Spring Detoxification

Many of us have heard the term detoxification, but what does it really mean?  Detoxification is the process of either eliminating or neutralizing toxins from our body.  It is a process which occurs naturally in our bodies.  However, due to the number of toxins and chemicals in today¡¦s society, such as the ones we are exposed to in our food, water, air, these toxins build up over time.  Increased toxicity can also be due to poor digestion, colon sluggishness or dysfunction, reduced liver function, and poor elimination through the kidneys, respiratory tract, and skin.  Appropriate detoxification involves both dietary and lifestyle changes that reduce the intake of toxins while improving our body¡¦s capability to eliminate or neutralize them. Toxins can be either external or environmental (such as alcohol, pesticides, tobacco, heavy metals, medications, oral contraceptives) or internal (the body¡¦s natural by-products which are toxic if not neutralized or excreted).

Benefits to Detoxification:

Detoxification is believed to:

• Help prevent disease, especially when one has prolonged exposure to chemicals or hormones (such as oral contraceptives)
• Improve symptoms of weight gain, low energy, joint pain, headache, chronic pain, PMS, unhealthy skin, anxiety and irritability, frequent colds, heartburn, constipation and gas.
• Treat disease such as autoimmune diseases, multiple chemical sensitivity, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, digestive disorders, heart disease, arthritis, ADHD and other chronic degenerative diseases.

A detoxification can last from 1 week to 2 months depending on your health goals.  As is true for all major dietary or lifestyle modifications, an individualized and supervised approach is recommended.

Some Suggestions for Spring Detoxification:

• Diet- Limit intake of coffee, sugar, carbonated drinks, refined and processed foods, red meat, saturated fats, bread and pasta.  A whole food diet is recommended to avoid common suspected and known food allergens.  Enjoy lots of organic fruits and vegetables.  Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber, minerals, vitamins and compounds called phytonutrients that prevent and even help treat disease.  The most colourful fruits and vegetables (like blueberries, dark leafy green vegetables, etc.) are rich in phytonutrients¡Kso eat the rainbow.  Add some detoxifying vegetables to your diet such as cabbage, broccoli, celery and brussels sprouts. Also include some good lean protein foods such as beans, lentils, fish, turkey, or soy which assist the liver in the breakdown of stress hormones and pollutants.

• Drink 2-3 liters of water daily- This is necessary for maintaining the body¡¦s basic physiological functions and for the detoxification itself.  Elimination of toxins is mediated by continuously voiding and replenishing fluids.

• Warm lemon water- Drink this first thing each morning at least 20-30 minutes before breakfast.  This stimulates your liver to detoxify your body naturally- It¡¦s so easy and it increases your overall well-being.

      Just squeeze half a lemon into a glass, and fill with warm water.

• Enjoy fresh air- plenty is needed to support cleansing and oxygenation of the cells and tissues.  Sunshine also revitalizes the body, but avoid excessive exposure.

• Exercise- This is very important to support the cleansing process.  It helps to relax the body, clears wastes by increasing circulation, and prevents toxicity symptoms.  Any non-stressful activity you enjoy will help you rest, recuperate and encourage your body¡¦s detoxification.

• Rest- An essential component of allowing the body to detoxify and heal.  Ensure at least 8 hours of sleep per night.  Listen to your body when you feel tired.

• Meditate- Relax all the muscles in your body by taking deep abdominal breaths through the nose. Close your eyes and picture yourself in the not-too-distant future in a state of perfect health - all the aches and pains in your body have disappeared, you feel vital and filled with energy.

• Declutter your living spaces and your emotions- If we want to prepare for the new, we need to clear out the old.  Identify toxic emotions that have accumulated in your life, which may be depleting your energy.  We can hold on to old resentments or upsets without realizing, and this puts a large burden on our bodies.

• Smile, Laugh, and Be Happy- Life is short, so enjoy.

Please consult your Naturopathic Doctor beginning any major detoxification, diet, supplement or exercise regime. Naturopathic Doctors can help design a specialized and supervised detoxification program just for you.

Dr. Jane Shou B.Sc.(Hons), CH, ND 

Certified Hypnotherapist, Naturopathic Doctor