Today is Day 9 of my 30-day detox using sauna therapy and high-dose niacin (B3). I’ll be honest, I haven’t written every day because this experience has been a lot. Deep, demanding, and incredibly revealing. That said, I wanted to capture where I am right now, because there have been meaningful shifts worth sharing.
What’s Working (and What I’m Watching Closely)
The biggest positive so far: my body is absolutely detoxing. At the end of this journey, I’ll be doing a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) to identify toxic elements released through my hair. Of course, HTMA doesn’t capture what leaves via stool, urine, or sweat,but it does offer valuable insight into patterns and shifts. I’m especially curious to see how this protocol impacts soft-tissue calcium, along with my broader mineral picture.
Throughout the protocol, I’m supporting my body with optimal and therapeutic doses of minerals and vitamins, plus binders to help “mop up” released toxic elements. Support is non-negotiable here.
Energy Swings & a Turning Point
Days 5 and 6 were the hardest, with deep fatigue and Day 6 bringing ongoing nausea. Then came Day 7, and with it, a noticeable shift in energy. These turning points are reminders that detox isn’t linear; it’s a process of stress, release, and recovery.
The protocol recommends 30 minutes of exercise before sauna, but with low energy, I’ll admit I’ve adjusted. Instead, I’ve been doing the and the 4-minute workout from Dr. Zack Bush at the start of my sauna session, meeting my body where it is.
Inside the sauna, I’ve layered in breathwork sessions with Sandy, meditations with Dr. Joe Dispenza and Bob Proctor, and a few podcasts. This time has become both a physical and nervous-system reset.
Dry January: An Unexpected Freedom
I’m also doing Dry January. I’m not a big drinker, but I do enjoy happy hour, wine while cooking, or drinks when going out. What surprised me most was realizing how habitual those moments were, and how unnecessary alcohol was for relaxation or fun.
Going out with my husband, sitting at a bar with a mocktail or club soda, and not feeling like I’m missing anything has been genuinely freeing.
Sleep Data, Stress & Patience
I expected improvements in my Oura Ring metrics; lower resting HR and higher HRV, especially with no alcohol. However, detox itself is a stressor, and stress can elevate HR and suppress HRV.
So while I haven’t seen major improvements yet, I’m confident they’re coming after this intense phase, when the nervous system can fully recalibrate.
Added Support This Month
This month I also added:
- Two oral peptide sprays (BPC-147 and Epitalan)
- An adrenal bioregulator
to my already daily molecular hydrogen water and phototherapy patches
There’s a lot to unpack here—peptides and bioregulators deserve their own deep dive, which I’ll share in a future blog and an upcoming Wellness Wednesday.
A Gentle Reminder About My Approach
I know I do more than most people are willing or need to do. I don’t believe this journey is for everyone, and I don’t recommend extremes across the board. Because health and wellness are both my field and my mission, I’m deeply curious and committed to exploring what’s possible, so I can guide others wisely.
I always recommend protocols based on where someone is now and where they want to go, slowly and gently. This work is not about beating the body up. It’s about supporting the innate healing intelligence we’re all born with.
That support looks like:
- Nourishment
- Nervous-system regulation
- Daily sun exposure
- Grounding and connection to the earth
- Fun, laughter, and meaningful relationships
Our bodies weren’t designed for constant Wi-Fi, 24/7 notifications, and the pressure to always be “on.” I love modern life, but we have to navigate it differently than we did even 30 years ago.
Small Shifts, Big Results
Open a window while you work.
Take sun breaks, even in the cold.
Prepare high-quality food instead of grabbing “fake food” on the go.
Filter your water.
Take sun breaks, even in the cold.
Prepare high-quality food instead of grabbing “fake food” on the go.
Filter your water.
Go for a walk without your phone.
These small, intentional shifts compound into profound results. It doesn’t have to be extreme to make a meaningful difference in your physical and mental health.
More updates to come as I move through the rest of this 30-day journey.
“Wishing everyone a good night—or a good morning—and a good life. All the love and all the power.”
— Wim Hof
— Sheila