Detoxing for Health and Energy: A Personal Journey & Why It’s Vital for Paraplegics: Until recently, I didn’t realise how sluggish I generally felt; nothing serious, but low grade migraines, chronic constipation, bloating, and that a foggy-headed feeling I didn’t even notice—these were just part of my normal. It wasn’t until I started supporting my body’s detoxification pathways more intentionally (thanks to support from the Harpal clinic that identified my lower genetic ability for detoxification) that I noticed a dramatic shift.
Within three weeks of taking Glutathione, my mental fog lifted and I felt noticeably more energised. It was like my body had been carrying an invisible burden and something had cleared. In my days of Paralympic competition, I had found that Quercetin made a huge difference to how I felt – lighter and sharper – but had not investigated why and didn’t know that it, like Glutathione, has detox-supporting properties.
These experiences made me interested in how much detoxification matters—not just for me, but for anyone dealing with health challenges, and particularly for anyone with paralysis. Reduced circulation, slower lymphatic drainage, and a history of medications like antibiotics and anaesthetics can all contribute to a higher toxic load. If the body isn’t detoxing efficiently, it can lead to fatigue, brain fog, chronic inflammation, sluggish digestion, and other health issues.
Toxins come from many sources—food, air, water, medications, and even stress. Normally, the body eliminates waste through the liver, kidneys, lungs, skin, and digestive system but for many of us, detoxification processes can become less efficient because of:
(1) Medications and Medical Interventions: Many of us have undergone surgeries, anaesthesia, or take long-term medications such as pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or antibiotics. While these are often necessary, they can leave behind residual compounds that must be processed and expelled.
(2) Reduced Circulation and Lymphatic Drainage: The lymphatic system, which flushes out toxins, relies heavily on muscle movement. Since paralysis reduces mobility, lymphatic flow can slow down, leading to a buildup of waste products. This can contribute to swelling, chronic inflammation, and general sluggishness.
(3) Digestive Sluggishness: The gut is a major player in detoxification, but paralysis (or other gut issues) often means reduced bowel motility. If digestion slows down, waste sits in the intestines longer than it should, leading to toxin reabsorption. This can result in bloating, discomfort, and fatigue. I personally experienced chronic constipation for years before realising how much it was impacting my overall health.
When detox pathways are sluggish, the body may start showing signs of toxin buildup. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Chronic fatigue – Feeling drained despite getting enough rest
- Brain fog – Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness
- Skin issues – Rashes, acne, dull complexion
- Inflammation – Joint pain, swelling, muscle aches
- Digestive problems – Constipation, bloating, irregular bowel movements
- Frequent infections – Weak immune function, recurring UTIs
- Unexplained headaches – Especially those that persist without a clear cause
The latter three symptoms have been clues to me that my detox pathways weren’t working well, but since I’ve been actively supporting them, those issues have significantly improved.
How to Support Detoxification Naturally
My approach to detoxing hasn’t been about extreme cleanses or fasting—it’s been about supporting my body’s natural ability to remove waste efficiently. Here are some things I have found helpful:
Prioritising Hydration: Water is essential for flushing toxins through the kidneys and urine. Many paraplegics struggle with hydration due to bladder management routines, but steady, consistent intake can make a huge difference. Adding lemon water can further support liver detoxification.
Eating a Nutrient-Dense, Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Processed foods, refined sugars, and artificial additives contribute to toxicity. Some of the best detox-supporting foods which I try to include in my diet daily are:
Turmeric and ginger – Support anti-inflammatory processes
Leafy greens (kale, coriander) – Help neutralise heavy metals
Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts) – Aid liver detox
Fibre-rich foods (chia seeds, flaxseeds, beans) – Encourage regular bowel movements
Antioxidant-rich berries – Combat oxidative stress
Supporting Lymphatic Drainage: Since movement is limited, I’ve found that swimming or other exercise that means my legs are elevated (gentle handbiking) really helps stimulate my circulation and reduce swelling.
Deep Breathing and Oxygenation: Many of us unknowingly take shallow breaths, which limits the lungs’ ability to expel waste carbon dioxide. I’m still working on this one, trying to build a daily habit, but practising diaphragmatic breathing helps increase oxygenation, boosts circulation, and support detox.
Optimising Gut Health: Keeping digestion moving is crucial. Strategies that have helped me include:
Probiotics(fermented foods, supplements) & prebiotics to balance & support gut bacteria;
Liquorice and ginger to soothe the gut lining;
Flaxseed and chia seeds to increase fibre;
Regular exercise and stretching / massage to stimulate bowel movement.
Sweating & Heat Therapy: Sweating is a powerful detox method, so a good workout on the handbike helps me, and I always feel good after a sauna (being careful not to burn the skin I can’t feel. Still working on a home sauna dream!
Reducing Environmental Toxins: Everyday exposure to pollutants, plastics, and chemicals adds to the body’s toxic load. I try to use very few / no chemical products on my body (e.g. natural carrier oils with aromatherapy oils), natural cleaning products when possible.
Take a personal approach to detoxing. What works for me might not work for everyone. Each person’s body, genetics, and health history are unique, meaning there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Just because Glutathione and Quercetin have helped me doesn’t mean they’ll work for everyone. I share my experience to highlight how much of a difference getting to know your body, eating well, and using targeted supplementation can make.
If you’ve been feeling sluggish, bloated, or foggy, it might be worth exploring whether your detox pathways need extra support. Small, consistent habits—like staying hydrated, eating nutrient-rich foods, and improving circulation—can reduce toxin buildup, increase energy, and improve overall well-being.
If you have experienced symptoms of toxin overload, I’d love to hear what has helped you feel your best – drop me a line 🙂
A proactive approach and responsibility towards preventative healthcare seems vital given the health benefits and the existing overload of the NHS.
If you are interested in taking a proactive approach you may wish to join our next ‘Rest & Digest’ online course and/or contact the Harpal Clinic in London to take up a complimentary 20 minute discovery telephone call to learn more about Longevity Nutrition for Preventative Health and how it can support you. This can be booked in with Victoria Marshall using this link.
You can also learn more about longevity nutrition here: https://www.harpalclinic.co.uk/longevity-medicine/longevity-nutrition-for-preventative-healthcare/