Detoxification

What is Detoxification?

Detoxification is the process used to improve the expelling of both internal and external toxic agents and repairing the damage they have done.

Toxins may enter our bodies through the skin (heavy metals and solvents), via the lungs (cigarette smoke, traffic smog etc), and particularly within our food and water. Toxins may also be produced internally (these are called endotoxins).

All detoxification programs involve the release and elimination of toxins from various organs and cells. The toxins are eliminated through various channels such as kidneys, the skin, the bowel and the liver.

As you may have unexpected symptoms as toxins are released from your body we strongly advise that you do not undertake a detoxification program without first consulting one of our trained naturopaths.
With personally recommended herbal and nutritional support suitable for your needs your detoxification program will be more beneficial overall.

We provide a professional detox program that is split into 3 phases.
1 - Remove the bad bacteria from the intestines
2 - Replace the good bacteria, encourage detoxification from the kidneys and repair the lining on the intestinal walls.
3 - Encourage detoxification from the liver

By detoxing in this manner you avoid some of the common side effects such as headaches, bloating and fatigue. These side effects occur when toxins are stimulated from their storage locations but are not properly metabolised and eliminated. If your detox works on your liver before your bowel this is almost guaranteed to happen.

Book in with our naturopath for your professional detox program.

Do I really need to detoxify?

Toxicity affects everyone. How much depends on the degree of individual exposure and an individual’s susceptibility.

Some symptoms of ‘toxic overload’

• Constipation, irregular/sluggish bowel movements
• Flatulence, abdominal bloating and poor digestion
• Bad breath & coated tongue
• Frequent inexplicable headaches
• Depression, irritability & anxiety
• Weight gain and inability to lose weight despite increased exercise
• Skin rashes, boils, pimples
• Frequent viral infections/lowered immunity
• General aches and pains
• Low energy levels
• Allergies

The liver detoxifies and processes all substances in circulation in the blood for excretion. This includes not only “pollutant” chemicals absorbed from the environment ie petrochemicals, heavy metals, radioactive wastes etc, but also infective agents, food substances, drugs, natural medicine and endogenous wastes.

Friends of the Liver

Antioxidants are the most important detoxifiers as they protect against the damaging affects of oxidation in the body (free radicals). Sunburn, stress, pollution, drugs, tobacco and alcohol can all cause free radical damage.

• Vitamin C & Bioflavonoids
• Vitamin E & Selenium
• Vitamin A & Betacarotene
• Zinc
• Vitamin B6 & B12
• Manganese
• Cysteine
• Lipoic acid

Nutrients and Foods
• All fruit and vegetables – berries, apples, pears (especially the pips), carrots, beetroot, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, red and green capsicum
• Garlic, leek & onions
• Green tea (1-3 cups daily)
• Lecithin (emulsifies fats and prevents fatty deposits in the liver)
• Fish (especially deep sea/ocean, cold water fish)
• Nuts & seeds (especially brazil nuts (high in selenium) & pumpkin seeds (high in zinc))
• Cold Pressed Oils (especially olive and flaxseed oils)
• Wheat & Barley Grass & Wheatgerm & Seaweeds

Herbal Medicine
• St Mary’s Thistle
• Dandelion Root (try Dandelion Coffee)
• Globe Artichoke … a specialized liver tonic can be made by your herbalist/naturopath.

Rest and Relaxation
Rest whenever tired during a detox and sleep as much as is necessary (eg. an afternoon siesta!)

Water
Aim to drink 10-12 glasses of purified or bottled spring water. Unfiltered water may be full of herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, fluoride and heavy metals. A glass of warm water with the juice of a freshly squeezed lemon, first thing in the morning is an excellent remedy for constipation and is an excellent way to start the detoxifying process of the liver each day.

Fibre
Fibre supplements provide bulk and moisture for smooth elimination from the bowel and assist with any detoxification program. A combination of psyllium husks, rice bran, slippery elm and ground fennel is a real winner! High fibre foods include whole corn, brown rice, lentils, beans, peas, apples, pears, figs, sprouts, nuts and seeds.

Exercise
An important part of any detoxification program, exercise helps to improve circulation, stimulate the flow of lymph around the body, encourage the skin to perspire and helps to stimulate deeper breathing. However, it is important to exercise lightly during the initial phase of detoxification. Try to do it in open air in the sunshine.

Deep Breathing
Breathing techniques are helpful for improving respiratory function. Breathing deeply will not only help to reduce stress levels and increase oxygen intake it will help to clean out the deep recesses of the lungs.

Substances to avoid when detoxifying
• Alcohol
• Tobacco and other nonprescription drugs
• Caffeine containing products ie coffee, tea, cola, chocolate
• All animal products except for fish (ie. Red meat, poultry, shellfish, eggs, dairy products etc)
• Pre-packaged, processed & refined foods
• High-sugar foods
• High fat foods
• Foods containing gluten – wheat, oats, rye, barley
• Avoid all chemical food additives
• Peanuts, oranges, melons

Tips for Success
• Drink plenty of purified/filtered water
• Drink diluted fresh organic fruit and vegetable juices
• Eat meals regularly in a relaxed environment – always chew food thoroughly
• Meals should be 50% raw and 50% cooked – this will provide optimum nutrient & fibre supply
• Keep food preparation simple – steaming, baking and grilling are best
• Rotate food choices daily – choose new fruits, vegetables, a new grain & protein each day
• Eat foods in season and preferably organic where possible. Wash all fruit and vegetable in a mild vinegar to remove chemical residue if not organic produce. (1 cup white vinegar to a sink of cold water)
• A modified cleanse may include animal protein. If so, it should be organic or bio-dynamically produced. Lamb and turkey meats are cleaner meats than beef, chicken or pork.