The world today is filled with dangerous toxins. There can be thousands of different chemicals and toxins going through your body each day, and your liver is constantly working hard to keep your body clean.

Detoxification, the process of ridding your body of toxic or unhealthy substances, can leave you feeling refreshed and healthy.

A detox regimen can last anywhere from a few days to a few months, depending on the type that you choose. One specific kind of detox, metabolic detoxification, is a great way to remove unwanted lipid-soluble compounds from your body and help keep the liver – your own internal detox system – working smoothly. By detoxifying your liver, you are improving your metabolic function and keeping your body healthier.

Dr. Michael Smith breaks down the three phases of metabolic detoxification.

Phase One

The main purpose of phase one in the liver detox is to bring toxins into the liver and make them less toxic. "Taking B-vitamins during this phase is so critical,” says Dr. Smith. You should focus on taking B1, B3, B5, and B6. If you are already taking a daily multivitamin, you may be getting enough, but Dr. Smith recommends taking a complete B-vitamin complex like B-100 or B-150 for a whole month, every three or four months.

Taking high doses of vitamin B will help kick-start the liver’s detoxification reactions. Additionally, get plenty of antioxidants. Seek deep, dark-colored fruits and vegetables. Increasing your dietary intake of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables will further strengthen your liver’s ability to detoxify toxins.

Phase Two

Phase two involves attaching the toxin to a more water-soluble substance instead of fat, to make it easier to travel through urine and leave your body. During this phase, it’s important that you take methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) as a dietary supplement.

You also need to ingest a class of compounds called stilbenes. Two of the most notable stilbenes are resveratrol and pterostilbene. Resveratrol can be found in grape skin, red wine, peanuts, blueberries, and cranberries. Pterostilbene is found in blueberries and grapes. Both can also be taken as a supplement.

Phase Three

So, now the toxins in your body have become less toxic, and are water-soluble and able to be excreted through urine easier.

The third and final phase transports the toxins out of your cells, and gets them out of your body. The best way, according to Dr. Smith, to extract the toxins out of the liver is by taking artichoke extract. It will help decongest the liver, and move the water-soluble toxins into the bloodstream where they can leave through urine. You may be able to eat artichoke, but it’s more effective when taken as concentrated artichoke extract.

Listen in as Dr. Mike shares the process of metabolic detoxification and why you might consider participating in one.