In the last post, I introduced the detox protocol I’ve personally followed for the past five years—a powerful and science-based system developed by Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, founder of Bastyr University, one of the most respected naturopathic medical schools in the U.S. This approach is detailed in his groundbreaking book The Toxin Solution, and today, I want to take a deeper dive into its very first—and perhaps most transformational—phase: the Gut Detox.

Why Start with the Gut?

Our body has three main detoxification organs: the gut, the liver, and the kidneys. But according to Dr. Pizzorno, starting anywhere except the gut is not only ineffective—it can actually make things worse.

He explains:

“Detox must always start with the gut. Why? Because unless you first clean up the gut, you keep passing along all of its toxins and toxic by-products to the next organ downline—the liver… Initiating detox without first repairing your gut is like going through your home, emptying all the dirt, waste, and throwaways into one giant garbage bag, and then dumping that bag into your refrigerator.”

In other words, if your gut is leaky and overloaded with harmful bacteria or toxins, everything downstream—your liver, your kidneys, even your brain—pays the price.

The Modern Gut Crisis

Today, more people than ever suffer from gut-related issues: IBS, leaky gut, food intolerances, and chronic bloating. A major culprit? Our modern diets—filled with gluten, GMO ingredients, antibiotics, and processed foods—which throw off the delicate balance of gut bacteria and create an environment where toxins thrive and accumulate.

When your gut is out of balance, it doesn’t just affect digestion. It affects your brain fog, your hormones, your mood, your skin, your sleep, and your metabolism. That’s why restoring gut health is the foundation of true detoxification—and true healing.

A Simple 3-Week Gut Detox Plan

The beauty of the gut detox phase is its simplicity. You don’t need a long list of expensive supplements, and everything you need is easy to find—even in Japan. In fact, even if you’re not ready to do the full detox program, this phase alone can deliver powerful results.

Here’s how it works:

Week 1 – Cleanse with Food

Start by reducing inflammatory foods and increasing your intake of fiber-rich, detox-supporting meals. Think: colorful vegetables, fermented foods, and clean proteins. This prepares your body to eliminate toxins more effectively.

Week 2 – Eliminate the Bad Guys

Using time-tested herbs from traditions like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, you begin clearing out harmful gut bacteria and accumulated toxins.

Week 3 – Rebuild & Restore

Now that your gut is cleared, it’s time to reintroduce the good guys—probiotics and prebiotics—and continue eating a detox-friendly diet that nourishes your gut lining and strengthens digestion.

What You Might Experience

Be warned: if your body has stored up a lot of toxins, the first few days may feel rough. You may feel sluggish or even slightly worse before you feel better. This is called a healing reaction—a good sign that your body is releasing what no longer serves you.

Once the fog clears, people often report:

• Clearer thinking
• Deeper sleep
• Balanced weight (losing or gaining as needed)
• Regular digestion
• More energy than they’ve felt in years

These are not just promises—I’ve seen these transformations in myself and in others I’ve guided through this detox phase during my health coaching sessions.

Want to Try It?

I’ll be offering a guided Gut Detox soon, so if you’re interested, be sure to subscribe to this blog or join the mailing list. Whether you’re in Japan or elsewhere, this is a simple, accessible, and powerful way to start feeling like yourself again—maybe for the first time in years.

I highly recommend picking up Dr. Pizzorno’s book The Toxin Solution. It’s a treasure trove of practical, science-backed knowledge that could quite literally change your life.

Let’s heal from the inside out—starting with the gut.

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