As the warmer months of spring and summer approach us, now is
a fantastic time to revitalize your health. Similar to the maintenance
your car requires, if you want it to run well for years to come, your body
operates more efficiently with regular tune-ups. Participating in a detox
program once or twice every year gives your body a real boost, setting up a
better foundation to ensure a long and healthy life.
Why detox? Well, today it’s virtually impossible to avoid the constant
toxic exposures in our modern world. Pesticides in our food, heavy metals in
our water, exhaust fumes in our air, chemicals in our skin and personal care
products, hazardous materials in our cleaning products; the list goes on.
Stress, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, and the use of alcohol and drugs (both
pharmaceutical and recreational) also contribute to toxic overload in the body.
Toxicity can lead to development of any number and type of symptoms, such as
fatigue, anxiety, depression, weight gain, joint pain, allergies, memory loss,
brain fog, digestive problems, skin rashes, and recurrent infections. The
good news is there are effective tools that can be applied to dramatically
lower our total toxic burden, thus giving us the ability to not only alleviate
symptoms but also remove factors that frequently contribute to chronic disease.
A healthy diet and lifestyle paired with periodic cleansing is an excellent way
to feel your best. A good general cleanse involves reducing new exposures
to toxins, eating a nutrient-dense cleansing diet, using specific herbs and
supplements to support organs like the liver, colon, and kidneys, sweating and
moving the body regularly, and working on any emotional or spiritual issues
that may be of importance for you. When detoxing you should eliminate sugars
(fruit is OK, limited), alcohol, white flour and caffeine. 5-12 servings of
organic vegetables should be eaten daily and if you are eating meat limit it to
organic or wild caught meat only. There are dozens of recipes on the blog to aide you with your detox! When
the body is given the opportunity to “take out the trash,” so to speak, it can
then devote valuable energy and resources to other important functions like
repairing damaged tissues and strengthening the immune system. As total
toxic burden decreases, symptoms will tend to diminish. People frequently
report reductions in pain and inflammation, desired weight loss, and feelings
of rejuvenation and vitality.
If you’re interested in feeling your best, maybe it’s time for a gentle
detox. But please be careful when considering programs or products to
purchase. Many types of so-called “detox” programs and products available
on the market can actually do more harm than good, not to mention waste
valuable time and money! For example, it’s best to stay away from
programs that promote significant calorie restriction since these can lead to
dangerous swings in blood sugar. Also, you’ll want to avoid products that simply
act as laxatives since overuse of these can cause dependence and/or electrolyte
imbalances. Colon cleansing is a vitally important aspect of any
successful detox, but don’t be fooled into thinking laxatives are the
answer! When it comes to safe and effective detoxification, each and every
one of the organs involved in detox should be specifically supported-the liver,
colon, kidneys, skin, lungs, and lymphatics. Here at Riverwalk Natural Health
Clinic we carry high grade, organic, professional strength greens; one
that really like is "Renewal Greens." It is very important that the
green blend you choose is all organic, if not you are loading yourself up with
toxins- the exact opposite of what the goal of a detox is. Also keep
in mind that undertaking a detox program is not appropriate for everyone, and
in some cases may be contraindicated. Detox is intended for people who are
generally in good health.
Some
common ways our exposure to toxins is increased:
• Eating a diet high in processed foods and fat
• Drinking tap water
• Excessive consumption of caffeinated beverages
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Tobacco use
• Recreational drug use
• Chronic use of medication
• Lack of strenuous exercise
• Liver dysfunction
• Kidney problems
• Intestinal dysfunction
• Occupational exposure
• Using pesticides, herbicides, paint, and other toxic
substances without adequate protective gear
• Living or working near areas of high vehicle traffic or
industrial plants
To find out more about
detox and how it may benefit you, please contact Dr. Deborah Wiancek at
the Riverwalk Natural Health Clinic. Dr.Wiancek can pinpoint what type of detox
that will be best for you. Certain causes beyond the ones already mentioned can
be food allergies, heavy metal toxicity, nutritional deficiency, blood
sugar problems, and hormonal issues
