1. Digestion is a north-to-south process that goes from your brain to your (ahem!) anus. If you commonly have bloating, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, sugar cravings, cramping or any digestive distress, then digestion should be your first priority.

2. Blood sugar causes inflammation throughout the body. With an average intake of 160 lbs per person per year, most of us are battling blood sugar highs and lows without realizing it. If you wake up to go to the bathroom one or more times throughout the night (or otherwise wake for no reason), have sugar or salt cravings (salt cravings are usually carb cravings – ask yourself if your salt craving would be relieved by salting a plate of vegetables), bingeing, need an afternoon pick me up of caffeine or something sweet then chances are high that your blood sugar is out of balance. Until your blood sugar is back in line you are going to continue taxing your liver and whole body with excess sugar. Detoxing won’t be beneficial until blood sugar is controlled and stable.

3. Healthy fatty acid deficiency is an epidemic. If you have musculoskeletal issues, endocrine issues, cardiovascular issues, immune issues, allergies and skin problems, depression, or memory issues then you most likely are in desperate need of fatty acids that come from quality sources such as avocado, coconut, olive, grass-fed meats or pasture-raised poultry, wild-caught cold water fish and a wide variety of nuts and seeds. These fatty acids are also essential for the body’s natural ability to manage pain. Relying on aspirin, NSAIDs, steroids or other prescription medications are not only inhibiting your body’s ability to manage pain and illness on its own, but also add greatly to your toxic load with these medications.

4. Proper mineral balance is responsible for providing structural and functional support throughout the body, maintaining pH balance in the body, and regulating tissue growth just to name a few of their important functions. The minerals also maintain proper nerve communication and build bones and blood, and muscle contraction (including the heart). Do you know how you feel when your electrolytes are out of balance? Electrolytes are specific examples of these essential minerals. Without the appropriate mineral balance, you risk flushing the minerals you do have out with the toxins in a detox.

5. Water is life. Our bodies are made up of approximately 65% water. Water is necessary to help flush the toxins out of your body during a detox. You need at least ½ your body weight in ounces of water daily. More is required if you drink caffeine or other diuretics like fruit juices. Also, more water is required with moderate to vigorous exercise and extreme temperatures.