Take 20: Health Podcast Series | EP02 Part 2: Detox Pathways | Samantha & Alkesh

Summary

The video script discusses the importance of liver and kidney health in detoxification, emphasizing the liver's role in processing toxins from modern lifestyles. It recommends traditional practices like consuming warm food, using healthy fats, and incorporating bitter foods and herbs like dandelion root to support liver function. The speaker also highlights the significance of exercise, gratitude, and proper digestion for overall health, suggesting techniques like box breathing to enhance the digestive system's efficiency.

Takeaways

• 🍽️ The liver and kidneys play a crucial role in detoxification, with the liver being particularly overloaded due to modern lifestyles and diets.
• 🌿 Dandelion root is highlighted as an effective herb for maintaining liver health, but it cannot counteract the effects of alcohol consumption the night before.
• 🍷 Drinking alcohol and then relying on dandelion tea the next morning is not an effective detox strategy.
• 🏃‍♂️ Sweating through exercise is a natural way to detoxify the body.
• 💆‍♀️ Lymphatic system health is supported by activities that involve jumping and stretching, which can be incorporated into daily routines.
• 🥗 Consuming fermented foods such as kanji, sauerkraut, and yogurt can aid gut health and digestion.
• 🙏 Practicing gratitude or saying a prayer before meals can reduce stress and improve digestive function.
• 🥥 Coconut oil is recommended as a healthy fat source that also has disinfectant properties for the gut.
• ☕ Black coffee has liver-protective properties, but it's advised to consume it with fat and carbs to reduce stress-inducing effects.
• 🚫 BPA from plastic bottles and microplastics from various sources contribute to liver strain, emphasizing the need for awareness of everyday toxins.
• 🌡️ Eating warm food is beneficial for liver health, while cold foods and drinks can negatively impact liver function.
• 🍫 Bitter foods like dark chocolate can activate liver enzymes and support liver health.

Q & A

What are the two primary organs responsible for detoxification in the human body?

The two primary organs responsible for detoxification are the liver and the kidneys.

Why are livers often compromised in today's world according to the script?

Livers are often compromised due to the type of food we eat, our lifestyle, and the intake of various toxins such as BPA from plastics and microplastics from water bottles and tea bags.

What is the role of bile in digestion and how can diet affect it?

Bile is crucial for the digestion of fats. If the diet lacks fat or consists of cold and processed foods, bile can become thick and turn into sludge, reducing the liver's capacity to function properly.

What is the significance of eating warm food for liver health?

Eating warm food helps to keep the liver healthy by ensuring bile does not become thick and sludgy, which can hinder liver function.

What are some good fats sources mentioned in the script that can support liver health?

Some good fat sources mentioned are coconut oil, nuts, and avocado. These fats are important for bile production, which aids in digestion.

What is the significance of bitter foods in liver health?

Bitter foods, such as dark chocolate and raw kale, activate liver enzymes that help in detoxification and maintaining liver health.

What is dandelin root and how can it be beneficial for the liver?

Dandelin root, also known as dandelion root, is an herb that can be consumed as tea to detoxify the liver and increase liver enzymes, supporting liver health.

How does the script suggest modifying coffee consumption to reduce its stress-inducing effects?

The script suggests adding a fat source, like fresh cream, and a carb source, like honey, to coffee to reduce its stress-inducing effects and enhance its liver-protective properties.

What is box breathing and how can it improve the digestive system?

Box breathing is a technique where you inhale, hold your breath, and exhale each for a count of eight, creating a 'box' of equal counts. This method can help improve the digestive system by reducing stress and promoting relaxation.

What is the role of gratitude or a word of thanks before eating as per the script?

Expressing gratitude or saying a word of thanks before eating can help reduce stress levels, creating a calm environment for the digestive system to function more effectively.

What is the connection between the roles we play in life and our overall well-being according to the script?

