Detoxification

Detoxification is your body’s natural way of clearing out harmful substances to keep you balanced, energized, and well. At WellPathNP in Cumberland Foreside, Maine, board-certified family health and functional medicine nurse practitioner Kiera Preston  focuses on supporting and optimizing these pathways to enhance overall health. Whether you're experiencing fatigue or brain fog or simply want a fresh start, personalized detox can help restore clarity and vitality from the inside out. Call or book an appointment online today.

What is detoxification?

Detoxification is the natural process your body uses to remove toxins and waste products that accumulate from the environment, food, medications, and everyday metabolism. It involves breaking down harmful substances to eliminate them safely, primarily through the liver, kidneys, digestive system, lungs, and skin.

When is detoxification necessary?

Detoxification becomes especially important when your body’s natural detox pathways are overwhelmed or not functioning optimally. This can happen due to chronic or acute exposures to:

• Pollutants
• Poor diet
• Stress
• Infections
• Heavy metals

Genetic factors can also affect how well your body processes toxins.

When toxins build up, they can contribute to fatigue, brain fog, and digestive issues, increasing the risk of chronic diseases.

How can detoxification help optimize my health?

At WellPathNP, Kiera understands the importance of supporting your body’s detoxification pathways to improve your overall health and vitality. 

You may carry genetic variations that impact how effectively your body detoxifies. These gene variants can cause sluggish toxin elimination, increasing strain on your organs and tissues.

Kiera offers comprehensive genetic testing to assess your unique detoxification pathways and identify any inherited challenges, allowing her to create a detox plan tailored to your needs.

How does detoxification work?

Detoxification is a complex, multi-phase process your body uses to neutralize and eliminate toxins. It primarily occurs in the liver and involves two key phases:

Phase I:

In this phase, enzymes (primarily from the cytochrome P450 family) convert toxins into intermediate compounds. These substances are often more reactive and potentially harmful, which is why efficient transition to Phase II is essential.

Phase II:

In this phase, the reactive intermediates from Phase I are bound (conjugated) to water-soluble molecules such as glutathione, sulfate, or amino acids. This process renders the toxins less harmful and allows for their safe elimination through urine, stool, and sweat.

If either phase is under-functioning, toxins can accumulate, leading to inflammation, oxidative stress, and other health concerns.

At WellPathNP, Kiera offers specialized detox programs like the Metagenics 10-Day Clear Change and the Standard Process 21-Day Cleanse. These clinically guided programs provide targeted nutrients and enzymes to support your detox pathways while nourishing your body.

Kiera also recommends natural products specifically chosen to enhance and balance detoxification, including herbal formulas, antioxidants, and amino acids. For individuals with a higher toxic burden, heavy metal detoxification support — including IV chelation therapy — is available when appropriate.

Schedule a consultation at WellPathNP today by calling or booking online now.