Detox supplements have become increasingly popular for people looking to cleanse their bodies and boost their health. But with so many products on the market, how do you know which ones really work? Well, scroll down to know our top picks for the best science-backed detox supplements!
What are detox supplements and do you need them?
Your liver, kidneys, skin, and digestive system naturally work together to filter out harmful substances from your body. But sometimes, factors like a poor diet, stress, or exposure to environmental toxins can put extra strain on your body’s detox system.1 2 That’s where detox supplements come in to help fill the gap.
Detox supplements are designed to support – not replace – our body’s natural detox abilities. They often contain a blend of antioxidants, herbs, and minerals that work alongside your body’s defenses to help clear out toxins more effectively.
So, do you need them? While detox supplements aren’t essential for everyone, they can be beneficial if you feel your diet or lifestyle isn’t providing the support your body needs to stay in top shape.
What are examples of natural detox supplements?
Some of the best supplements that support the body’s detoxification processes include the following:
Glutathione
Glutathione, often referred to as the body’s master antioxidant, is highly concentrated in the liver, where it plays a crucial role in detoxification and neutralizing free radicals.3 Glutathione binds to toxins, heavy metals, and other pollutants, converting them into water-soluble compounds that the body can easily eliminate.4 5
The challenge with regular glutathione is its low bioavailability. To overcome this, we use liposomal technology in our Liposomal Glutathione, which enhances absorption. Liposomes are tiny delivery systems that protect the glutathione from digestive enzymes, bile salts, and free radicals.
NAC
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is a powerful supplement for boosting glutathione levels. As a precursor to glutathione, NAC provides the essential building blocks to directly increase its levels in the body.6
There is also evidence suggesting that NAC may improve liver function in individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, making it a valuable supplement for liver support.7
Milk thistle
Milk thistle is another option for natural detox support. Its active ingredient, silymarin, has been used for centuries to protect the liver. Silymarin may enhance the liver’s ability to filter toxins from the bloodstream.8
Silybin, a key component of silymarin, has demonstrated antifibrotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. This is why many people continue to take milk thistle for liver support and detoxification.9
Curcumin
Another powerful detox supplement is Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric.
Curcumin has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that promote liver health and support bile production, which is essential for breaking down fats and eliminating toxins.10
The only problem with curcumin is its poor bioavailability, which is why our supplement features the Meriva® formulation. Meriva Curcumin significantly improves bioavailability, making it one of the most effective curcumin supplements on the market.11
Chlorella
Chlorella is a type of freshwater algae known for its rich green color and dense nutrient content. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and chlorophyll, making it popular as a superfood. Its high levels of fiber and protein, along with its ability to bind to heavy metals and toxins, make Chlorella a natural detoxifier.12
How to maximize the benefits of detox supplements?
To get the most out of your detox supplements, consistency is key. Take them daily at the recommended dosage for the best results. Timing also matters – some supplements like our Curcumin work best when taken with a meal.
Pairing detox supplements with a balanced diet, rich in antioxidant foods like berries and leafy greens, boosts their effectiveness. Staying hydrated helps your liver and kidneys flush out toxins, while regular exercise stimulates your lymphatic system to speed up detoxification. Don’t forget sleep – it’s when your body does much of its natural detox work. Good sleep hygiene is essential to amplify your supplements’ benefits.13
How to choose the right detox supplement for you?
Selecting the right detox supplement can feel overwhelming but focusing on a few key factors can make all the difference.
First, always consider the quality of ingredients. Look for supplements that use science-backed ingredients with proven benefits. Avoid products with unnecessary fillers or additives that could dilute the effectiveness of the active components.
Bioavailability is another crucial factor. Simply put, this refers to how well your body can absorb and utilize the supplement; otherwise, they’d just end up as bodily waste! Our Liposomal Glutathione and Meriva® Curcumin are both formulated to maximize absorption so you get the most out of every dose.