The script suggests that being overly attached to one particular role, such as a professional identity, can make it difficult to maintain a healthy and happy life. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing that roles are temporary 'hats' we wear and not defining ourselves solely by them.

Outlines

00:00

🍃 Liver and Kidney Overload in Modern Lifestyle

The first paragraph discusses the impact of contemporary diets and lifestyles on our liver and kidneys, which are the primary detoxifying organs. It highlights the importance of maintaining liver health through the use of herbs like dandelion root, while cautioning against the misconception that one can counteract the effects of alcohol consumption with herbal remedies. The speaker emphasizes the subtle difference between defining oneself by one's work versus who one truly is, suggesting that understanding this distinction can help align one's perspective on life. The paragraph concludes with a reference to a talk by AAR Tole, who advises that roles we play in life are temporary 'hats' we wear and should not define us entirely.

05:02

🌿 Diet and Liver Health: The Role of Bile and Fats

This paragraph delves into the specifics of how diet affects liver health, particularly the production of bile, which is crucial for fat digestion. It explains that consuming cold or processed foods and having a low-fat diet can lead to bile becoming thick and forming sludge, impairing liver function. The speaker advocates for traditional advice of eating warm food to support liver health and suggests that adequate fat intake, especially from sources like coconut oil, nuts, and avocado, is beneficial. The paragraph also touches on the benefits of bitter foods and herbs like dandelion in stimulating liver enzymes and detoxification, while dispelling the myth of using them to offset alcohol consumption.

10:04

☕️ Enhancing Digestion and Reducing Stress Through Diet and Practice

The final paragraph provides a summary of the key points discussed in the script regarding detoxification and liver health. It emphasizes the importance of regular exercise to promote sweating, which aids in detoxification, and the inclusion of fermented foods in the diet to support gut health. The speaker also introduces the concept of expressing gratitude or practicing box breathing before meals to improve digestion and reduce stress. Additionally, it advises against alcohol consumption and suggests eating warm foods and incorporating bitter flavors into the diet to enhance liver function. The paragraph concludes with a reminder of the importance of not letting stress interfere with the body's natural detox processes.

Keywords

💡Detox

Detox refers to the process of removing or neutralizing toxins in the body. In the video's context, it emphasizes the importance of liver and kidney health in detoxification. The script mentions that modern lifestyles and diets can overload these organs, necessitating support through diet and lifestyle changes.

💡Liver

The liver is a vital organ responsible for detoxification, protein synthesis, and the production of chemicals necessary for digestion. The video discusses how the liver is often compromised due to factors like alcohol consumption, poor diet, and environmental toxins, highlighting the need for liver support.

💡Kidneys

Kidneys are organs that filter waste products from the blood and maintain electrolyte balance. Although not the primary focus, the script acknowledges their role in detoxification alongside the liver, underlining the importance of overall organ health.

💡Dandelin Root

Dandelin root, or dandelion root, is mentioned as an herb beneficial for liver health. It is suggested as a natural way to support liver function and detoxification. The script implies that incorporating dandelin teas into one's routine can aid liver health.

💡Bile

Bile is a fluid produced by the liver that aids in the digestion of fats. The script explains that a diet lacking in fat can lead to thickened bile, forming sludge and impairing liver function. It suggests the importance of consuming healthy fats for optimal bile production.

💡Dietary Fat

Dietary fat, particularly healthy fats, is discussed as essential for bile production and liver health. The script dispels the myth that all fats are harmful, advocating for the inclusion of good fats like those found in coconut oil, nuts, and avocados.

💡Bitter Foods

Bitter foods are highlighted for their ability to activate liver enzymes and support liver health. The video mentions dark chocolate and raw Kaka as examples, suggesting that consuming such foods can contribute to a healthier liver.

💡Alcohol

Alcohol is portrayed as a toxin that the liver must detoxify. The script warns against the misconception that one can counteract the effects of alcohol with remedies like dandelion tea, emphasizing the importance of responsible alcohol consumption.

