Detoxifacation: The importance of letting your body cleanse
It wasn’t till a few years ago, that I believed it was necessary to do anything, in the aid of the body’s own detoxification. I have come to understand that the rigors of daily life and what we put ourselves through in the course of our life, has made this bodily function more important than ever. It has also become more difficult for the body to accomplish this task in the way it was intended.
Many new factors have come into being since evolution gave us our present detox abilities. New environmental stresses such as pesticides, herbicides, and heavy metals have been entering the food chain. We are forever in pursuit of new and more complicated lifestyles that we think will make us happy. People “party” more in an attempt to relieve stress, yet they only make the situation worse. New technology has brought us radon, carbon monoxide, asbestos, lead poisoning, and still unnamed carcinogens that make detoxification a challenge to every organ in the body. The development of new herbicides, pesticides, and methods of genetically modifying nature’s already over-evolved and manipulated food supply continues. We eat more “fast foods”, more “trans fats” and less “good fats.” The majority of the population now believes that a diet low in fat will bring them good health and the body they dreamed of.
The real facts are that we cannot get this detoxification done without help. Degenerative disease is on the rise. New cancers are discovered every day. Cardiovascular disease, heart disease, and diabetes are on the rise. People pursue low-fat diets, and obesity is commonplace in as much as 62 percent of the population. Children can buy soda and candy from vending machines in school. Children are consuming as much as 150 pounds of sugar a year.
I believe that besides the changes that are necessary in diet and lifestyle, it has become evident that we need to give our organs some help in ridding our bodies of as many of these toxins as possible. The liver is the number one organ for “conjugating“ (neutralizing) toxins and for eliminating them, but just detoxing the liver is not enough. We need to cleanse our gastrointestinal tracts, our kidneys and even our skin. The incredible burden of detox has spread throughout the body. We need to include more fiber in our diet, more vitamins, more minerals and more antioxidants. The commercialization of farmland, as well as the beef, chicken and fish industries, has led to fewer nutrients and more toxins in our food. Eating is contributing to the problem and not aiding it, as was originally intended by nature.
It seems to me that there is more liver disease, irritable bowel syndrome, stomach ulcers, and general illness in today’s society, than in generations past. Organic foods do not contribute to these problems, but I have found that it has become increasingly difficult to find a full spectrum of organic foods. It is with all these factors in mind that I have developed my own approach to detoxification, which can take the burden off many of the organs in the body. This is different than finding the diet that is “right” for you, but certainly not exclusive of diet and exercise. I cannot stress enough, how important it is to maintain a healthy diet while exercising regularly. In addition, I recommend the following:
I find that a great “green drink,” once or twice a day, can provide the electrolytes, trace minerals and much of the soluble and insoluble fiber that the body requires. Drinks like Pro-Greens or Green Vibrance can provide much of these in a concentrated, once-or-twice-a-day drink. It is believed that “superfoods” like chlorella, spirulina, wheatgrass, and other single-cell greens can provide elements that will help the liver neutralize toxins. This will make it easier for the liver to then eliminate them. These same single-cell green foods also supply an ample amount of soluble and insoluble fiber for the detoxification of the gastrointestinal tract. I like to combine a green drink with herbs and vitamins that support the detoxification of the organs of the body, like Metagenic’s Advaclear, and Liverite Liveraid, alpha lipoic acid, sometimes silymarin, or Tyler’s Lipotropic Complex. Good antioxidant combinations aid detoxification immensely. Combining these products with a diet, low in allergenic foods, and high in digestibility, will allow the body to do the job it was intended to. A program including Metagenic’s UltraClear Macro or UltraClear Sustain can provide advanced detoxification while taking the stress off of the gastrointestinal system. Making these changes for as little as three weeks, can have immeasurable value in restoring health and balance. It is a fabulous way to start a diet for gaining health or losing weight. Many people like to do this every six months or every year. If you have never tried it, think of a time that is appropriate, like after the holiday season or before the summer. By substituting some meals or snacks with a light protein, you can maintain a healthy intake of nutrients and support the detoxification pathways.
If you are constantly suffering from stomach problems, allergies, skin rashes, or just feeling bad, try a sensible detoxification program, and see if this doesn’t lead to more balance in your life. A sensible approach can help you transition your lifestyle to a more healthy and rewarding balance, providing better energy, more satisfying sleep, and faster repair of the cells, all over the body. Personally, I believe that this detox needs some aid on a daily basis, and I use many of the above named supplements daily.
Jarrow’s OPC-95 is my staple for potent anti-inflammatory anti-oxidants, and I freely combine this with my other staples. Nordic Naturals’ Pro Omega is rich in EPA and DHA, the “healthy” fats, so necessary for further reducing inflammation in the body. One approach will not work for everybody, but many of these supplements are universally necessary. Think sensibly, and take care of your body, for health and disease are only a “hair length” apart, in the critical balance we call “well.”