It’s also essential to consider your specific health needs. If you’re aiming to enhance antioxidant levels, our Liposomal Glutathione would be ideal since it features a powerful antioxidant formula. Or, if you’re looking to reduce chronic inflammation, our Meriva® Curcumin might be more suitable.
Always choose supplements from a reputable brand that prioritizes transparency and quality. Intelligent Labs is known for its commitment to science-backed formulations, using only the best ingredients to deliver effective results.
Lastly, consult with a healthcare professional before starting any detox regimen, especially if you have existing health conditions or take other medications. This ensures you choose the right supplements and dosage for your specific needs. This way you can maximize the product benefits and avoid any potential interaction.
Conclusion
Detox supplements are not a quick fix but a tool to help your body function at its best. By selecting high-quality products and making smart lifestyle choices, you can give your body the support it needs to thrive!
References:
- Panda, Chinmayee, et al. “Guided Metabolic Detoxification Program Supports Phase II Detoxification Enzymes and Antioxidant Balance in Healthy Participants.” Nutrients, vol. 15, no. 9, 6 May 2023, pp. 2209–2209, https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15092209. ︎
- Dm, Grant. “Detoxification Pathways in the Liver.” Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease, 1991, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1749210/. ︎
- Pizzorno, Joseph. “Glutathione!” Integrative Medicine (Encinitas, Calif.), vol. 13, no. 1, 2014, pp. 8–12, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4684116/. ︎
- Jiang, Xingya, et al. “Noninvasive Monitoring of Hepatic Glutathione Depletion through Fluorescence Imaging and Blood Testing.” Science Advances, vol. 7, no. 8, Feb. 2021, p. eabd9847, https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abd9847. ︎
- Honda, Yasushi, et al. “Efficacy of Glutathione for the Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: An Open-Label, Single-Arm, Multicenter, Pilot Study.” BMC Gastroenterology, vol. 17, 8 Aug. 2017, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12876-017-0652-3 ︎
- Lavoie, Suzie, et al. “Glutathione Precursor, N-Acetyl-Cysteine, Improves Mismatch Negativity in Schizophrenia Patients.” Neuropsychopharmacology: Official Publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, vol. 33, no. 9, 1 Aug. 2008, pp. 2187–2199, https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.npp.1301624. ︎
- Khoshbaten, Manouchehr, et al. “N-Acetylcysteine Improves Liver Function in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.” Hepatitis Monthly, vol. 10, no. 1, 2010, pp. 12–6, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3270338. ︎
- George, Ted, and Raj K Patel. “Milk Thistle.” Nih.gov, StatPearls Publishing, 3 Sept. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541075/. ︎
- Loguercio, Carmela, and Davide Festi. “Silybin and the Liver: From Basic Research to Clinical Practice.” World Journal of Gastroenterology: WJG, vol. 17, no. 18, 14 May 2011, pp. 2288–2301, https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v17.i18.2288. ︎
- Farzaei, Mohammad Hosein, et al. “Curcumin in Liver Diseases: A Systematic Review of the Cellular Mechanisms of Oxidative Stress and Clinical Perspective.” Nutrients, vol. 10, no. 7, 1 July 2018, https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10070855. ︎
- Belcaro G;Cesarone MR;Dugall M;Pellegrini L;Ledda A;Grossi MG;Togni S;Appendino G. “Efficacy and Safety of Meriva®, a Curcumin-Phosphatidylcholine Complex, during Extended Administration in Osteoarthritis Patients.” Alternative Medicine Review : A Journal of Clinical Therapeutic, vol. 15, no. 4, 2024, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21194249. ︎
- Bito, Tomohiro, et al. “Potential of Chlorella as a Dietary Supplement to Promote Human Health.” Nutrients, vol. 12, no. 9, 20 Aug. 2020, p. 2524, https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12092524. ︎
- Van de Walle, Gavin. “Full Body Detox: 9 Ways to Rejuvenate Your Body.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 11 Mar. 2019, www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-to-detox-your-body. ︎
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