Functional Health Detox Strategies

By the time we hit our 40s and 50s, it’s not just extra candles on the birthday cake we’re accumulating… it’s toxins too. Years of stress, less-than-ideal eating habits, environmental pollutants, and emotional baggage can leave us feeling slow, heavy, and like we’re aging faster than our years. 

These elements, combined with genetic factors, can hinder the body’s natural detoxification processes and increase our toxic load. Research shows that as we age, our bodies become less efficient at eliminating harmful toxins. This inefficiency, often exacerbated by nutrient deficiencies and chemical sensitivities, leads to toxin buildup that can contribute to chronic disease, hormonal imbalances, and a wide range of health issues. One study found that adults over 40 had significantly higher levels of certain toxic substances compared to younger individuals [1].

If you’ve been feeling more sluggish, inflamed, emotionally reactive, or mentally cluttered than usual, it might be signs of toxic overload. Those “blah” feelings are often red flags from your body that it’s time for a serious detox.

But before you grab the nearest juice cleanse or 10-day detox kit, pump the brakes. There’s a smarter, safer way to detox in midlife. And it doesn’t require downing kale juice until you turn green or spending hours chained to the toilet (you’re welcome).

 

The Four Dimensions of Detox

True detoxification is about way more than just what you eat (or don’t eat). To feel fully vibrant and alive, all parts of you need a reset. This means addressing digestive health, mental clarity, emotional wellness, and spiritual connection.

In other words: taking a mind, body, heart, and soul approach. 

Think of toxicity as anything that blocks your body’s natural ability to thrive. That means negative thoughts, draining relationships, and spiritual disconnection are just as toxic as the pesticides on your produce or heavy metals in your water.

A midlife ‘detox done right’ will address four key areas:

1. Physical 
2. Mental
3. Emotional  
4. Spiritual

Open the Floodgates Before You Detox

One of the biggest mistakes I see people make when detoxing is not preparing their body to eliminate toxins efficiently. It’s like trying to clean out a clogged drain by pouring more water into it. Instead of clearing the mess, you’re just creating a bigger backup and flooding the system.

That’s why step #1 of any physical detox is to open your drainage pathways. This ensures you have clear “escape routes” for toxins to leave your body. 

Your main detox pathways include:

• Liver – Your body’s primary detox organ. The liver filters toxins from your blood, breaks them down, and prepares them for elimination.
• Kidneys – Filter waste and toxins from your blood and expel them through urine.
• Colon – The final stage of digestion, responsible for eliminating solid waste and toxins from your body.
• Lymphatic system – Acts as a drainage system, carrying waste and toxins away from your tissues and delivering them to the bloodstream for removal.
• Skin – The largest organ of elimination, expelling toxins through sweat while acting as a barrier to external threats.
• Lungs – Eliminate toxins by expelling carbon dioxide and filtering harmful airborne substances through each breath.

Before starting any detox protocol, spend a few days focusing on practices that get these pathways open and flowing, such as:  

• Drink plenty of clean, filtered water with lemon
• Eat cleansing whole foods like celery, parsley, or cilantro
• Try dry brushing to stimulate lymph flow and open up your skin pores
• Get sweaty with exercise or infrared sauna  
• Take deep belly breaths to support your lungs
• Go for brisk walks to keep things moving

Studies show that supporting detox pathways through diet and lifestyle practices can significantly increase the excretion of certain toxins. For instance, one trial found that infrared sauna therapy increased the elimination of heavy metals by up to 600% [2].

Once you’ve prepped your detox pathways, you’re ready for a deeper cleanse.

8 Next-Level Detox Practices Your Body Will Love

There are plenty of detox programs, trends, and fads. Many of them, like the Master Cleanse, are actually hard to complete or only provide temporary results. The Master Cleanse for example involves consuming only a mixture of lemon juice, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper for days on end. For most people it’s miserable and unsustainable. Also it’s never the answer to removing a lifetime of accumulated toxins. 

If you want to detox, ideally, you’ll work with a functional health practitioner who can identify what’s going on inside your body to custom tailor a protocol that resolves the real root causes of your midlife malaise.

But if you want to get started at home with a functional medicine approach, I’ve pulled together some simple body detox practices to try:

Body Detox Technique 1: Vitamin C Flush

This detox technique involves using high doses of vitamin C to help your body rapidly eliminate toxins. Vitamin C works as a powerful antioxidant, neutralizing harmful substances and and protecting your DNA from oxidative damage. Vitamin C flushing helps your body excrete toxins through urine and stool. It also supports your liver, one of your primary detox organs, by attacking free radicals, thereby helping spare glutathione, your body’s master detoxifier. Furthermore, vitamin C helps reprocess glutathione by converting oxidized glutathione back to its active form.

