#2: Detox Stress - The Function of the Adrenals to Combat Detox Stress
45 Day Total Body Detox 2023
By Stephanie Ray, BCN, CNHP
Keeping the adrenals supported ensures balance in your body while it is dealing with the stress of toxins as well as the process of detoxing and removing them.
Adrenal Support and Detoxification
Toxins signal the adrenals to activate the "fight or flight" stress response when they are present and as they are being removed. Research shows sustained activation of the stress response system can lead to impairments in learning, memory, and the continued ability to deal with stress well. When the adrenal system is supported during detoxification, we are able to mitigate or stop any detox reaction.
What is a detox reaction?
A detox reaction, the adrenal’s “fight or flight” response, occurs when your body tries to remove more toxins than your organs can comfortably excrete. Symptoms may include head pain, achy joints, nausea, low energy, or sluggish bowel function. However, it is not necessary or recommended for successful heavy metal and chemical removal.
Mitigating a Detox Reaction: An Intervention Study
It is possible to mitigate a detox reaction by supporting the adrenals with adaptogens and medicinal mushrooms. During a study conducted by BIORAY®; 35 children, ages 1 to 14 years old, completed a 6-week systemic environmental pollutant detox protocol with most of the participants having no detox reaction.
For this study, each child was given adrenal support, liver support, as well as 2 droppers or 4 droppers full of NDF or NDF Plus detox supplement. Thirty-one out of thirty-five children, experienced no negative reaction while taking their detox protocol. Four out of the thirty-five children experienced the beginnings of a detox or Herxheimer reaction. An increase in the intake of Loving Energy®, adrenal support, with herbs and medicinal mushrooms was increased by 1-2 droppers full a day until irritations subsided. All 35 study participants experienced increased removal of mercury, dioxin, PVC, PBBs, and other environmental pollutants with minimal to no detox reaction.
Where Are the Adrenal Glands and How Do They Work?
The adrenal glands are rounded disc-shaped glands about 3 - 4 inches across. One sits on top of each kidney, located on either side of your lower back, just above where your ribs end. They secrete a number of hormones that prepare our bodies to respond to stress, and they are essential for life. Most of us experience adrenal exhaustion on a daily basis.
Signs of Adrenal Stress include:
- Energy crashes at different points in the day
- Feeling anxious
- Craving sugar or salt
- Dilated pupils
- Poor appetite in the morning
- Decreased tolerance to cold
- Sensitivity to lights and loud noises
- Apathy
- Disturbed sleep
- Low blood sugar episodes
- Low levels of gastric hydrochloric acid
- Sluggish bowels
- Unreasonable fears
- Histamine imbalance
These issues can become exacerbated, if already present, when initiating any kind of detox program. As well, they often times present themselves under the stress of a detoxification program.
How to Replenish Your Adrenal Reserves
Many of us have become adept at overriding the signals that the adrenals give us when they need replenishing with rest, good food, or quenching a thirst. During detox, it can be essential to take adrenal nourishing supplements and foods for its success. You can easily restore and fortify your adrenals with BIORAY’s Loving Energy®, a superior adrenal tonic.
Loving Energy is based on an ancient formulation created by Taoist monks, who would keep a pot of this tea brewing all day. Throughout the day, when they took a break from their prayers and studies, they would drink a cupful to replenish lost adrenal energy. Supporting the adrenals replenishes thirst as well.
Understanding the Herbs in Loving Energy® Adrenal Formula:
- Solomon seal root is a favorite kidney yin herb, also well known as a restorative for mental vitality.
- Eleuthero root helps increase mental and physical endurance and is commonly used by Russian Olympic athletes to increase adaptability.
- Reishi mushroom is a superior "king herb" that supports the nervous system and has anti-stress activity. It is also a wonderful lung tonic.
- Schizandra berries help with relaxation and staying alert and support all the meridian centers.
All of these and other adaptogenic herbs, found in Loving Energy, have a long history in Chinese herbalism. Safe for adults and children alike, refueling our organs is a requirement for staying healthy.
Loving Energy™ Health Benefits
- Replenishes adrenal reserves*
- Supports the lungs and kidneys*
- Buffers irritations during detoxification*
- Relieves stress and exhaustion*
- Enhances and balances energy*
- Reduces brain fog and seasonal sniffles*
- Balances histamine response*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease.
Strawberry Chia Pudding Recipe
“Chia pudding” is a perfect swap for sugary, processed rice or bread puddings that are loaded with refined carbs and empty calories. Chia seeds have the ability to soak up water and form a gel-like substance, which closely resembles other dessert-like puddings that may be some of your childhood favorites.
The sky's the limit when it comes to chia seed recipes for making healthy breakfast puddings, but this combination of coconut, strawberries, and lime is a perfect combination of sweet and decadent, while still staying light and fresh thanks to the acidity of the lime.
Serves 4 to 6
- 16 ounces cooked strawberries, hulled
- 1 1/2 cups (or one 13 1/2-ounce can) coconut milk
- 1/4 cup honey, or to taste
- 1 vanilla bean, scraped
- 3/4 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
- 1/2 cup chia seeds
- 4 droppers full of Loving Energy
- Place the strawberries, coconut milk, honey, vanilla, and lime zest in a blender and blend until smooth. Taste and add more honey if desired.
- Place the chia seeds in a large bowl, pour the strawberry mixture on top, and whisk thoroughly. Let stand for 10 minutes and whisk again.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to 3 days.
- Stir the pudding before serving. The longer it sits, the thicker the pudding will become; if you find that it is too thick, whisk in a little water (or coconut water, if you have some on hand).
