There has been a lot of talk about detoxification, detox diets and
whether they are necessary, healthy, or appropriate for the body.
Doctors are split over the controversial issue. Alternative medical
professionals recommend a detoxification at least once a year
especially with the increased concern over toxicity in our food,
water, air, medicine and environment. Ayurvedic medicine,
Traditional Chinese medicine and herbalism have been using
detoxification for thousands of years. However, traditional medical
practitioners dispute the reasons for the use of detoxification.
They question the scientific basis or benefit behind detoxification
because the body is an extraordinary healer with its own system of
elimination.
What is Detoxification?
Detoxification is a physiological or medical removal of toxic
substances from the body. Detoxification is used medically with drug
withdrawal, decontamination of poison ingestion, dialysis, and
chelation therapy. During these processes toxins and toxic chemicals
are removed from the body. In the same manner, detoxification or
detox diets are used to eliminate toxins that are consumed through
our food and water, inhaled through the air or confronted within our
environments. Detoxes are used to cleanse, rest, and nourish the
body from the inside out. Practitioners who recommend detoxes
believe that detoxing protects the body against disease and renews
optimum health. Toxins are removed and replaced with healthy
nutrients that the body desperately requires. Health is restored and
energy and vigor are revitalized.
Removing Heavy Metals
How does Detoxification work?
Detoxification enhances the body's own elimination system by
cleaning the blood and removing impurities from the liver. Although
the kidneys, liver, intestines, lungs, lymph, skin and bowels are
all part of the body's elimination system, they can become
compromised when overexposed to toxins, chemical and impurities. Now
a days there are so many more sources of toxicity than there were
100, 50 and even 10 years ago. With technological advances in food,
science and almost every aspect of living, our bodies are being
exposed to harmful chemicals, irritants and pollutants throughout
daily living. Food is contaminated with unnecessary additives,
allergens, flavor enhancers, food coloring, and artificial
preservatives. Not to mention that air and water pollution,
radiation, nuclear power, drugs, cigarettes, alcohol and medications
have harmful effects on the body as well. Compromised by these
chemicals and toxins the body is unable to filter impurities
properly, which causes an adverse affect on every cell within the
body. This can cause specific symptoms to appear such as fatigue,
mood swings, digestive problems, constipation, headaches and many
more. A detox program rests the organs through fasting, stimulates
the liver to drive out toxins, promotes elimination through the
kidneys, intestines, and skin, improves blood circulation and
refuels the body with nutrients. Detoxification works by addressing
every cell in the body.
Types of Detoxification
There are many types of detox plans such as contrast showers, detox
footpads, oil pulling, snakestones, body cleansing, water fasting,
metabolic therapy, elimination diets, hydrotherapy, and colonics.
Detoxes come in the form of liquids, supplements, herbs, diets and
exercise. Each detox program differs in action and intent. Some work
only with the bowel to remove rotting food remanence, others cleanse
the liver or blood, and others aid in skin or kidney function. Women
who are pregnant or nursing, children, elderly, or people with
cancer, degenerative disease or a compromised immune system should
not use detoxes as it could cause harmful side effects such as
nutritional deficiencies which can lead to death. Detoxification is
generally harmless and safe, however if you exceed the recommended
time frame it can lead to nutritional deficiency. There is some risk
associated with detox procedures such as colon cleanses which can
cause perforation in the lining of the bowel, infection or water
intoxication, however risks are low.
When should You Detox?
Recommended detox programs should be done 1-2 times a year depending
upon your level of health. Or if you have symptoms such as
unexplained fatigue, sluggish elimination, constipation, irritated
skin, allergies, bags under the eyes, distended stomach, menstrual
difficulties, mental confusion, aches and pains, headaches, and
digestive problems. A short program normally lasts 3-7 days. Some
practitioners recommend doing a cleanse or detox at the change of
each season due to the overexposure to airborne pollutants, refined
and processed foods, radiation, prescription medications, alcohol
and drug use. The more toxins within your environment that you are
exposed to, the more a detox may be necessary.
Chelation And Heavy Metal Detoxification
What should you expect after a Detox?
Depending upon which detox you decide to undertake, will determine
how difficult it is on you mentally and physically. It may be
difficult especially if you are doing an elimination detox where you
stop eating or drinking certain foods or food entirely. During a
detox, toxins are released from stored fat into the blood so they
can be excreted. You may have decreased energy, skin irritation,
headaches or mood swings while your body is eliminating these
toxins. After a detox is finished, most people experience a boost in
energy, improved mood, weight loss, decreased bloating, easier
elimination, better muscle recovery, increased immune system and
overall better health. Traditional doctors attribute these results
to the limited or eliminated food, which requires the body to burn,
accumulated and stored fats. However this has not diminished
people's interest or continued use of detox programs. Especially
since detoxification has become a popular topic over the past decade
and an increasing number of detox products have become available in
the market. Ultimately, people will continue to use detox programs
as long as they continue to have beneficial results, even if
traditional medicine disputes the use of detoxification.