DETOXIFICATION

Spring has finally arrived! As you start your spring-cleaning, it’s a perfect time to also clean your body. Detoxification is a process of cleaning, nourishing and resting the body from the inside out. This cleansing process can help make you feel better if you feel sick and if you already feel well – you can feel even better.

Why are we toxic? Daily, toxins bombard us from our environment – industrial pollution, pesticides and herbicides in our food, air and water. Smoking, alcohol consumption and prescription medications can further increase your bodies’ toxic load. Our bodies’ ability to detoxify is slowed the more toxins you are exposed to, through cleansing you increase and enhance your ability to detox.

Signs of toxicity can include – fatique, sensitivity to chemicals, chronic headaches, skin conditions, constipation and difficulty concentrating.

With a trip to your local health food store, you’ll find numerous kits and supplements to help increase your bodies’ detoxification systems. The programs vary in intensity and length; they can involve fasting to following a diet plan with supplemental support. It is important to find a program that suits your needs and your lifestyle.

Every detoxification program has similarities; all will target the liver and digestive system. The liver is our main detox organ and is responsible for transforming toxic substances into harmless ones and purifying the blood.

Some general detox guidelines:
  1. Follow the dietary guidelines – see below
  2. Drink plenty of pure water
  3. Rest
  4. Moderate exercise
  5. Support for the liver, bowels and digestive system.

Foods to Avoid – Meat, sugar, wheat, dairy, chocolate, alcohol and caffeine – all place extra stress on the liver.

Foods that Support Detoxification – Garlic, onions, the cabbage family, lemon, fresh fruits and vegetables, rice, quinoa, amaranth and millet

Herbs for the Liver – Milk thistle, burdock root and dandelion are a few of the many herbs that support the liver.

Supplements – Fiber to support the bowels, Vitamin C, bioflavnoids, carotenes, digestive enzymes (if needed), selenium, magnesium

What Can You Expect
During detoxification you may feel fatigued, have headaches and bad breath, all of these symptoms won’t last long. You should notice improvements in energy, digestion, reduction in allergy symptoms, better concentration and mental clarity as you near the end of your detox.

Detoxification is safe for almost everyone. However, if you have a health condition or take prescription medications you should consult with a qualified health professional before starting any program.