After All That Christmas “Fun”

A New Year Detox That Actually Makes Sense 

By the time January rolls around, most of us are carrying the same quiet load: a bit more sugar than usual, a bit more alcohol than we planned, later nights, heavier meals, less movement… and that sluggish “I need a reset” feeling.

I’m not a fan of punishing detoxes. No starvation. No three-day liquid misery. And definitely no “sweat out your sins” nonsense.

But I am a fan of a smart, structured reset. This kind supports your body’s built-in detox systems (liver, gut, kidneys, lymph, skin) and helps you clear out what’s been building up, especially in a modern world where toxic exposure is not exactly optional.

That’s where Dr. Georgiou’s Heavy Metal Detox protocol (HMD™) fits beautifully as a New Year plan—because it’s designed to be methodical, not extreme, and it’s built around a formula that’s been discussed in peer-reviewed work on natural heavy metal chelators.

Let me walk you through why detoxing after Christmas is such a good idea—and how to do it in a way that feels grounded, doable, and actually helpful.

Why January is the Perfect Time to Detox

1) The “holiday hangover” isn’t just in your head

There’s a reason so many people feel heavier, puffier, foggier, and more tired after the festive season. Research on the holiday period consistently finds measurable weight gain —often around 0.4–0.9 kg (about 1–2 lbs) in adults—small on paper, but significant because it can account for a large share of yearly gain for many people.

And weight is only one piece. The bigger story is what happens behind the scenes:

• more ultra-processed foods
• more sugar and refined carbs
• more alcohol
• fewer vegetables and fiber
• disrupted sleep
• stress (even “happy” stress)
• less time outside / less movement

All of that impacts inflammation, blood sugar balance, and the gut—and those three things directly affect how “cleanly” your body can process waste.

2) Sugar and heavy food can push your gut in the wrong direction

Your gut isn’t just for digestion—it’s one of your main detox “routes.” When holiday eating turns into low fiber + high sugar, the microbiome can shift quickly.

Scientific reviews and experimental work show that excessive sugar intake and high intake of simple sugars can alter the gut microbiome and may affect gut barrier function and inflammatory pathways.

This matters because if the gut is sluggish (constipation, bloating, reflux, irregular stools), detox efforts often feel rougher. A bright detox plan always respects the gut first.

3) Alcohol adds oxidative stress—especially when the liver is already busy

Alcohol isn’t “evil,” but it does create a real biochemical workload.

Alcohol metabolism increases oxidative stress and inflammatory signalling, and it can disrupt mitochondrial function (the energy engines inside your cells).

So if you’ve had more drinks than usual over the festive period, your body often benefits from a break—paired with hydration, minerals, and liver-supportive nutrition.

4) Christmas is also a sneaky time for higher exposure

This is the part people don’t always think about. During the holidays, exposure patterns change:

• More seafood (which can be a mercury concern depending on species)
• More canned foods and festive packaging
• More time indoors with candles, fragrances, fireplaces, cleaning sprays
• More “treat” foods that can be higher in additives and lower in protective nutrients

I’m not saying you should be afraid of life. I’m saying January is a great time to reduce input and support output.

A quick myth-buster: Your body is already detoxing

Let’s get something straight: your liver and kidneys don’t “turn off” because you ate Christmas pudding.

But what does happen is that your detox capacity can feel strained when:

• nutrient reserves are low
• sleep is off
• gut motility is poor
• hydration is low
• oxidative stress is high
• stress hormones are elevated

So the goal isn’t to “force detox.” The goal is to support the systems that already detox you—and to do it consistently enough that your body can catch up.

Also: I’m not into juice cleanses for this. In fact, recent research coverage has highlighted that juice-only cleanses can worsen gut markers in just a few days because they’re high sugar and low fiber. Whole foods win.

Where HMD® Fits In: A More Structured Detox Approach

Dr. Georgiou’s protocol is built around three core pieces:

1. HMD®  Heavy Metal Detox
2. HMD LAVAGE® (a drainage-style herbal support)
3. HMD® Organic Chlorella (nutrient/binder support)

In a peer-reviewed paper on natural heavy metal chelators, Dr. Georgiou describes a scientific study that identified natural compounds with chelation potential using controlled trial methods and lab testing.

And the HMD® formula itself is typically described as combining chlorella components and coriandrum sativum (cilantro) tincture, among other aspects of the formulation approach.

Note: a supplement is not a magic wand. But a well-designed protocol can be a genuinely helpful tool when it’s paired with the proper lifestyle foundation.

