LET'S TALK ABOUT DETOX! Harmful toxins are everywhere - in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. The need to cleanse our bodies of these dangerous toxins has led to the increasing popularity of detoxification among health-conscious people. A walk through any health food store gives evidence of this reality. The shelves are stocked full of various types of detoxifying products.
Detoxification is the elimination of toxins or poisons from the body with a view to improving one's health. Fortunately, we all come equipped with a natural detoxification system. The main function of our lungs is respiration (the process of oxygen entering the blood via incoming air, and carbon dioxide, a waste gas from the metabolism of food leaving the blood when we exhale). Our liver filters harmful substances from the blood (such as alcohol and toxins). Our kidneys primary function is to separate urea, mineral salts, toxins, and other waste products from the blood. The lower gastrointestinal tract gets rid of waste after digestion. And last, but certainly not least, our sweat glands in the skin excrete moisture to regulate body temperature and as a secondary function they also eliminate toxins. All of these organs play an essential role in our natural detoxification system. Unfortunately, our natural detox system needs some help.
There are a variety of ways to detox the body, from supplements in pill/capsule form, powders, and drinks, to very complex regimens. Which should you choose?
In a perfect world our natural detoxification system would be more than adequate to do the job. But then, under those conditions we wouldn't be exposed to the toxic environment that we live in today. Our normally capable detoxification system just can’t keep up with the daily onslaught of pollutants. As these toxins accumulate, their ill affects become evident... our metabolism slows down, we gain weight, suffer from inflammation and eventually, chronic disease.
Eliminating the built-up toxins and poisons speeds up the metabolism, which results in burning stored fat. This not only helps in losing weight, but it also increases energy and improves digestion. Food is better assimilated, resulting in better health and a decrease in stored fat.
There are a variety of ways to detox the body, from supplements in pill/capsule form, powders, and drinks, to very complex regimens. Which should you choose? The advice of your health care provider and/or an herbalist might be the best avenue to take, however, many full-service herbal stores have someone well versed in this area as well. Whatever product you choose, be sure to read the instructions carefully and take note of any warnings, as some detoxing regimens will require that you stay close to home (and the bathroom) during the process.
One of my favorite methods is fasting. The main goal of fasting in relation to detox, is to trigger autophagy. This is because autophagy is an evolutionary self-preservation mechanism through which the body can remove the dysfunctional cells and recycle parts of them toward cellular repair and cleaning. According to Priya Khorana, PhD of Columbia University, Autophagy is the body’s way of cleaning out damaged cells, in order to regenerate newer, healthier cells. And, according to the National Institutes of Health, the best way to trigger autophagy is fasting.
“Auto” means self and “phagy” means eat. So the literal meaning of autophagy is “self-eating.” It’s also referred to as “self-devouring.” While that may sound like something you never want to happen to your body, it’s actually beneficial to your overall health.
At the cellular level, Dr. Luiza Petre says the benefits of autophagy include:
· removing toxic proteins from the cells that are attributed to neurodegenerative
diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease
· recycling residual proteins
· providing energy and building blocks for cells that could still benefit from repair
· on a larger scale, it prompts regeneration and healthy cells
Autophagy is receiving a lot of attention for the role it may play in preventing or treating cancer, too.
“Autophagy declines as we age, so this means cells that no longer work or may do harm are allowed to multiply, which is the MO of cancer cells,” explains board-certified cardiologist, Dr. Luiza Petre.
While all cancers start from some sort of defective cells, Petre says that the body should recognize and remove those cells, often using autophagic processes. That’s why some researchers are looking at the possibility that autophagy may lower the risk of cancer.
Some studies suggest that many cancerous cells can be removed through autophagy.
“This is how the body polices the cancer villains,” she explains. “Recognizing and destroying what went wrong and triggering the repairing mechanism does contribute to lowering the risk of cancer.”
The way you start and break your fast is very important. I start out by eliminating everything but fresh fruits and vegetables. I eat these for 3 days, drinking plenty of clean, alkaline water. Then I stop eating altogether for from 3-10 days. If you have never fasted before, start with a 3 day fast. Drink plenty of water during the day. Additionally, take 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar 3 times a day. I personally do dry brush massage during this time to help my skin rid the body of toxins. Also, I have an infrared sauna in our home, and I do a sauna every day during my fast.
When coming off the fast, I reverse the process. 3 days of nothing but fresh, preferably organic fruits and vegetables. Then slowly add back in fish, poultry, grains and dairy if you eat that. Breaking the fast is a critical part and if you don’t do it properly, you’re in for some real digestive distress, trust me. During your detox, expect headaches, sometimes severe, depending on if you’re addicted to sugar and caffeine. Drink some chamomile tea with white willow in it or take some white willow capsules to help. Ideally, try for at least a 3 day fast once a month to help your body with the detox process.
You should be taking a good probiotic on a daily basis. All health food stores have them. I would go with a liquid as the good bacteria is living and if it is processed, they have to heat it which will kill the bacteria. Most capsules don’t have live bacteria.
So let's help our bodies get rid of the garbage! These are easy steps toward health and wellness. Let's Get Better!
Comentários