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Detoxification Debunked
Shared by Julie McKeen - Naturopathic Doctor
What is 'Detoxification'? As you'd expect from the name, 'detoxification' is the process of clearing toxins from the body. External or environmental toxins include: alcohol, tobacco, food additives and preservatives, medications, pesticides, heavy metals, pollution, chemicals in household cleaners, PCB's...the list goes on. Through normal metabolism, the body also forms by-products which are toxic if not neutralized or excreted. The detoxification process occurs naturally in our body via the liver, lungs, kidneys, digestive tract, skin, and lymphatic system. However, due to the ever increasing load of toxins in our food, water and air, these toxins build up over time. Build-up can also occur due to poor digestion and/or sluggish elimination. Why Detoxify? Many of the toxins mentioned above have been suggested to interfere with normal bodily functions and have been linked to hormonal imbalance, weight loss difficulties, fibromyalgia, autoimmune conditions, skin conditions (such as acne and eczema), infertility, and even cancer. The benefits of Detoxification A good detox can help you lose weight, increase energy, improve sleep, decrease inflammation, improve digestion, clear the skin, and increase alertness. How to Detox: There is some controversy surrounding the concept of detox, due to some programs that involve extreme approaches (such as prolonged fasting). When undergoing a detox, it is very important that you do it properly, as not all detox programs are created equally! The 2 basic tenets of any detox program should focus on decreasing the amount of toxins taken in, while increasing the body's ability to eliminate and detoxify. Tips for a Good Detox: ·The most important tip for detox success is to prepare and plan. Have a look at your calendar and make sure there are no special occasions coming up where you may be tempted to cheat. Clear your pantry of foods that are not detox-friendly and make sure you are well-stocked before you start. ·Eliminate from your diet: all refined & processed foods, sugar, coffee, alcohol, dairy, red meat, gluten, as well as any foods you may be sensitive or allergic to. The idea is to give your body a chance to rest and recuperate. ·To support detoxification pathways in the liver, include plenty of: cabbage, broccoli, spinach (greens in general), onions, beets, legumes, blueberries, brown rice, garlic, green tea, and turmeric. ·Drink at least 2-3 L of water per day to aid in the elimination of toxins. ·Contrast showers: alternating hot and cold increases blood circulation, lymphatic circulation, as well as metabolism. Start with 3 minutes of hot/warm water, followed by 1 minute of cold/cool water. Repeat and always end with cold. ·Castor oil packs over the liver. This practice has been shown to draw out toxins and improve elimination. ·There are a few good products on the market that can help support the detoxification process. Some preparations work as a gentle liver cleanser, while others are more targeted to specific toxin removal, such as heavy metals. Ask your naturopathic doctor to find the right one based on your needs. Detox-Friendly Mango Salad Ingredients ·2 ripe mangoes--peeled and cut into strips ·1 small carrot--cut into matchsticks ·1 small beet--cut into matchsticks ·¼ red onion--sliced very thin ·¼ red pepper--julienned ·¼ cup cilantro--chopped ·½ cup raw almonds--chopped Dressing ·Juice of 1 fresh lime ·Juice of ¼ of an orange (or 2 TBSP pure orange juice) ·2 TBSP extra-virgin olive oil ·1 clove of garlic, minced ·1 TBSP sesame seeds ·sea salt or Herbmare to taste ·fresh ground black pepper Optional: for extra kick, add some minced ginger and cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes Method: Mix veggies and cilantro in a large bowl. Whisk the dressing and pour on top. Mix thoroughly. Add sesame and almonds prior to serving Kerri Dow, Naturopathic Doctor 494 Queen Street, Suite 400 Fredericton, NB E3B 1B6 www.doctordow.ca phone: 506-454-8381 fax: 506-474-1858
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