Learn About: Detoxification

Whether your goal is to maintain good health, or as part of a program to improve your general health, detoxification can be an important component in keeping your body strong and balanced. It is impossible to avoid toxins – they are everywhere, from the food we eat to the environment – but by limiting exposure and supporting the liver, the body’s built-in detox center, you can help to keep your system “clean”.

Once in the body toxins can remain in the fat and tissues indefinitely. When your body is already overwhelmed in coping with illness, this can create an overload situation and aggravate an already delicate situation. Symptoms of toxic overload can be varied, but include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, digestive disorders, as well as an increased sensitivity to foods and chemicals. Detoxing can assist your body in the removal of toxins and result in improved health.

If you suspect you are dealing with toxic overload it is best to consult with a physician or alternative medicine practitioner familiar with this problem as it is important to identify what type of toxins you are dealing with, as well as to choose the right method for removing that type of toxin. You also need to find a program/product that will be compatible with your body. (See Muscle Testing for methods of testing products)

It has been a real challenge for me to find a detox program that would enable me to eliminate toxins from my body, particularly heavy metals from my dental fillings (for more information about mercury fillings see Natural Dentistry), and that I am able to tolerate. I tried numerous products and programs – fasting, herbs, colon cleansing, soaks – all of which left me so weak and feeling so awful, I could not continue. I believe I am more the exception than the rule, as I know many people who have used these and other methods successfully. But in my particular case the only product I was able to tolerate is Detoxamin from World Health Products. This is a chelation suppository, an EDTA time release product that helps to decrease free radical damage caused by heavy metal toxins. For information about this product you can go to www.detoxamin.com or call 1-877-656-4553. Several years ago when I first discovered this product the company offered free samples, I am not sure they still do, but it is worth checking into. They also offer a hair analysis test which can be useful in detecting levels of heavy metals in the body. If you do decide to try any type of chelation it is very important to take a good vitamin/mineral supplement as the process can deplete good nutrients along with the toxic metals.

The foods and beverages you eat and drink can offer a less aggressive and more natural approach to detoxing and liver support. One of the best ways is by drinking lots of clean, quality water…which we all know is also important to our general good health. The average person should drink about eight 8 ounce glasses per day. I recently read that you should drink approximately half your weight in ounces (example: if you weigh 150 lbs. you should drink 75 ounces, or nine 8 ounce glasses per day). 100% natural and organic fruit and vegetable juices are also very beneficial.

According to www.altmedicine.about.com/od/detoxcleaning, following is a list of good foods to eat, and those to avoid when detoxing.

Good Foods To Eat: (Organic is always best)

• Fresh fruit*
• Fresh vegetables – especially broccoli, cauliflower, green leafy (like kale)
• Garlic
• Onion
• Rice, Quinoa, Amaranth, Millet, Buckwheat
• Beans
• Nuts & Seeds
• Olive Oil

*Pesticide amounts used to grow fruits and vegetables may vary, so if you are unable to eat organic be aware that the following fruits and vegetables are considered "high pesticide" produce: apples, bell peppers (sweet), celery, cherries, grapes (imported), lettuce, nectarines, peaches, potatoes, spinach and strawberries.

Foods to Avoid:

• Sugar
• Dairy
• Wheat and Gluten
• Caffeine
• Yeast
• Alcoho
• High Fat Foods
• Additives and Preservatives

Other foods I have read that support and energize the liver include:

• Fiber – keeps your GI tract fit and removes toxins that are ready to be eliminated
• Chlorophyll – helps remove environmental toxins and acts as a liver protector
• Lemons – loaded with Vitamin C, the detox vitamin
• Watercress – has a diuretic effect and helps flush your system
• Green Tea – contains catechins which speed up liver activity
• Sesame Seeds – protect liver cells from damaging effects of alcohol & other chemicals
• Cabbage – helps activate detoxifying enzymes in the liver
• Psyllium – soluble fiber that mops up toxins
• Fruit – good source of Vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants
• Garlic, Rosemary, Tumeric & Cilantro – helps activate liver enzymes that help filter out junk

Another natural way to detox is by sweating! Either through exercise, saunas or steam bath, sweating helps remove toxins from the body and also supports lymphatic function. Avoid antiperspirants as they block sweating…for companies that offer natural alternatives check: Recommended

A really great source of information about the whys and hows of detoxing is www.detox.org. They provide information about a variety of different programs and books you might find of interest.

For suggestions on how you can reduce exposure in your food, home, clothing and water, see Reduce Toxic Exposure or Chemical Sensitivites. And don’t forget you can support your liver and all of your organs, as well as your general physical well-being, by limiting stress in your life…for more information on relaxation techniques check out Meditation.

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