Why “Heavy Metal Detox” Belongs in a New Year Reset

People often think detox is only about feeling lighter after holiday food. But I see January detox differently:

• It’s about lowering total body stress load
• It’s about restoring energy production
• It’s about supporting mental clarity
• It’s about improving sleep quality
• It’s about getting digestion and elimination working smoothly again

Heavy metals can be one part of that “load.” And even if you never test for metals, it’s hard to argue with the reality that we live in an environment with constant exposures.

So the January question becomes:

What am I doing daily to help my body deal with modern inputs?

That’s why I like a plan that’s consistent for weeks, not days.

The New Year HMD® Reset Plan (Practical and Realistic)

Here’s a simple, email-friendly way to present this without overwhelming anyone.

Step 1: Start with the “Drainage + Foundations” mindset (Days 1–7)

This first week is about making detox feel smooth, not dramatic.

Daily foundations:

• Water + minerals (aim for steady hydration)
• Fiber daily (vegetables, chia, flax, legumes if tolerated)
• Protein at breakfast (stabilizes cravings)
• Early-ish bedtime (the liver loves rhythm)
• Gentle movement (walking is underrated)

Protocol support:

• Many people start straight with the full protocol, but if someone is sensitive, easing in is often wiser.

Step 2: Go consistent (Weeks 2–4)

This is when people usually say: “Okay… I feel clearer.”

When you do the same supportive steps daily, the body stops reacting and starts adapting. This is also when cravings often drop—because blood sugar becomes less chaotic and the nervous system calms down.

Step 3: Commit to the deeper reset (90 days)

If someone is serious—especially if they’ve had years of exposure, chronic symptoms, or stubborn fatigue—the 90-day window is where you often get the most meaningful changes.

This is also why the HMD® program is commonly presented as a minimum 3-month commitment rather than a quick fix.

Typical HMD® Adult Dosage (as commonly listed)

(Always follow your product label and practitioner guidance—this is the commonly published baseline.)

• HMD® Heavy Metal Detox: 45 drops, 3 times daily, usually away from meals
• HMD LAVAGE®: 25 drops, 3 times daily (often taken in the same glass)
• HMD® Organic Chlorella: commonly two capsules twice daily with meals (varies by product instructions)

If someone is very sensitive, the best approach is typically “start low, build slow,” rather than trying to push through discomfort.

What People Often Notice (and What’s Normal)

When detox support is working well, people often report:

• steadier energy (not necessarily hyper energy—more “stable”)
• better sleep depth
• improved digestion and regularity
• clearer skin
• less “brain fog”
• fewer cravings

What can happen if someone pushes too hard:

• headaches
• fatigue
• irritability
• loose stools or constipation
• feeling “wired”

If that happens, I don’t call it a badge of honor. I call it a signal to reduce dose, support hydration/minerals, and slow down.

The “Detox After Christmas” Food Strategy I Actually Like

Not extreme. Just clean, consistent, and satisfying.

For 2–4 weeks, focus on:

• Big plates of vegetables (fiber + antioxidants)
• Protein at every meal
• Healthy fats (olive oil, nuts, seeds)
• Bitter foods (rocket/arugula, dandelion greens, lemon, herbs)
• Fermented foods if tolerated (yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut)
• Limit alcohol (even a 2–4 week break is powerful)

This is also where you can gently reduce sugar without misery—because balanced meals naturally calm cravings.

A gentle warning: Detox should feel supportive, not scary

If someone is pregnant/nursing, has complex medical issues, or is on multiple medications, they should work with a qualified practitioner before starting any detox program.

And even for healthy adults: the goal is not to “blast toxins.” It’s to support elimination safely.

My New Year message (and your email campaign angle)

January is not about punishment for December.

It’s about choosing a direction.

If you want a simple New Year commitment that doesn’t require perfection, make it this:

“For the next 90 days, I’ll reduce what burdens me and increase what supports me.”

That can mean:

• fewer toxins in
• more hydration, minerals, and fiber
• better sleep rhythm
• and a structured protocol like Dr. Georgiou’s HMD® system to support detox capacity over time

If you’re ready, this is a brilliant time to start—because the body is naturally craving rhythm again after the chaos of the holidays.

Important note

HMD® products are dietary supplements and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Detox protocols should be personalized, especially for sensitive individuals or those with medical conditions. Consult a qualified health professional if you’re unsure.

*The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these statements. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.