Determine If You Need Body or Liver Detox
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"The body has its own natural healing system," says Peter Bennett, N.D., medical director of Helios Clinic in Victoria, B.C., and co-author with Stephen Barrie, N.D. and Sara Faye, of 7-Day Detox Miracle (Prima Health). "Detoxification enhances this system," he explains. So although cleansing and healing are natural functions of the body working to detox itself there are ways to assist the body in purifying itself. A body detox is about resting, cleaning and replenishing the body from the inside out.
How Does Body Detoxification Work?
Body detox means literally cleaning the blood. This is accomplished by removing impurities from the blood specifically in the liver, where toxins are processed for elimination. The body also eliminates toxins through the kidneys, intestines, lungs, lymph and skin. However, when the liver is compromised, impurities aren't properly filtered and every cell in the body is adversely affected. This is why a body detox is sometimes called a "liver detox."
Naturopathic physicians at Giaim Life explain thata detox program can help the body's natural cleaning process by:
- Allowing the organs to rest through fasting
- Stimulating and activating the liver to drive toxins out
- Promoting elimination through the intestines, kidneys and skin
- Improving circulation of the blood
- Refueling the body with healthy nutrients
"Detoxification works because it addresses the needs of individual cells, the smallest units of human life," says Bennett.
How Do You Know if You Need to Detoxify?
There are more toxins in the environment than ever before, "it's critical to detox," says Linda Page, N.D., Ph.D., the author of Detoxification (Healthy Healing Publications). Dr. Page recommends detoxing when symptoms such as fatigue, constipation, skin breakouts and irritations, allergies or low-grade infections; dark circles under the eyes; a distended stomach; menstrual difficulties; or mental sluggishness or confusion. Detoxing is not recommended for nursing mothers, children, and patients with chronic degenerative diseases, cancer or tuberculosis.
Where Do You Begin?
A great place to start is to begin by limiting the amount of toxins entering the body. Cut out alcohol, coffee, cigarettes, refined sugars, white flour and saturated fats. They act as toxins in the body. If possible restrict or discontinue the use of chemical-based household cleaners, make-up and personal health care products. There are many natural alternative products that can be substituted.
Stress is another obstacle to optimum health because of the hormones it releases in the body. While these hormones can provide a temporary "adrenaline rush" to activate a "fight or flight" survival response or simply meet a deadline, in large amounts these hormones create toxins which slow down detoxification enzymes in the liver. So it's a beneficial idea to work at stress reduction. Yoga, deep breathing and meditation are effective tools to use in reducing stress.
Many spas now have detox programs. People who detox at spas generally report losing weight, gaining energy, and becoming more centered and grounded. Some of the spa services use to promote detox are dietary assessment, nutritional consultation, meditation, massage, skin and beauty treatments,
Ideally, detox should not be a one time or short-term event. To do so would diminish the benefits. The benefits of detox are best appreciated when it is incorporated within a lifestyle as an ongoing component. The best detox spas give you the tools to maintain a healthier ongoing lifestyle through better food choices, stress reduction techniques like meditation, and knowledge of how to reduce your exposure to chemicals.
10 Ways to Help Your Body Detoxify at home
- Eat plenty of fiber, such as brown rice, fresh fruits and vegetables. Broccoli, spirulina, chlorella, radishes, cabbage, beets, artichokes and seaweed are excellent detoxifying foods.
- Herbs such as dandelion root, milk thistle and burdock, and green tea cleanse and protect the liver.
- Vitamin C drives away toxins.
- Drink at least 2 quarts of water a day.
- Practice deep breathing to increase oxygen circulation.
- Focus on positive emotions and gratitude to reduce stress.
- Hydrotherapy - take a hot shower for five minutes followed with cold water for 30 seconds. Do this three times, and then lie down for 30 minutes.
- Sweat in a sauna so your body can eliminate wastes through perspiration.
- Exfoliate your skin to remove toxins through your pores.
- Exercise
Consult your doctor before using any health treatment including herbal supplements and natural remedies and tell your doctor if you have a serious medical condition or are taking any medications. The information presented here is for educational purposes only and is in no way intended as substitute for medical treatment.
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