What is Detoxification?
The body naturally detoxifies everyday by processing, eliminating, or neutralizing everything that we ingest, inhale, or absorb. Detoxification organs like the colon, liver, kidneys, lungs, lymph, and skin work to keep the body healthy. However, in our environment today, we are exposed to many more chemicals and unwanted substances through the food we eat (pesticides, fertilizers, additives, preservatives, etc.), the water we drink, the air we breathe, and the products we use next to our skin (soap, lotion, shampoo, deodorants, etc,). Consequently, our bodies are overwhelmed with the overload and are unable to eliminate the dangerous material. The protection mechanism of the body against these toxic substances, is to surround them with mucous or fat. Soon, we have a lower functioning body system because of the increased toxic load. The less the organs function, the less elimination can occur, and the more poisoned the body becomes.
So what can you do about it? Well, first, eliminate as many sources of toxins as possible. If you can reduce the amount of chemicals taken into the body, then your body has a better chance of keeping up. Next, you can help your body detoxify through cleansing. A special cleansing diet is designed to encourage the body to release stored wastes; which, in turn, restores and revitalizes your internal organs. Regular cleansing can encourage optimal wellness of body, mind, and spirit. (Here are 5 simple ways to detox everyday!)
What Can I Expect from a Detox?
Detoxification, using special cleansing diets, contains three steps:
- Elimination: The intestinal tract and major organs will be cleaned out from mucous and toxins. It is vital to drink LOTS of water during your cleanse. Aim for 8 to 10 glasses of water on top of your juices and teas. This phase of the cleanse generally lasts from 1 to 7 days. It is important to note that as the toxins move through your body, you may experience a short period of headaches, fatigue, fever, body odor, bad breath, diarrhea, or mouth sores. This is called a healing crisis. This is a sign your body has a lot of work to do so slow down, take a nap, take a bath, and take care of yourself. As digestion, nerves, and glands improve function, these symptoms will disappear. This time period varies for each individual. Alkalizing baths with baking soda and epsom salts added can help minimize the discomfort. It is important to remember to stay positive recognizing that your body is healing itself which is AWESOME!
- Rebuilding Tissue and Restoring Energy: Your body is now primed to rebuild and restore. This phase of the cleanse should focus on simply prepared, fresh foods. The diet will consist of healthy fats (coconut oil, avocado, bone broth), little dairy (except for cottage cheese and yogurt), and no fried foods. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, and sugar. Avoid meats except wild-caught fish. Include supplements and herbal aids for your specific needs. This phase can last a week to a month depending on what your body needs.
- Maintenance: A diet for health maintenance relies on fresh fruit and vegetables for fiber; cooked vegetables; sprouted grains and seeds for strength and alkalinity; wild-caught sea foods, eggs, lean red meat, and low fat cheeses as sources of protein; and healthy fats from coconut, avocado, bone broth, and ghee or grass-fed butter. You might be able to include all of these in your diet and some of you may find your body doesn’t handle a particular food or food group very well. The important thing is to listen to your body! Digestive enzymes and probiotics encourage continued digestion and absorption of nutrients.
After a cleanse, you can expect to notice:
- digestion to improve
- excess mucous and congestion to be cleared
- liver, kidney and blood are purified
- mental clarity is improved
- dependency on habit-formers like sugar, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine or drugs is less
- bad eating habits are turned around
- stomach is returned to normal size for weight control and
- the immune system is strengthened.
Detoxification can be an important part of wellness. Sometimes, it can be the key to overcoming a health issue. And sometimes, it can help jump start a diet change or “clean out the cobwebs” in your body. However, it is not something to be taken lightly. If you can, cleanse when the weather is warm and plentiful in sunshine. Always talk with your healthcare provider before undertaking a cleanse.
Yours in Health,
