107: The Truth About Detox Myths

Most people have been told at some point that the way to “detox” is to buy a cleanse, live on juice for a week, or chase down some supplement that promises to pull toxins out of the body. But the reality is very different. In this episode, I unpack what detoxification really looks like, and explain why your body already comes equipped with everything it needs to keep itself clean — provided you don’t get in its way. How does it work? Instead of imagining the liver as a sponge full of toxins or assuming your kidneys need a crash reset, it helps to understand how these systems actually function. The liver runs chemical conversions that neutralize harmful compounds and make them easier to excrete, the kidneys filter waste into urine, and the lungs, skin, and gut provide additional routes to push toxins out. From breath to sweat to stool, detox is happening every single day. The key to efficient detoxification is to limit your exposure to things your body struggles to process — like excessive alcohol, ultra-processed foods, endocrine-disrupting chemicals in plastics and skincare, and antinutrients in plants that place unnecessary stress on the kidneys and gut. Choosing nutrient-dense animal foods, prioritizing hydration, spending time in the sauna, managing stress, and maintaining quality sleep all give your body the margin it needs to carry out its own repair work. In other words, when you live in a way that doesn’t constantly overload these systems, detox becomes effortless and ongoing. If you’ve ever wondered whether you need to “reset” with a cleanse, this conversation is a reminder that the reset button is built in. The real challenge is removing modern obstacles so the body can do the work it’s designed for. Listen in to rethink what detox really means, and consider sharing this episode with someone who’s still chasing quick fixes. Discount Code: Use code YOUTUBE to get 20% OFF MK Supplements at shop.michaelkummer.com Learn more: 8 Key Primal Shifts for Ancestral Living: https://www.primalshiftpodcast.com/8-key-primal-shifts-for-ancestral-living/ 101: Hidden Toxins at Home: What You're Doing Wrong: https://www.primalshiftpodcast.com/101-hidden-toxins-at-home-what-youre-doing-wrong/ Thank you to this episode’s sponsor, Peluva! Peluva makes minimalist shoes to support optimal foot, back and joint health. I started wearing Peluvas several months ago, and I haven’t worn regular shoes since. I encourage you to consider trading your sneakers or training shoes for a pair of Peluvas, and then watch the health of your feet and lower back improve while reducing your risk of injury. To learn more about why I love Peluva barefoot shoes, check out my in-depth review: https://michaelkummer.com/health/peluva-review/ And use code MICHAEL to get 10% off your first pair: https://michaelkummer.com/go/peluva In this episode: 00:00 Introduction to detox myths 00:23 Natural detox pathways 01:37 How detoxification works 06:24 Supporting detox through diet 08:11 Lifestyle tips for detox 13:03 Sustainable detox practices 16:47 Final thoughts Find me on social media for more health and wellness content: Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKummer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalshiftpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michaelkummer/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer/ [Medical Disclaimer] The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health. [Affiliate Disclaimer] I earn affiliate commissions from some of the brands and products I review on this channel. While that doesn't change my editorial integrity, it helps make this channel happen. If you’d like to support me, please use my affiliate links or discount code. #Detoxification #Detox