Detoxification is a natural process that incorporates resting, cleansing, and nourishing the body from the inside out. Toxins are known substances harmful to the body. By eliminating them then fueling your body with healthy nutrients, you can create a healthier life.  A planned period of detox can strengthen your body's natural “Detox Team,” leading to achieving and maintaining optimal health.

Holistic healthcare professionals and detox supporters suggest following a detox plan at least once per year. In general, the spring and fall are more ideal as these are transitional seasons between the warm and cold months each year.

So, Why Detox?

Critics may argue the human body already has the necessary cellular responses to clear the body of impurities and maintain health; this makes further detoxification unnecessary. Unfortunately for many people, lifestyle habits and the environments where we live, work, eat and play often expose us to toxins and/or toxin loads that our bodies can’t keep up with. This can be due to the type of toxin or the amount of toxins the body is dealing with at any one time.

Here are some examples of toxins that you can be exposed to including:

• Heavy metals in the food and water supply
• Environmental pollution
• Chemical food additives
• Cleaning chemicals
• Smoking
• Abuse of alcohol or illicit drugs
• Use/overuse of Rx medication

If you deal with prolonged episodes of stress or suffer from frequent colds or chronic illness, this means detox may be even more important for you. These health concerns may be symptoms of toxin overload. Poor lifestyle choices such as not getting enough sleep, water, or nutrient-dense foods can further impair your body’s detox pathways.

Your Body's Natural Detox Team

Your body naturally detoxifies itself via a team of detox organs working together. These organs neutralize and eliminate toxins every minute of every day. The goal is to keep the body’s cells as free of impurities as possible. The liver leads the detox team by processing substances for elimination. The supporting detox defense players are the kidneys, intestines, lungs, lymphatic system, and skin. When these team members become compromised, impurities aren't properly filtered out. This can increase overall toxin load, leading to a variety of health concerns. Research suggests an association between toxin exposure and chronic diseases such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, atherosclerosis, headaches, muscle pain and weakness, panic attacks, and cognitive problems among others.

Detoxing Boosts Your Health

Following a detox program suited to your personal needs supports the body's natural cleansing process and boosts your health in many ways. The benefits of a detox program include:

• Allowing digestive organs to rest
• Stimulating the liver to process toxins more efficiently
• Promoting bowel movements
• Improving circulation
• Enhancing sweating, which facilitates release of impurities
• Restoring vital nutrients and energy to the body

One study found eating a plant-based diet with little to no pesticides lowered weight and body fat when compared to a standard diet. Heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and rhodium were greatly reduced during the course of the study.

Before You Start

Before you begin a detox, contact your doctor to ask if it’s okay for you. Detoxification is not recommended for those who have certain medical conditions such as diabetes, take multiple medications, or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Get Prepared. It also helps to prepare mentally and physically. Plan your dates a few weeks in advance. Inform the people closest to you about the time you've set aside to take care of yourself. Clear your schedule of routine obligations that may create stress. Stock up on inspirational music and reading material.

Gather Herbal Support. Herbal and nutritional supplements such as burdock, milk thistle, dandelion, and vitamins C and B protect and support your detox team, especially the liver. They also have antioxidant effects that benefit the whole body. These can be purchased from your local health food store. Reach out to your local holistic doctor to figure out what’s best for you.

Hydrate! Without enough water, toxins will not be sufficiently flushed via the blood and kidneys. Aim to drink at least 73 ounces of water daily for women and 100 ounces daily for men. For an extra boost, consider adding some lemon to a glass or two of water per day.

How to Detox?

A typical approach is a short period of fasting with proper fluid intake followed by whole or raw foods and healthy beverages before resuming your usual daily routine. A fast can be water or bone broth fasting, fruit/vegetable juices or smoothies, etc. If that’s too demanding, an easier detox can be eating only plant foods for 5-7 days. Research shows adding more fiber from fruits and vegetables supports a healthier liver, kidneys, and gut. Another option is a sugar detox where you don’t consume any added sugar for 1-4 weeks. During a fasting period, you can add in any or all of the following:

Dry Brush Your Skin. Look for a brush with soft natural bristles. Begin with light, gentle brushing over the skin (don't make the skin red). Always brush towards the heart. Shower immediately after to rinse off exfoliated skin. Look online or ask a holistic health professional if you are looking for a specific plan for skin brushing.

Get Wet. The therapeutic use of water also supports detoxification. A steam bath or sauna can accelerate the release of toxins. Hydrotherapy such as contrast hydrotherapy, wet sheet wraps, or an Epsom salt bath provide support to the muscles and promotes relaxation.

Sweat It Out Gently. Exercise facilitates digestion, circulation, metabolism and hormone balancing. During a detox, decrease the intensity of your usual exercise routine. The goal is to get a moderate sweat going to promote detox without doing anything too stimulating. Get outdoors for fresh air and natural sunlight. Good exercise options are easy hiking, dancing, walking, yoga, or tai chi. Another great option is sauna therapy.

Rest. For your mind and body to fully assimilate the benefits of detoxing, you need good quality sleep. Plan your least stimulating activities (reading, meditation, bathing) for right before bed.

Not Sure You’re Ready?

If you aren’t sure you’re ready to detox, or you’ve been curious about what this would be like, Dr. Blandford offers a couple of detox programs and/or sauna therapy packages to help you on your journey to better health. Call today to ask what options might be best for you!

Resources

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