Many people like to kick off their new year with a detox diet. But do they actually work? The short answer is, not really. If your body has a healthy liver, that’s all it needs to rid your system of waste. There’s no need to spend a week or longer subsisting on watery soups or expensive cold-pressed juice.

Also, as far as “toxins” go, detox diets are quick to tell you they’ll help to flush them out, but seldom specify exactly what these impurities are. Still, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do. There are lots of detoxifying nutraceuticals you can take. The best kind are scientifically proven to help boost your body’s natural waste elimination process and we’re going to focus on just three of the best.

Detox and what truly helps?

MSM

Sulphur is the fourth most plentiful mineral in your body.  This is a good thing as it’s required for a long list of bodily functions – detoxification included. This is why a methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) supplement is a must.

A naturally occurring sulphur compound, MSM can make your body’s cells more permeable. This way, they can easily release their waste – including heavy metals. Better yet, it’s then easier for good things like water and nutrients to enter the cells. The other good thing about MSM is that it plays an important role in the creation of glutathione. Gluta-what? Best you keep reading…

Glutathione

When it comes to detoxification supplements, glutathione is the “big daddy”. It’s made naturally in your body and present in every cell but especially concentrated in your liver. This is where it binds to toxins like surplus hormones, man made chemicals, environmental pollutants and heavy metals. Once attached, glutathione makes these unwanted elements water-soluble. This means that they’re easy to flush out your system.

Just because your body makes glutathione doesn’t mean we have enough of it. Ageing, poor diet, alcohol, stress and the overuse of certain medications are a few of many things that can deplete our natural supply. Fortunately, you can take an oral glutathione supplement or, even better, dose up via intravenous therapy. This way, the glutathione bypasses your digestive system where it breaks down and goes directly into your bloodstream for maximum benefit.

N-Acetyl Cysteine

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is another brilliant detoxifier. The supplement form of cysteine, a semi-essential amino acid, NAC helps replenish your body’s supply of glutathione and has potent detoxification properties. In fact, it’s regularly administered in emergency rooms to help protect the livers of anyone suffering a paracetamol overdose. Also, many swear that taking it regularly helps them bounce back faster from a hangover!

While you can purchase NAC supplements on their own, you’ll find its a popular addition to detoxifying blends such as Renewal Institute Liver S Plus.

The bottom line

Much like any low kilojoule diet, a detox diet could help you lose a bit of weight, but it’s not likely to rid your body of toxins. That’s something your liver does all on its own. Still, there are supplements you can take to ensure your body has everything it needs to run its natural detoxification processes to maximum effect. This means you can step away from that tortuous-sounding ten day cleanse (phew!) and invest in high-quality nutraceuticals that are easy to take and will deliver proven results.