For thousands of years every major culture and religion has emphasised the importance of cleansing the body through fasting and/or special diets to rest the body and enable it to heal itself. The body detox is not a new idea but a proven method of helping you to feel and look fantastic!….
We live in a world polluted by substances that create an irritating or harmful effect in the body. These substances are known as toxins. They can interfere with the normal body functions and are absorbed into the body externally (e.g. through the skin, inhaled or eaten) or internally (as a by-product of normal bodily processes). We have never been more exposed to toxins because of our polluted environment and processed food diets. Therefore the need to help the body cleanse and heal itself has never been greater.
Some of the external toxins that we are exposed to come from: – Car and industrial plant fumes, tobacco smoke. – Tap water containing heavy metals, industrial/agricultural chemicals and chlorine (absorbed through drinking and the skin when taking a bath or shower). – Pesticides, herbicides, preservatives, synthetic additives, antibiotics and growth hormones (in meat) in the processed non-organic food we eat. – Household air fresheners and cleaners, skin creams, deodorants, shampoos, hairsprays, damp proof and furniture treatments and electromagnetic pollution from home electronic gadgets.
At the same time our bodies continually produce toxins from all the processes that are needed to keep us alive, such as breathing, digestion and immunity system defence. Sources of internal toxins include: – Free radicals (unstable molecules) generated from normal body processes that can cause havoc in the body (e.g. they have been linked to ageing and cancer). – The by-products of bacteria and yeasts that live in our intestines. – Injuries and wounds. – Excessive stress. – Mercury or “silver” fillings.
If the rate at which toxins are absorbed or created exceeds the rate of removal then they accumulate in different parts of the body. As more toxins accumulate symptoms of toxicity start to show and more fat is created to store them. This situation develops much faster if you lack enough sleep, have a negative attitude, eat a lot of products containing sugar, smoke, drink more alcohol than recommended guidelines and lead a stressful lifestyle.
There are many possible symptoms but some of the common ones include unaccountable aches and pains in the joints, allergies, skin rashes and spots, backache, bad breath/body odour, depression, frequent mood swings, poor concentration, lack of energy, nausea, furred tongue, regular headaches/migraines, strong smelling urine and susceptibility to colds and infections. There are a range of subjective questions that you can use to estimate how toxic you are. These are outlined in our e-book The Natural Detox available at our website.
A detox is simply a way to help the body to get rid of the toxins so that it can begin healing itself. It will leave you feeling more alert, with more energy, able to breathe easier, your skin will be clearer and you will feel happier and more able to deal with life in general. Irritating health problems (e.g. allergies, skin rashes) may completely disappear and you will suddenly remember what it is like to be healthy again!
You can support the body systems that remove toxins by eating more of certain foods. Some of the organs that are involved in filtering and clearing toxins from your body include the liver, spleen, gall bladder and gastro-intestinal tract. There are a variety of natural foods and supplements that can support these organs and help them to function better. These include Asparagus, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Garlic, Onions, Peppers, Seeds (e.g. flax, sunflower and pumpkin), Tomatoes, Watercress, Lemons, Pineapple, Dandelion, Fennel, Ginger, Nettle, Cayenne pepper, Cinnamon and Ginseng.
Another body system involved in removing toxins is the immune system. This includes the spleen, white blood cells, the tonsils, thymus and lymphatic system. Some of the natural foods and supplements that can support these organs include Artichoke, Basil, Sprouted seeds, Chives, Cinnamon, Mint, Thyme, Cloves, Cucumber, Cumin, Green beans, Pulses, Unrefined cereals, Apples, Blackberries, Cherries, Raspberries, Echinacea, Liquorice root and Olive leaf.
All airborne toxins are dealt with by the respiratory system, from the mucous membranes and hair in your nose to the lungs. Foods and supplements to support this system include Basil, Chives and lettuce, Marjoram, Parsley, Radish, Rosemary, Thyme and Mullein.
The primary function of the kidneys and urinary system is to filter out toxins from the blood and eliminate them through the urine. The urinary tract consists of the urethras (the tubes that drain the kidneys), the bladder and the urethra (the tube that empties the bladder). Foods and supplements that help this system include Barley, Celery, Leek, and Wheat germ, Blackcurrant, Blueberry, Fig, Horsetail and Goldenrod.
The largest organ in the body and our primary defensive shell against our polluted environment is the skin. One of its functions is to remove toxins through sweating. This is why saunas are traditionally used to detox. Skin health is supported with for example, red/green/yellow fruit/vegetables, Cabbage, Carrots, Flax and Pumpkin seeds, Camomile, Gingko Biloba and Evening Primrose oil.
During and after a detox there will always be some side effects. The strength of these will depend on your level of toxicity and the strength of the detox you choose to use. There are many ways to vary the strength by changing the length of the detox, what you eat (fasting is the strongest form) and taking detox supplements. The side effects may be uncomfortable in the short term but when you feel the benefits afterwards it will be well worth it!
In the week running up to the detox there are a few things that you can do to make it more enjoyable and less stressful. Mental preparation includes setting aside the time for your detox as a break from all of your normal routines and making sure that you have a clear idea of your motivation to detox. It is important for you and your family to be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster of mixed feelings, caused by the detox. If possible, you may want to arrange to be alone for the first few days of a strong detox and in any case be prepared for family and friends scepticism. Just remember that when they see the results they will want to detox too!
In terms of physical preparation you may like to consider the following suggestions: pamper yourself with massage, steam treatments and saunas. Reduce your intake of addictive substances such as nicotine, caffeine, chocolate, sugar and alcohol. Alter your diet to reduce your intake of meat, fish and dairy products. As special treats during the detox, buy some good reading material and/or films, aromatherapy candles, lavender oil and essential oils for the bath. Finally there will be a list of special foods, drinks and supplements to be bought for the detox!
