Saturday, May 19, 2012

Detoxification

There are many ways to detoxify your body.  Whether is it by using a 15 day cleanse program of Chinese herbs or one of the four methods of removing toxins from the body (Sweating, bowel movements, urine excretion, or deep breathing). 

First, it is important to exercise and sweat. This helps the lymph system drain into the liver. This drainage pathway facilitates toxin removal from the body. Second, drink adequate amounts of clean water. Avoid drinking water out of plastic water bottles. If you carry water, use a glass container. Keeping the body hydrated is a must for ensuring the body’s ability to detoxify. Drink natural spring water from the ground if you can find a natural spring near your home or the second best method in my mind is using a Kangan machine to get the antioxidant, oxygenated, high alkaline water.

Next, it is vitally important to eat healthy food. Organic food, free of toxic pesticides and synthetic hormones, is a must. By eating enough fiber and whole foods will help the bowels do their job each day. Try not to buy food wrapped in plastic. Finally, do not wrap your own food in plastic. Wrap food first in parchment paper, then place the plastic wrap around it.

Deep breathing exercises help remove stale air from the bottom of the diaphragm. This should be done every day to help eliminate toxins.

Finally, an occasional liver detoxification program can help. There are many ways and many products to eliminate toxins through the use of Chinese herbs.

Helping the body detoxify is a good thing. Detoxification can improve your metabolism, give you more energy, and help you lose weight. I highly recommend doing a detox program a few times a year.

 

Exposure to Chlorinated Water

Regular exposure to chlorinated water via showers, swimming pools, and drinking water undermines the beneficial bacteria’s ability to flourish in your body. Furthermore, foods watered and sprayed with chlorine kills beneficial microorganisms contained in the food.

gas mask shower head Top Reasons Why You Should be Taking Probiotics 

With our skin being the largest organ, why don't we take better care of it?  Women especially are bombarded with over a 100 chemicals on their skin each day.  Many of us don't realize the potential danger we put ourselves in every day when doing common activities like housecleaning, showering, applying makeup or hand lotion, doing laundry or dishes, getting manicures and more.
 

Personal Care Products

Many shampoos, soaps and lotions contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) which has high levels of skin penetration and a degenerative effect on cell membranes.  Another is Sodium Laureth Lauryl Sulfate (SLES) which is a skin irritant and can lead to hair follicle damage and liver toxicity.  These and other toxic chemicals are added to personal care products to..."Soften Your Skin"..."Give You Shinier Hair"..."Make Your Hair Appear Thicker"... and other promises to entice you to buy their products.  Daily use of these products exposes your body to countless chemicals that can get stuck in your body, build up and cause serious health issues.
 

Another common example is antiperspirants.  Most antiperspirants contain aluminum, which is a toxic metal.  Millions of people apply this to their skin daily.  If you shower using a city water supply it likely contains chlorine and fluoride.  Both are toxic.  They build up and can prevent the body from carrying out its natural healing process.
 

So What Can You Do?
READ labels and see exactly what the ingredients are.  Just because it may say "natural" doesn't mean they are safe.  There is no legal definition for the word natural.  Avoid products with ingredients that you can't pronounce.  Wear gloves.  Invest in a good water filter for your tap and your shower.  It isn't necessary to spend a lot of money, but you are investing in your long term health.

There are many ways to detoxify your body.  Whether is it by using a 15 day cleanse program of Chinese herbs or one of the four methods of removing toxins from the body (Sweating, bowel movements, urine excretion, or deep breathing). 

First, it is important to exercise and sweat. This helps the lymph system drain into the liver. This drainage pathway facilitates toxin removal from the body. Second, drink adequate amounts of clean water. Avoid drinking water out of plastic water bottles. If you carry water, use a glass container. Keeping the body hydrated is a must for ensuring the body’s ability to detoxify. Drink natural spring water from the ground if you can find a natural spring near your home or the second best method in my mind is using a Kangan machine to get the antioxidant, oxygenated, high alkaline water.

Next, it is vitally important to eat healthy food. Organic food, free of toxic pesticides and synthetic hormones, is a must. By eating enough fiber and whole foods will help the bowels do their job each day. Try not to buy food wrapped in plastic. Finally, do not wrap your own food in plastic. Wrap food first in parchment paper, then place the plastic wrap around it.

Deep breathing exercises help remove stale air from the bottom of the diaphragm. This should be done every day to help eliminate toxins.

Finally, an occasional liver detoxification program can help. There are many ways and many products to eliminate toxins through the use of Chinese herbs.

Helping the body detoxify is a good thing. Detoxification can improve your metabolism, give you more energy, and help you lose weight. I highly recommend doing a detox program a few times a year.

 

Exposure to Chlorinated Water

Regular exposure to chlorinated water via showers, swimming pools, and drinking water undermines the beneficial bacteria’s ability to flourish in your body. Furthermore, foods watered and sprayed with chlorine kills beneficial microorganisms contained in the food.

gas mask shower head Top Reasons Why You Should be Taking Probiotics 

With our skin being the largest organ, why don't we take better care of it?  Women especially are bombarded with over a 100 chemicals on their skin each day.  Many of us don't realize the potential danger we put ourselves in every day when doing common activities like housecleaning, showering, applying makeup or hand lotion, doing laundry or dishes, getting manicures and more.
 