💡Box Breathing

Box breathing is introduced as a technique to improve the digestive system. The script describes it as a method of breathing in, holding, and releasing air for equal counts, which can help reduce stress and enhance digestion.

💡Gratitude

Gratitude is suggested as a practice to improve digestion and overall well-being. The script encourages expressing thanks before meals to foster a positive mindset and reduce stress, which can aid the digestive process.

💡Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is briefly mentioned in relation to detoxification. The script suggests that physical activities like jumping and stretching can help stimulate the lymphatic system, contributing to overall body detox.

💡Fermented Foods

Fermented foods are recommended for gut health as part of the detox process. The script cites examples like kanji (a fermented drink), sauerkraut, and yogurt, which are beneficial for digestive health and can support detoxification.

Highlights

Livers and kidneys are the primary organs facilitating detoxification in the body.

Dandelin root is a beneficial herb for maintaining liver health.

Drinking alcohol at night and dandelion tea in the morning does not effectively detoxify the liver.

Understanding the difference between work and self-identity is important for perspective and happiness.

Roles in life, like being a parent or child, are temporary 'hats' we wear, not our core identity.

Modern lifestyle and diet overload the liver with toxins from various sources like plastics and alcohol.

Bile produced by the liver is crucial for fat digestion, and a diet lacking in fat can lead to bile becoming thick and sludgy.

Eating warm food is traditionally recommended for maintaining liver health.

Consuming cold and processed foods, as well as having low fat intake, can negatively impact liver function.

Coconut oil is a good source of healthy fats and has bacterial disinfectant properties beneficial for gut health.

Bitter foods and drinks, like dark chocolate and black coffee, can activate liver enzymes and support liver health.

Practicing gratitude or box breathing before meals can improve digestion and reduce stress on the digestive system.

Incorporating fermented foods into the diet, like kanji, sauerkraut, and yogurt, supports gut and digestive health.

Box breathing involves inhaling, holding, and exhaling for counts of eight, repeated for five minutes to improve digestion.

Exercise and movement are important for promoting detoxification through sweating.

Adding mobility and gymnastics to a strength training routine can benefit the lymphatic system.

Avoiding alcohol and consuming more warm, bitter, and healthy fat sources are key recommendations for liver detoxification.

Transcripts

in today's world our livers are

overloaded and the kind of food we eat

the kind of lifestyle that we have the

liver and the kidneys those two organs

are facilitating the detox the most for

us and also there are herbs uh which

allow us to keep the liver in good

health the best one would be something

called as the dandalin root yeah but

it's not like you can drink alcohol the

night and then have dandelion tea in the

morning right the the next thing you

know people are having call with Dand

infusing in that no guys doesn't work

that way for

[Music]

