By Nancy Knudson, Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach
Methylation is our body’s process to detoxify and turn our food into energy. It’s estimated that 60% of the population has genetic variants that cause us to not do those two things very well. When our Detox pathways are not open we tend to get herxheimer reactions. This “feeling worse before we get better” can be minimized by supporting our detox pathways.
#1: SUPER SIMPLE TRICK FOR HELPING TO OPEN UP THE LIVER AND GALLBLADDER DETOX PATHWAYS…
Keep a bottle of organic castor oil in your shower. Put about a tablespoon in the palm of your hand and apply it to your liver and gallbladder area (just under your rib cage on the right side of your body) – amazing for opening up those detox pathways. Apply also to the neck and lymph to support lymph drainage. The hot water of the shower will drive that castor oil right in and go right to work for you. You can then use soap if you would like when you are done massaging it in. Castor oil also moisturizes and makes your skin nice and smooth.
#2: MAKE SURE YOUR BOWELS ARE MOVING WELL!
(NOTE: For some people fiber is an issue and the more you put in the more constipated you become. If that is the case for you be sure to watch Health Hack #2 and consider enzymes I like the Family Code Multi Vitamin because it is all in one with Multivitamin, methylated B vitamins, probiotics and enzymes. If constipation has been a chronic issue look also at the Shilajit Minerals and or the Desiccated Pancreas Glandular on the shop page as well.) Addressing bowel function can be super super tricky!!
For most people psyllium husk is a great form of fiber that works for constipation and or for diarrhea. Psyllium Husk expands 20 times its amount, soaks up water and mops & cleans the intestinal tract as it goes through. It’s super thick when you stir it in your water. I recommend that you add 2-3 teaspoons of organic psyllium husk to a glass, add water and drink it down. Don’t stir it – it makes it easier to get it down. Other things you can do to support methylation: drink plenty of water, drink hot water with lemon (such a great way to cleanse and detoxify); use a sauna; take a saltwater bath; use acupressure – YES, you can do acupressure on yourself – check my folder labeled “ACUPRESSURE” on my profile page. I’ve got about 12 different acupressure techniques that you can learn and do on yourself!
#3 THE MAGIC OF CILANTRO AND BITTER HERBS…
Cilantro is an amazing heavy metal detoxifier. Bitter herbs stimulate your enzyme production and turmeric & black pepper decrease inflammation. You can incorporate these things into your daily diet. Also, check out my DAILY DIGEST blend that incorporates all these things. Apply 1-5 drops daily into the naval or bottom of feet for as a super simple way to support gentle daily detoxification.