Detoxification

The concept of regularly cleansing or "detoxifying" the body dates back thousands of years. In Eastern traditions it is considered as routine if one wants to ward off illness and prolong quality of life. Detoxification has been gaining more exposure here in America as people are starting to take control over their own "health destinies" versus waiting to get sick and going to the doctor to get a medication. Cleansing is even more important now in our modern society with daily exposure to toxins in our air and food and stressful thought patterns. Since a toxic body cannot effectively absorb nutrients or eliminate waste, an imbalance is created within the body causing a variety of possible symptoms involving not only our physical health, but also our emotional and mental health.

Common symptoms that could indicate the need for detoxification:

Fatigue
Depression
Anxiety
Headache
"Brain fog"
Allergies
Sensitivity to fragrances
GI discomfort

It is important to follow an individualized, medically monitored detox program

Detoxifying the body should always be done through supervision by a professional. For instance, let's say you have oily stools, and you are thinking of doing a "flush" of your Gall Bladder because you read in a book that it was indicated. Please see a naturopathic doctor first who is familiar with your unique case and the likelihood of potential complications or contraindications. You don't want to pass a stone and end up in the Emergency Room with a doctor who is insisting your gall bladder be taken out immediately!

There are many options when cleansing. You can target a specific organ or organ system or the whole body even. One can detox by just eating specific cleansing foods, adding supplements plus a therapeutic diet or a combination of herbs and other complimentary cleansing rituals and practices. Being assessed by a physician assures that the detox you choose is the most safe and appropriate for you. A thorough medical exam and lab tests can be utilized to determine each individual's needs and to create a personalized program.

Who should consider a detoxification program?

People taking prescription drugs
Those who eat processed or other non-organic foods
Those with mercury fillings
People exposed to cigarette smoke
People who suffer from an autoimmune disease
Those with a history of alcohol or drug addiction
People who work with or are exposed to chemicals

When we support the body to function optimally, we greatly enhance our feeling of well-being and can significantly improve our overall health status.

Common improvements seen by those who complete a detox program:

Increased energy
Sense of emotional well-being
Heightened mental clarity
Stronger immune system
Clearer skin
Decrease in GI discomfort
Decrease in chemical sensitivities
Decrease in allergies