sure one thing I always like to ask my

clients is that is the work for you or

are you for the correct and once you

understand that differentiation it's a

very subtle differentiation that but

once you understand it it sets your

perspective right yeah so uh every time

we are asked this question right um hey

hi

U you know tell me about yourself the

first thing you you would say is I I'm

an actor you know I I meet with this

wonderful lady who she who she speaks

the most sense to me and she was like is

that all you are what what is who who

are you who is I like I'm an

actor okay

then we are defined we Define ourselves

by the work we do I could be you know I

like um dance I like to laugh a lot I I

have a sense of humor I I don't Define

myself as any of these things I just

Define Myself by the work that I do and

I I think that that has to change in our

minds that we are we work so that we can

live like the people we want to be the

like the life that we want to live in

but somehow it's become the other way

around yeah yeah yeah so uh

recently um I was hearing a talk by this

really really profound individual his

name is AAR tole and uh he mentioned

something that resonated deeply with me

he said all the roles that we play in

our life the professional self you know

you must be a father you must be a son

you must be a mother and all those

things those are just the hats we put on

in life for that duration in time at the

end of the day when we are just by

ourselves we can't live with the hat on

is just our own own self and the more we

are attached to one particular hat uh

the more difficult is going to be for us

and just thinking of it is just another

role that we play in our life I think

that's a important key to living a happy

and a healthy life we have talked about

a sweat we have talked about the lymph

we have talked about the colon and the

gut uh the last thing that I would want

to talk about is the organs that we have

primary primarily the liver and the

kidneys because those two organs are

what of are facilitating the detox the

most for us uh and most importantly

between liver and kidney liver is the

one thing that I would want to talk

about because in most of the clients

that I deal with uh towards

autoimmunity liver is something that is

compromised the most in today's world

our livers are overloaded for sure and

the kind of food we eat the kind of

lifestyle that we have uh it just

takes a lot of load on the liver so you

know uh if you're drinking out of a

plastic bottle there is our BPA intake

is high if it's a if it's not a non BPA

bottle then liver has to BPA what do you

mean by BPA in English please so BPA is

a chemical that we get from the Plastics

and plastic containers and all the other

plastic related things that we have then

there are

microplastics right so even if you're

drinking out of a mineral water we are

having some microplastics intake from

that even if you are using a tea bag we

are having a microplastic intake with

that if you're are drinking coffee in a

two go mug we are having a microplastic

intake from from that this one is a

ceramic camic M we are fine with that

all the Cosmetics that we use and the

toxin our skin absorbs from that liver

has to detoxify that all the alcohol

that we drink all the alcohol that I

don't drink but uh people drink yeah so

liver has to De detoxify that uh so all

that takes a load on the liver quite a

lot and many people have clogged livers

and you know on top of that if we eat

things that are cold and that are

processed that takes a further load on

the liever that we have and liever

produces something called as a as bile

so bile is very important for the fat to

be

digested and if we consume things which

are

cold are processed and if we do not have

enough fat in the diet the bile becomes

thick and it turns into a

sludge and most of the people have liver

sludges within them which which reduces

the capacity at which our liver kind of

works so you know again going back back

to the traditional uh thing of our

parents asking us to eat warm food that

makes sure that your liver is in good

health my God they knew it all didn't

they they knew it all yeah even if they

do not knew the reasons they were doing

the right things right yeah and uh

eating warm food what would you say cold

food by cold food you mean like like ice

cream or something ice creams cold

coffees cold salads cold salad dressing

right and and all those things this is

hard on the liver yeah it it is hard on

the liver for sure and apart from that

uh if our fat intake is very less which

many people think that fat is not good

for us if we eat fat we'll gain fat that

is going to be further bad for your

liver because if you eat fat only then

the body will release B because the bile

is required to digest fat okay but there

are good fats yeah so sat

yeah exactly saturated fats would be the

best kind of fats to go for uh exception

of olive oil a well made olive oil

derived from the original Fruit not the

seed uh I have a lot of coconut oil like

uh so for me I get my good fats from

coconut oil and uh nuts

avocado uh so yeah but I I I think that

coconut oil is is really really good if

you're looking at good fats coconut oil

is really good and in fact coconut oil

has bacterial disinfectant properties so

if you have coconut oil it can also

disinfect your gut from the bad bacteria

so does o olive oil right so but olive