Body Detox Technique 2: Coffee Enema

Okay, I know what you’re thinking—wait, what?! But hear me out. Coffee enemas are exactly what they sound like: you put room-temperature coffee up your bum. Why would anyone do this? Because it’s an incredibly effective way to support your detox pathways. Coffee enemas stimulate the liver and gallbladder to release stored toxins and ramp up the production of glutathione, your body’s master antioxidant. And get this—research shows that coffee enemas can boost glutathione levels by 600-700%! Glutathione acts as your body’s master detoxifier, working behind the scenes to neutralize harmful substances, break down toxins, and support their removal from your system. Plus, the caffeine gets absorbed by delicate blood vessels in the area, giving you a little energy boost (in the best way possible!). If you want to give it a try, I recommend Happy Bum Co for easy, at-home enema kits. And yes, I totally get that coffee enemas might sound weird—but don’t knock it until you’ve tried it! You just might be surprised at how amazing you feel afterward.

Body Detox Technique 3: Castor Oil Packs

Castor oil has been used for centuries to promote healing and detoxification. When applied topically over the liver with heat, castor oil penetrates the skin to stimulate circulation and support lymphatic flow. This process enhances the liver’s ability to filter toxins and reduce inflammation by improving blood flow to the area. One study found that castor oil packs helped relieve constipation in the elderly [3], likely due to its ability to support healthy digestion and detoxification. Bonus: it’s also deeply relaxing! I like Queen of the Thrones for quality castor oil packs.

Body Detox Technique 4: Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is a powerful natural treatment that works like a magnet for toxins. Its porous surface traps unwanted substances in the GI tract—like heavy metals, mold toxins, and excess gas—so they can be safely flushed out instead of being reabsorbed into your body [4]. Think of it like a sponge soaking up spills, except it’s working on the microscopic level to clean up your system. A quick note: activated charcoal can also bind to medications, potentially reducing their effectiveness, so be sure to check with your healthcare provider before adding it to your routine. When you get the all-clear from your doctor, I recommend Charcoal Plus Binder.

Body Detox Technique 5: Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing oil (ideally organic, extra virgin, cold-pressed coconut oil) in your mouth for 10-20 minutes. The lipids in the oil “pull” bacteria, fungi, and toxins from the oral cavity and entire body. One study found that oil pulling with coconut oil significantly reduced plaque and gingivitis, which are not just dental issues but also sources of toxins and inflammation in your body [5]. Plaque harbors harmful bacteria that can enter your bloodstream, contributing to systemic inflammation and even increasing your risk for chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Similarly, gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease, causes gum inflammation that can spread throughout your body, adding to your overall inflammation levels. When you’re done oil pulling, don’t spit the oil down your sink drain as it can clog pipes—spit into the trash instead. Afterward, rinse your mouth well with warm water to remove any residual oil and toxins.

Body Detox Technique 6: Detox Bath

A detox bath helps draw toxins out of the body through the skin. The combination of Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate), baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), and apple cider vinegar work synergistically to pull a wide variety of toxins from the body, alkalize the system (AKA: reduce acidity, and promote a balanced pH), and provide crucial minerals for your detox pathways. Epsom salt baths help boost magnesium levels, a key mineral your body needs for over 300 detox processes.

Body Detox Technique 7: Long Fasting

Everyone knows about intermittent fasting (IF)—it’s been a buzzword for years. But while IF can help regulate blood sugar and metabolism, research shows that deep cellular detox and rejuvenation require longer fasting periods. Autophagy—the body’s built-in cleanup process—doesn’t fully activate until at least 48 hours into a fast [6]. At this stage, the body shifts beyond simple calorie restriction, breaking down damaged cells and recycling them for repair and regeneration. Because prolonged fasting can be challenging, researchers developed the Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD), a five-day program that allows you to eat while keeping the body in a fasting state. Unlike IF, which primarily supports metabolic health, longer fasts trigger stem cell production, mitochondrial repair, and deep cellular renewal—making them a powerful tool for reversing aging at the cellular level. In my practice, we use Prolon as our preferred FMD program. Use this link to take up to 20% off your Prolon order.

Body Detox Technique 8: Liver-Supporting Nutrients & Herbs

The liver is the body’s primary detoxification organ, working 24/7 to filter toxins from the blood. Supporting your liver with the nutrients it needs to perform at its best is necessary every day—not just when you’re doing a physical detox. Supplement blends with milk thistle, dandelion root, taurine, inositol, ox bile, artichoke extract, and beet powder are some of the best nutrients and herbs for liver health. They contain compounds that protect liver cells from damage, enhance the organ’s detox pathways, and promote bile flow – crucial for toxin excretion.

Digital Detox: Unplug to Recharge

If you feel just as cluttered and scattered as your computer’s desktop…

… it’s time for a digital detox. The constant influx of emails, news, social media, and blue light can fray our focus and nervous system over time. 

Excessive screen time has been linked to a ton of health issues, including eye strain, headaches, neck pain, poor sleep, and even depression. 

