Toxic Overload
How to Detox Safely
We clean our houses, we clean our cars, but when was the last time you gave yourself a good deep cleanse from the inside out? Our generation is the most exposed to harmful chemicals, from the food we eat to the air we breathe. That's why in my practice, I recommend a detoxification plan that is safe, fun and easy.
What's frightening is that, according to the most recent study by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there is widespread exposure to a number of chemicals and heavy metals that can be measured within our bodies. Cadmium, mercury, arsenic, petroleum by-products and plastics make the list of the worst offenders.
Toxins interfere with the normal function of our bodies, by damaging cells, tissues and fluids. They can disrupt normal endocrine rhythms and have been linked to premature aging, Cardiac Disease, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. At the very least, toxins rob us of valuable energy, which can affect your daily creative abilities, intuition and drive.
Many health care professionals also fear the effects of man-made additives, hormones and preservatives bombarding our food supply. The good news is, our bodies have internal defenses and specific organs to help detoxify these chemicals, the chief being the liver. But, if toxins stay within our system they could wreck havoc on the body. That's why many believe in the power of lifestyle intervention, cleanses and detoxification.
A Thorough Cleaning:
With any type of cleanse, general or specific, you need to be careful. Too fast or too much of a detox can put a person into a health crisis; it’s better to move slow and easy and seek the advice of your doctor before starting any new plan.
I like to advice my patients to begin with the digestive tract- it is the key for absorption of essential nutrients to aid your body’s natural cleaning process. A digestive tract in great working order protects our systems against excessive absorption of chemicals and efficiently transports wastes from the body. If you are having digestive issues, get help in correcting these prior to starting any cleanse.
1. Increase your fiber, both soluble and insoluble, as this supports bowel function. 25-40 grams is what the American Dietetic Association recommends.
2. Water is an essential component. The Institute of Medicine recommends two 3.5 liters of water per day, which equals five to ten 12 ounce glasses. Reverse osmosis is my personal favorite for clean healthy water.
3. Your food choices are critical for support; As a general rule, fresh vegetables (particularly green foods) and fruits are very helpful. Consider organic foods, and incorporate more of these into your diet. Some people advocate juicing these veggies and fruits to concentrate the naturally occurring vitamins and phytonutrients that are found in them. As well, eliminate or reduce processed foods and sugar.
4. Reduce or eliminate your exposure to irritants. New house paint and flooring can potentially create or exacerbate a health issue, as can molds and allergens.
5. Research the products you use for your personal and home care. Mercola.com is a great resource for this type of information.
6. Decrease the amount of time you spend in front of the computer, or get a screen that can cut your EMF radiation exposure. Don’t sleep next to clock radios and don’t use an electric sleeping blanket.
7. Get plenty of sunshine; 10 to 15 minutes of sunshine per day is a great way to naturally increase Vitamin D, which revs up the detoxification system. If you can’t get as much sun, consider supplementing with D3, starting with 1000 IU’s.
8. Make sure you are participating in a regular exercise program, at whatever level suits you best. Exercise increases circulation and aids the function of the organ systems.
9. Get plenty of sleep. 8-9 hours is generally ideal because the body does most of it’s detoxification during rest.
The goal is to have a cleanse that is easy on your body, but even the best of cleanses can be stressful at times. The release of toxins from the body can sometimes show up as skin problems, digestive disturbances and flu like symptoms. If any of these symptoms do occur, they should pass quickly. If they worsen, you will need to consult with your health care professional.
Keeping this in mind, I wouldn't recommend a detox during a busy, hectic or stressful time of your life. And, make sure you have enough time to take care of yourself as you proceed. After all, that’s why you considered the cleanse in the first place, right?
Signs of Toxic Overload:
Fatigue
Brain Fog
Muscle Achiness
Poor Immune Function
Unusual Weight Gain or Loss
Hormonal Imbalances
Sources: www.DRJeffDonahue.com, www.cdc.gov/exposurereport 2009,Mercola.com
Jeff Donahue is a local chiropractor, acupuncturist and nutritionist who has practiced lifestyle medicine for more than 20 years. 480-654-2920
This article is for the sole purpose of information and is in no way intended to diagnose, offer medical advice or recommendations. All information included represents the view of the individual and not necessarily those of LiWi.
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