There is no doubt that we live in a toxic world. Sadly, most people are never aware of how many toxins they breathe in, absorb thru the skin, or digest. We have a built in detoxification mechanism within our bodies to help rid our bodies of the many toxins we are exposed to on a daily basis. For many of us, our detoxification organs (Liver, lung, skin, kidneys, and colon) are working in harmony that we are unaware & take for granted this wonderful process called Detoxification.
As we increase our toxic load year after year, there is a gradual cumulative burden on our detox organs that create a myriad of signs & symptoms. At this point, a person may recognize a decline in health but fail to make a connection with sub-optimal or poor detoxification. Many signs & symptoms that may be due to a compromised detoxification system are:
Arthritis
Memory Loss
Hormonal imbalances
Headaches
Auto-immune disease
Behavior disorders
There is no doubt that everyone should incorporate a sound, effective detox program. Many people lack the patience to allow their body to naturally detox and become sick in the process. Others believe “faster is better” or confuse dieting with detoxification. Patients who haphazardly rush into a detox program too quickly often find their symptoms get worse and often become very sick during the process.
Gentle detoxification is the key to a successful outcome. As pesticides and toxins build up in our body over time, they are stored in fatty tissue throughout the body. Some stay locked in our tissues for many years. When these toxins are released into the circulatory system, the Liver must go through 2 phases of detoxification in order to rid the toxin from the body: Phase I and Phase II.
Phase I consists of changing a fat-soluble chemical into a water-soluble compound that can be easily excreted. Phase II is the process of conjugating or binding the toxic substance with a carrier molecule that helps eliminate it from our body. In the process of going from Phase I to Phase II our Liver produce a more toxic compound than the original chemical. Thus it is important for the Liver to efficiently go from Phase I to Phase II.
Here are some simple tips when starting a detox program
Attend a class or support group on detoxification to help guide you through the dos and don'ts. Detoxing can be overwhelming so why not let the experts create a plan that is specific for you!
Choose a non-stressful time in your life to commit to a detox protocol. Entering a detox program in the midst of deadlines, exams, and within hectic demands will only raise your stress hormones which can be counterproductive.
Create an alkaline environment for the tissues to help detox on a cellular level.
Drink plenty of filtered water to help flush out toxins and keep the tissues hydrated.
Eat plenty of protein. Detoxing does not equal dieting. Protein is necessary for repair and regeneration of the body and aids the Liver in both phases of detoxification. Choose a protein shake specifically blended for detoxing.
Support a strong intestinal lining. A healthy mucous membrane along the digestive tract prevents entry of pathogens and toxins.
Take advantage of saunas: sweating helps in the removal of heavy metals.
Increase fiber intake to help bind up toxins in the digestive tract for elimination.
Nourish the liver with beets, artichokes, and dandelion.
Find out your personal heavy metal load thru hair analysis. Consider a metabolic profile to assess detoxification sufficiency.
