Why Detox?

The heat is out, appetites are lower and it is a perfect time for cleaning up your system. The world detox can mean many things. By definition it is the physiological or medicinal removal of toxic substances from a living organism, which is mainly carried out by the liver, skin, intestines and kidneys.

A word you may not know is depurate. Depuration is cleaning or purifying and promoting the elimination of waste. When I use the word detox it’s an all encompassing term for cleaning out the body. Body burden is defined as the amount of toxic chemicals we are carrying around in our bodies and various studies from around the world show most if not all of us are carrying a high burden of chemicals in our bodies.

We want to clean out your system from all the burdening waste it has built up over the years, and stimulate the body to remove unwanted materials that are incompatible with health. Symptoms can often be those that seem untouched by conventional medicine, have no obvious explanation or pathological finding, or issues constantly requiring a band-aid.

These often present as headaches, fatigue, a sense of malaise and anxiety, cognitive decline, mental fogginess, paresthesia (numbness and tingling), skin issues and acne, hormone imbalances, and infertility - often caused by past stored or chronic (long term) exposure.

Toxic build up can either be a causative factor in chronic and acute illness, or an obstacle to cure and feeling better. As Naturopathic Doctors, we recognize a broad spectrum of health effects from common environmental toxins.

There are thousands of chemicals, and exposures range from occupational (job exposure), food additives, airborne pollutants, pesticides, cosmetics, cleaning products, and food packaging to name a few of the most common sources. What I want others to take from this is the knowledge that we are surrounded by chemicals that aren’t natural to us and most definitely have health consequences in many individuals.

Toxicology (study of the adverse effects of chemical agents on biological systems) is a hot topic right now. The inevitable is that we can’t control our environment to the extent we need in order to avoid all these chemicals. What we can control is how we boost the body in order to deal with a higher toxic load.

The goal is to support healthy pathways (ie. giving the necessary micronutrients to support the body), support healthy depuration (elimination of waste - ie. sweat, stool, urine, emotions), support healthy detoxifications (ie. Phase 1 and Phase 2 detox through the liver), and support healthy life choices. There are things we can do! And they don’t all have to cost an arm and a leg. Look into:

• Diet
• Colon Hydrotherapy
• Constitutional hydrotherapy
• Preventing Constipation
• Increasing water intake
• Eating local, washing your foods and following the dirty dozen/clean 15. (Some foods require and retain more pesticides than others).
• Overhaul of household cleaning and cosmetic products
• Castor oil packs
• Sauna therapy
• Skin brushing
• YOGA
• Yoga compresses and releases pressure on the organs to promote lymph flow, promote sweating and activates your breath.
• Emotional Work (bad feelings are toxic too!)

As you embark on the path of detoxification, remember that it's not just a short-term solution, but a lifelong commitment to your health and well-being. By understanding the compelling reasons behind detoxification and integrating its principles into your lifestyle, you're taking proactive steps toward a vibrant and renewed you. Whether you seek to rid your body of harmful toxins, boost your energy levels, or simply embrace a clearer state of mind, the journey of detox holds the potential for transformative change. Embrace the power of detoxification as a cornerstone of your wellness journey, and let its benefits illuminate your path to lasting vitality and balance.