oil you can't cook cook uh smoking point

is yeah you can't cook in olive oil but

you can cook in coconut oil so all my

food is now cooked in coconut oil and um

I feel really I feel better I I like it

uh so you would say warm food then uh

warm warm food and uh also you know

people have this habit of drizzling ke

on top of their food which is also a

traditional thing that we do that helps

The Liver Health eating bitter

Foods uh activates the liver enzymes

that we have and that also helps the

liver a great deal and also drinking uh

like bit of food like like like the like

bitter God and stuff like that anything

bitter yeah bitter God and stuff uh raw

Kaka does a really good job at that so

dark chocolate is helping me then dark

chocolate yes not the traditional on

Trad the really dark ones yeah and uh

drinking hot chocolate from a really

well sourced raw milk can can can can

really help us with that and also there

are herbs uh which allow us to keep the

liver in good health the the best one

would be something called as the

dandalin

root um so if you go online search for

dandalin teas you can easily find a

product and you can incorporate dandalin

teas in your day today life that will

help you to detoxify the uh liver and

increase the liver enzymes as well yeah

but it's not like you can drink alcohol

the night and then have dandelion tea in

the morning

right I hope it worked that way I'm sure

I'm sure that was the first thought that

came or in every month's mind so I can

have alcohol and then and have dandelion

tea in the next day morning and detox my

liver that that doesn't work like that

right no no the the next thing you know

people are having alcohol with d infus

in

that correct you know so you be very

clear about what you're saying no guys

doesn't work that way for sure so um

also coffee black coffee black coffee

since it's bitter yeah has a lot of

liver protected liver protecting

properties to it okay so coffee does

wonders but one thing to understand with

coffee is that if you are already

stressed coffee can sometimesy I I I've

been there uh because I love coffee

that's the one thing that I can't live

without I need uh a cup of coffee every

day sometimes too and sometimes when I

feel like I am um a bit stressed uh and

I have a cup of coffee tend to get a bit

jittery yeah uh so yes I do I have been

there and I have experienced that so you

would say that do not have coffee when

you are in a high stress situation or

when you're walked up yeah uh rather

than avoiding coffee what we can do is

we can have it in a way where it reduces

its uh uh stress elevating prop

properties the best way to do it is to

add a fat and a carb source to the

coffee so

adding some fresh cream and some honey

to the coffee mixing it and then having

it uh get those stress elevating

properties down and we can reap those

positive benefits of the coffee that

there are wonderful okay so like if I

have to put this in a gist about the

things that people can do uh to detox

their body it would be uh sweat yeah so

exercise everyday some kind of movement

yeah uh lymphatic system you said that

specifically to have you said where you

dislodge your body so you there's a lot

of jumping involved there's a lot of

stretching so which is why I'm I think

that I need to add one mobility Day to

my strength training because right now

it's just six days of strength training

and nothing else but off late I I

started doing gymnastics again uh so I'm

thinking that my lymphatic system is

going to be fixed there like flying in

gymnastic yeah I am flying and with gut

um you we discussed that probably adding

fermented foods in our diet things that

are readily available at home like you

like what did you call it I call it

kanji yeah uh P okay that and uh Sauer

crot and um probably yogurt and things

that are easily available at home to us

uh to help with our gut but also so our

digestive system make sure that our

digestive system which is very

interesting that you said that say a

little prayer or say a little thanks if

you're not very if you're not religious

say thanks yeah and just uh just a bit

of gratitude for the food and what it is

doing to your body it's nourishing your

body it's healing your body it's um it's

life in itself so just word of gratitude

in that way we are not in elevated

levels of stress and we uh we

automatically become feel safer and in a

more calmer space for our digestive

system to work better yeah and with the

liver no alcohol did you say that no

alcohol no alcohol

guys uh eat warmer Foods or stay away

from cold uh Foods eat eat uh things

that are bitter and wow I'm a really

good student yeah I got all of the

points right yeah uh thank you for

summarizing that and while you are

summarizing I realized I forgot one

point yeah uh a substitute for

practicing gratitude before we are

eating the meal is doing something

called as a box breathing box breathing

so box breathing is breathing in for a

count like a long breathe so count of

eight okay holding the breath for a

count of eight releasing the breath for

a count of eight and holding for a count

of it before we inhale again so it's a

square kind of a thing so it's called as

a box breathing so for people who are

really looking to improve their

digestive system box breathing uh which

is a square of eight in8 hold eight out

eight hold and again eight in for like 5

minutes yeah okay thank you for

[Music]

that