Sent to you by Jane Kennedy NP, MPH

Ah! The sunshine, the awakening trees, and the early spring flowers are everywhere, and I find myself particularly appreciating them after the long continuous days of rain we have experienced over the past couple of months.

So, how can I promote this natural rising of energy within my body after the winter? I usually find that a spring detox helps me clear out the toxins that tend to drag me down. I know that by disciplining myself for a few weeks, I can do the spring cleaning that will get my body re-vitalized and re-energized.

In our modern, industrialized world we continue to introduce more potentially toxic compounds from all over the planet, which find their way into the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. The body must be able to rid itself of these harmful chemicals by transforming and then excreting them through the bowels, lungs, skin, and kidneys. This requires proper nutrients and a properly functioning detox system.

If we have an illness, are aging (and who isn't?), have genetic weaknesses, or are over-loaded with toxic build-up, our liver cannot function at optimal capacity and our whole system gets backed up with toxins and is unable to clear them. When these toxins are not eliminated correctly, they are circulated back into the bloodstream and stored in various body systems like fat, joints, the brain, and other tissues. Over time, this leads to a host of health concerns.

So how does one go about doing a detox? There are many ways, some being more effective and healthy than others. Most ancient traditions have practiced some form of cleansing. However, what I am referring to as detox is not about fasting -- drinking only water or juice for extended periods of time. This approach has been shown to waste away muscles and break down tissues, and does not accomplish what a detox is supposed to do. Nor does detox just mean cleaning out the bowels.

Most effective detox programs are divided into three phases. Phase I focuses on converting fat-soluble toxins into compounds that can bind with water. Phase II makes these compounds harmless to the body with supportive substances. Phase III facilitates getting these now "water soluble" toxins out of the system.

A three-phase detox will help you to stay healthier, avoid diseases and infections, deal with stress, feel more energy and aliveness, and have more mental clarity. It will also support your body's ability to continue to detox over the months ahead.

Multiple clinical studies have identified specific elements of an effective detox program (with variations based on your individual needs):

1. Following a specific diet - lots of organic vegetables, some fruits, whole grains, legumes, good proteins and fats; even some of these may be avoided for a few days

2. Passing up all processed foods

3. Drinking lots of purified water

4. Keeping bowels loose and possibly a colonic or two

5. Taking specific supplements and herbs

6. Resting and easing off heavy exercise

7. Taking an infrared sauna, if appropriate for you

If you need help with a detox, schedule an appointment with me and I will be glad to get you started on your personal detox plan. March and April are the perfect months to do your personal 'spring cleaning' and get re-vitalized by doing a detox!

Caution: If you have adrenal fatigue you should balance your adrenal state before doing any major detoxing. Primary indicators can include continued and pronounced stress with accompanying fatigue, insomnia, depressed moods, weight gain. I can help with evaluation, testing and treatment for adrenal fatigue.

Enjoy the feeling of spring and the new life all around us. It's great to be alive, and I encourage you to join me in enhancing your life experience!

Jane

Jane Kennedy
Nurse Practitioner

Gordon Medical Associates