Let’s take a look at some of the most common culprits of digital toxicity (I bet some of them will surprise you!):

• Blue light – The blue light emitted by digital devices (including TV screens, cell phones, tables, even e-readers) suppresses melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. Your brain can’t tell the difference between blue light and other kinds of light (like sunlight) so it automatically triggers the “it’s time to be awake!” function inside your brain.
• EMFs – Electromagnetic fields from wi-fi and cell phones have been shown to increase oxidative stress and inflammation in the body [7]. But those aren’t the only sources of EMF—for most of us, our homes are littered with connected devices that emit EMFs, from smart meters and wireless baby monitors to Bluetooth speakers and even your beloved AirPods!
• Web surfing – You might think scrolling through TikTok, Instagram, or other online platforms is a form of relaxation… but your brain doesn’t agree. Studies have shown that social media use is associated with increased risk of anxiety, depression, and loneliness [8]. It’s likely because social media often promotes comparison, FOMO (fear of missing out), and unrealistic expectations. 
• Notification overload – Those constant dings, pings, and pop-ups from your devices aren’t just annoying – they’re actually taxing your brain. Each notification takes your attention away from the task at hand, fragmenting your focus. Over time, this can lead to decreased productivity, higher stress levels, and difficulty concentrating even when you’re not using your devices [9].

All of these factors contribute to brain fog, fatigue, and mood imbalances, which can negatively impact your mental health. They can also lead to addictive-type behaviors. For instance, one survey reported that the average American spent approximately 4 hours and 37 minutes daily on their phones, with 45% feeling addicted to their devices [10]. And addiction is actually the goal for device manufacturers and app developers. The infinite scroll feature on many platforms is designed to be addictive, constantly stimulating your brain’s reward center and making it hard to disengage. No wonder our brains feel fried by all that screen time!

Try a 24-48 hour digital detox where you completely unplug from screens:

• Read a real book instead of articles online
• Call a friend instead of texting or emailing
• Take a walk without your phone
• Journal instead of scrolling

Notice how you feel after some screen-free time – I bet it’s way calmer and more present! And science backs this up. Experts agree that limiting social media usage can improve mental health. In one study, students who were limited to just 30 minutes a day on social media reported less anxiety, depression, and loneliness [11]. And a 2020 study published in Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking found that taking a one-week break from social media significantly improved well-being, reducing levels of anxiety and depression while enhancing overall mental clarity and productivity [12].

Relationship Detox: Clean Up Your Connections

Ever notice how certain people leave you feeling drained, anxious, or negative after an interaction? Those are toxic relationships and they have no place in your life anymore. 

Toxic relationships have been linked to a host of health issues, including increased inflammation, weakened immunity, and mental health problems [13]. They even increase mortality rates! Research shows that people with weaker social ties face a 50% higher risk of dying earlier than those with strong relationships [14]. And one long-term study found that people with happier spouses were 13% less likely to die early, showing how a happy relationship can boost your lifespan [15].

A relationship detox is about becoming very conscious about who you let into your energetic field. Research shows that we are deeply influenced by the energy and emotions of those around us, thanks to mirror neurons in our brains that cause us to “catch” the feelings of others. This means that spending time with negative, toxic people can literally lower your own vibration and emotional state. Conversely, surrounding yourself with positive, uplifting people can elevate your energy and wellbeing. And by the way, this applies to both in-person or online relationships (including social media accounts!). 

To protect your energy in relationships:

• Establish firm boundaries with draining people 
• Limit time with those who pull you down
• Seek out more connections that inspire, uplift and energize you 

After all, the quality of your relationships (even digital ones) deeply impacts your mental-emotional wellbeing, which in turn has an effect on your physical health!

Spiritual Detox: Clean Your Energetic House

When was the last time you felt fully connected to yourself and your spirituality? If it’s been a while, some ‘spiritual detox’ is in order. This is about releasing what no longer serves you and creates space for more spiritual connection.

Some ways to spiritually detox:

• Pray or meditate daily
• Read your bible
• Practice forgiveness – of others and yourself
• Spend time in nature to feel connected to the earth
• Create a gratitude practice 

Spiritual practices like prayer, forgiveness, and gratitude have been scientifically shown to reduce stress, increase wellbeing, and even slow cellular aging [16]. By detoxing spiritually, you’re literally cleaning your cells from the inside out. 

How to Detox Safely

I know it can feel overwhelming to detox alone. There are so many options and it’s very unclear on what will work for you. That’s why partnering with a qualified functional practitioner is so key. We can assess your toxic burden, open detox pathways, and create a personalized protocol that works for your unique needs and lifestyle.

And remember, it’s usually not just one area causing toxicity in your life. When one area is affected, it’s going to spill over into others.

One of the main principles of functional medicine is that everything is connected. So for example, if you’re going through stress, your body is pumping out high levels of cortisol, which then fuels inflammation in your body. This inflammation can manifest as digestive issues, skin problems, brain fog, and fatigue. It can strain your relationships as you feel more irritable and reactive. It can impact your spiritual life as you feel disconnected from your true self. So with that one simple example, you can easily see just how a build-up of toxins affects every area of your life – mind, body, and soul.

If you’re ready to clean up your inner and outer world so you can feel fully alive again and achieve optimal health, let’s get started. Your body is craving a deep detox and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.