NC, CHHC, Christine Schaffner, ND, and Dietrich Klinghardt, MD, Ph.D., have spent the last few months gathering the right experts, information, and protocols to help you understand the danger of environmental toxins and what to do about them. Every day, they help their patients regain health, in some part through heavy metal detoxification. People with an incorrect diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia or thyroid issues, just to name a few, have found relief through their innovative and individualized protocols to reduce the burden of heavy metals.