Recent longevity research underscores that epigenetics—how our environment influences gene expression—plays a more decisive role than genetics alone. Our external exposures, collectively known as the exposome, can disrupt biological balance, with a significant proportion contributing to toxicity. This makes daily support of the body’s detoxification systems essential for long-term health.
“Any conversation regarding detoxification should start by saying that our body is actually able to do it on its own, nothing can improve on nature,” says Dr Anna Marie Olsen, regenerative medicine expert and Associate Professor at UCL and the National University of Singapore. “An optimally working body detoxifies constantly but we are now receiving more toxins than we are genetically made to deal with, so we must use a range of disciplines to support it.”
The primary focus of effective detoxification must be in supporting liver function to process and eliminate toxins from the body and reinforcing the gut barrier to prevent toxins from entering the bloodstream.
Through ‘biotransformation’ a well-functioning liver inactivates toxins, converting them from lipid-soluble into a water-soluble form that can be eliminated. Studies show that gut barrier strength is fundamental to toxic load because when heavy metals, air pollution and nitrates are inhaled, they are deposited in the gastrointestinal tract. This can trigger gut dysbiosis, reducing the gut microbiota’s ability to metabolise, and increasing gut permeability which then allows larger toxin molecules directly into the bloodstream.
The gold standard of detoxes are intensive and investigative; a week spent with Chenot gathers a profound understanding of individual toxic burden, before overhauling each system accordingly.
The detox protocols take a systemic view—combining diagnostics, cellular therapies, and lifestyle interventions to increase chemical resistance, reduce toxic load and restore biological balance. However, small scale lifestyle interventions can also help protect our cells and ourselves.
FASTING
Studies show that fasting for a 24hr period lowers inflammation and reduces oxidative stress in cells. Juice cleanses, switching to periodic plant-based eating and cyclical calorie restriction also allow the gut to rest and its microbiome to form a better composition. “Centuries before we had any scientific data, people observed the benefits of cleansing the body internally through reducing food. In fact, it’s the one aspect that all religions have in common,”says Dr Olsen.
HYDRATION
Only if there’s enough fluid, can we flush out harmful toxins but it’s not just about how much water we drink but the quality of what we’re drinking. “Filtered water is great but hydrogen-enriched water not only accelerates hydration levels but the detoxification processes of the body too. Some traditions, such as Ayurveda, also suggest that drinking water close to body temperature can improve absorption and ease digestive strain.” Herbal and nutritional supports, such as artichoke extract and chicory water, also support bile flow and liver efficiency.
SUPPLEMENTATION
Cruciferous vegetables, flax seeds, olive oil, green tea and turmeric are all well-documented to aid toxic elimination, whilst vitamin infusions including B-complex, amino acids, glutathione, vitamin C and zinc, open up the body’s detox pathways from all the major organ systems. Typically administered intravenously in a clinical setting such as Chenot centers, bespoke protocols of clinically dosed nutraceuticals can also be prescribed.
SUNSHINE
A continuation of Harvard’s highly acclaimed VITAL Study, the University of Zurich conducted a study to assess how much lifespan and healthspan could be improved by a daily increased intake of Omega-3s, and Omega-6s and Vitamin D, combined with 30 minutes of walking. Results published in Nature Journal earlier this year, showed this protocol increased healthspan and lifespan by 10%, notably because both vitamin D and omegas support our natural detoxifying system.
BREATHING
It has recently been globally agreed that the best longevity biomarker of biological age is VO₂ Max – the maximum amount of oxygen your body can absorb and use during exercise. “The main thing we can do today to optimise our lungs is breathing exercises. When we’re stressed, we do shallow breathing, and don’t take in enough oxygen.” Breathing slower and deeper gets fresh oxygen into tissue, stimulates blood flow and boosts the lymphatic system to eradicate toxins from the body more effectively, with positive side effects of reducing inflammation and calming down stress levels.
REST
It’s during the deep stages of sleep that the brain activates the lymphatic system to clear out metabolic waste and neurotoxins. “A tired body prioritises keeping us healthy over detoxification, yet very often the only thing our body needs to to go back into detoxifying optimally, is rest,” Dr Olsen assures.
SKINSPAN
In terms of protection from a toxic world, skin is the first layer of defence, so we should be prolonging our ‘Skinspan’ and supporting barrier strength. “Skin is our main protection to any exterior toxin or aggressor; 90% of what skin does is protect toxins from coming in. Exfoliation with a blend of crystal sugar, Himalayan salt, and avocado removes outer cells, helping the skin to perform better as a barrier to the toxic exposome attacking daily.”
MICROPLASTICS
One of the main drivers of modern cellular intoxication is microplastic accumulation. Microplastics are ubiquitous and entirely unavoidable, so the best defence is to support the five organs associated with detoxification. The liver, kidneys, lungs, gut and lymphatic system are all highly effective waste disposal systems but medical papers now show our liver and kidneys work slower every decade of our life after age thirty. Reducing coffee and alcohol intake as well as removing salt and sugars from diet, improves liver function. Dr Olsen also advises a focused detox once a year, increasing the frequency you detox with age.
DIGITAL DETOX
Blue light emitted from electronic device screens suppresses the secretion of melatonin, making it harder for the body to enter sleep mode. Avoiding screen exposure at least an hour before bed prevents circadian rhythms becoming interrupted, allowing for the consistent resting patterns required for essential nocturnal detox processes. Initial research shows this also has positive ramifications for the gut–brain axis, which is heavily influenced by circadian rhythms.
What we breathe, swallow, eat, stress over, even the origin of our water, all tallies up to toxic burden, so even the most simple daily acts can have a positive domino effect. Genome testing deciphers the body’s unique detoxification capabilities for the most accurate plan of how to operate optimally.
That being said, Dr Olsen advocates, “Sunshine, hydration, breathing, and strengthening your muscles every single day, works for everyone. You don’t even need to want to live to 150, as long as you want to be your best self in the moment.
Detoxification must be the cornerstone of any positive lifestyle because the removal of debris and toxins is a pillar of long-term health.”
Detox & Reset
Indurre una profonda purificazione e disintossicazione dell’organismo per eliminare le tossine, aumentare la vitalità, ripristinare i livelli di energia e riequilibrare la fisiologia.
CHF 5’500
Detox & Reset
Rilassa il cervello, rivitalizza il corpo: il programma Recover & Energize di Chenot riduce lo stress cronico e l’affaticamento e ripristina livelli di energia ottimali.
CHF 6’400
Detox & Reset
Il programma di miglioramento della salute intenso che combina la nostra disintossicazione esclusiva con un ringiovanimento ad alto impatto per ritardare l’inizio dell’invecchiamento biologico.
CHF 7’100
Diagnostics & Optimisation
Diagnostica medica e test funzionali all’avanguardia per una panoramica precisa ed efficiente in termini di tempo sull’impatto delle scelte quotidiane sulla salute.
CHF 6’100