Detoxification

Dr. Cristina Meffe ND

Detoxification is one of the hottest topics in health today.  Come September, after the over-indulgence of the holidays, interest in detoxification increases exponentially.  But what is detoxification, what are the benefits, and how is it done?

Detoxification is the process by which the body rids itself of unwanted and potentially harmful substances or toxins.  The toxins can come from a wide variety of sources including water, poor food choices, contaminated foods, foods that we are allergic or sensitive to, smoke, alcohol, caffeine, drugs (both prescription and recreational), the environment, and a host of other sources.   Our liver is the primary site of detoxification, as there are specific enzymes and pathways in the liver that are responsible for rendering harmful substances water soluble and for excreting these substances.  Also, everything passes through the liver—all we consume and inherently produce is processed by the liver, including food, hormones, caffeine, and drugs.  Often times these toxins and their bread down products build up in the liver and the body.  Cleanses rev up our liver’s detoxifying processes and eliminate any toxins from the body.  This then allows our liver to work more efficiently because the toxic “sludge: that accumulates has been removed.  Cleanses also enhance the detoxification processes of other organs, such as the lungs, gut, kidneys and skin.

Detoxifications can be beneficial for a number of reasons.  They can help prevent disease from occurring in people who are exposed to a lot of toxins.  They can help treat issues related with such things as weight gain, low energy, PMS, skin issues, weak immune systems, digestive concerns and pain.  They can also treat diseases such as chronic degenerative diseases, multiple chemical sensitivities, autoimmune diseases, arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and digestive concerns.

There are a wide variety of protocols and plans to do a detox or cleanse.  A plethora of products, both good and bad, exist in health food stores that claim to help with detoxification.  Protocols can range from completely fasting for a few days, to having shakes, to being able to eat full complete meals with adjustments to the foods you are consuming.  Often, supportive vitamins, nutrients, herbs, homeopathic remedies and/or hydrotherapy are added to a protocol to enhance the overall detoxification effect.  It is strongly recommended to speak with a licensed health care practitioner such as a naturopath before undertaking any detoxification protocol.  Detoxification can have profound effects and not every detoxification protocol is healthy for every person.  For example, fasting may be the best choice for some, and for others it can be extremely dangerous.  A detoxification program should also be tailored to meet your individual goals and needs.

However, there are some very simple things that we can do on an ongoing basis that are both safe and effective in cleansing the body.

1.       Drink plenty of water—drinking water has numerous benefits, but it also helps the body flush out toxins by increasing urination

2.       Drink warm lemon water in the morning—this helps to stimulate digestive juices to help digest and absorb the nutrients from our food, and it is also a direct liver cleanser

3.       Deep breathing exercises—not only does deep breathing activate the relaxation response, reduce stress and anxiety, promote well-being, increase the ability to concentrate, and reduce blood pressure, it also directly contributes to detoxification by helping to eliminate toxins from the lungs, and it increases blood flow which helps to move and remove toxins from the body

4.       Aerobic exercise if you are able—aside from the numerous benefits of exercise, 30 minutes per day five times a week of aerobic exercise will help to promote detoxification through sweating and the mobilization of toxins

5.       Adequate rest—any detoxification protocol, from the simplest to the most strenuous taxes the body.  Give your body a chance to respond to detoxification, to heal itself and work more efficiently through sleep and rest.