Detoxification: Cleaning your body of muck

April 2009

by Morella Devost

Wouldn't we love to be as clean as a whistle?

However, over the course of the past century and a half we have introduced an increasing amount of chemicals into our environments: our kitchen, living room, bedroom, computer desk, inside our shower, etc.

Here's just a small sample of toxic chemicals that the Environmental Working Group lists as those that are commonly found in human tissue (and that's the majority of us):

Rocket fuel from the water we drink and from foods sprayed with good ol' tap water
Bovine growth hormone from conventional milk and meat
Fluoride and chlorine from municipal tap water
Arsenic from our wooden deck, wood furniture and the fish we eat
Cancer-causing PFOA from the Teflon pans we have used
Fire retardants from our couch, computer, TV, carpet...
Over 15 different pesticides from conventionally grown: apples, peaches, strawberries, spinach, potatoes, celery, bell peppers, pears and raspberries among others
Hormone-disrupting petrochemicals from our soap, toothbrush, underwear, shower curtain, raincoat, plastic toys, food packaging, lipstick... and so on...

For more information, visit the EWG website: EWG website

So what are we to do?

The growing awareness of how inundated we are with toxins is causing detoxification or cleansing programs to become more common. People are noticing that they feel so much better when they rid their bodies of the toxic buildup that congests them.

Detoxification is all about giving your body a break from the things that typically tax it: SNACCs (Sugar, Nicotine, Alcohol, Caffeine and Chemicals), as well as heavy foods and processed foods. All of these substances congest your body and make digestion difficult.

The focus of a detox program is on eating only foods that support healing and repairing your body: fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats. You may also accompany this with herbs that support detoxification and help the liver and colon, such as milk thistle, dandelion, chamomile, hawthorn berries, cascara, etc.; as well as spices that reduce inflammation, such as cayenne pepper, ginger and turmeric. All of these things, along with plenty of water, give your body tons of nutrients that help it heal.

When you undertake a detox program and eliminate SNACCs, the first organ to thank you is your liver. The liver has an outstanding capacity to regenerate itself under the right conditions. It doesn't take long to notice some of the first basic improvements such as better sleep, clearer skin, greater mental clarity, fewer headaches, better digestion, etc. For deeper health issues like severe acne, hormone imbalance, pervasive digestive issues, it will take more than a single cleanse to get your body to rebalance. A detox will get you started on the right track, but you may need to not only cleanse a few times but also undertake a more regimented healing protocol for your specific condition.

You take your car in for tune-ups and oil changes a few times per year, right? Wouldn't it make sense to do the same for yourself?

So you want a summary of things to do?

Take our QUIZ to assess your need for a detox. Everyone can benefit from a cleanse, but the more "yes" answers you have, the more urgently you need to take the ol' bod into the shop!
Drink tons of good water (not tap, fluoridated, chlorinated)
Eat tons of green leafy veggies and other fresh veggies
Use cayenne pepper, cinnamon and ginger in your foods and lots of it
Eliminate SNACCs: Sugar, Nicotine, Alcohol, Caffeine and Chemicals for at least 2 weeks
Sweat it out: do Bikram yoga, saunas, steam rooms, etc.
Do a structured detoxification program with tons of support and guidance such as the one we offer
Love yourself up and get lots of sleep!

If you would like to speak with us about getting support for a detox program, send us an email us or check out the calendar on our website for upcoming detox program dates.