Personal Care Products

Many shampoos, soaps and lotions contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) which has high levels of skin penetration and a degenerative effect on cell membranes.  Another is Sodium Laureth Lauryl Sulfate (SLES) which is a skin irritant and can lead to hair follicle damage and liver toxicity.  These and other toxic chemicals are added to personal care products to..."Soften Your Skin"..."Give You Shinier Hair"..."Make Your Hair Appear Thicker"... and other promises to entice you to buy their products.  Daily use of these products exposes your body to countless chemicals that can get stuck in your body, build up and cause serious health issues.
 

Another common example is antiperspirants.  Most antiperspirants contain aluminum, which is a toxic metal.  Millions of people apply this to their skin daily.  If you shower using a city water supply it likely contains chlorine and fluoride.  Both are toxic.  They build up and can prevent the body from carrying out its natural healing process.
 

So What Can You Do?
READ labels and see exactly what the ingredients are.  Just because it may say "natural" doesn't mean they are safe.  There is no legal definition for the word natural.  Avoid products with ingredients that you can't pronounce.  Wear gloves.  Invest in a good water filter for your tap and your shower.  It isn't necessary to spend a lot of money, but you are investing in your long term health.



Far Infared Sauna

Far Infrared Sauna

For centuries, scientists and laymen alike have known that plants are dependent upon sunlight for photosynthesis. Only now have researchers discovered how integral light is to the health of humans. We are nourished by the sun just as we are nourished by food. Energy from the sun controls vital processes in humans. Inadequate sunlight can be detrimental to our health and well-being. Luckily, there is a huge body of research by physicians and scientists on the therapeutic benefits of specific wavelengths of the sun, such as far-infrared. Infrared saunas contain the
far-infrared light that is felt as heat, and are the most popular and available sources of far-infrared heat.

Light is Vital to the Human Body
The energy from the sun's rays, called photons, is the catalyst for the production of sugars, fats and proteins. Photons stimulate brain waves, metabolic processes, enzyme reactions and the endocrine system. When we come into contact with light, an army of light sensitive cells converts the light into electrical impulses, triggering the hypothalamus gland. This gland governs the automatic bodily functions such as blood pressure, breathing, digestion, sexual function, moods, the immune system and the aging process.

Lack of Sunlight Causes Problems
According to Dr. John Downing, PhD, Director of the Light Therapy Department at the Preventative Medical Center of Marin in San Rafael, California, “We cause or worsen a wide range of health problems by spending ninety percent of our lives indoors, under inadequate lighting conditions.” Photobiologist John Nash, a world-renowned researcher studying the effects of light in humans, believes that a lack of exposure to the full spectrum sunlight “contributes to fatigue, depression, hair loss, skin damage and other maladies”. When we fail to receive adequate light from the sun, and when we are exposed to artificial light such as fluorescent or incandescent where certain wavelengths are missing, we suffer in a multitude of ways: the body cannot fully absorb nutrients, enzymes in the body's cells remain dormant and the immune system can be suppressed. Enzymes that are normally activated cannot start up normal cellular metabolic reactions, resulting in lower cellular energy and a reduced ability to burn fats and toxins. This metabolic reaction, according to numerous studies on light, is very similar to physical training and exercise.

What is Infrared Light or Radiant Heat?
No need to worry - it has nothing to do with ultraviolet radiation that gives you a sunburn and damages your skin. Solar energy from the sun covers a broad energy band including infrared, visible light, ultra-violet, x-rays and gamma rays. Infrared light, which is felt as heat, is the most beneficial segment of the sun and contains the greatest amount of the sun's energy. The far-infrared heat penetrates deeply with a very uniform warming effect. It has a narrow spectrum between 4 to 14 microns (wavelengths are measures in microns). This spectrum has been shown to have highly beneficial effects. In fact, our bodies absorb up to 93% of the infrared heat because the energy output closely resembles our own radiant energy.

Infrared Sauna
The Finns, whose old religion used it as a ceremony for mental, spiritual and physical cleansing, have popularized sauna use. This religion came with the Finns when they migrated from an area northwest of present day Tibet, between 5,000-3,000 BC to their present location in Finland. The infrared is a dry heat sauna, which warms your body directly rather than the air all around you. The conventional sauna uses an indirect moist heat. The soothing warmth of infrared radiation penetrates deep into the sebaceous glands, gently allowing them to release their poisons. Many steam saunas allow the body to superficially perspire, but with infrared you're going deeper than that. The infrared saunas operate at temperatures between 110 - 140 degrees, versus 180 - 235 degrees for the steam saunas. Sauna users report ease of breathing the much cooler air, while feeling as warm as they choose, and the distinctive feeling of well being as an after effect. The lower heat range is safer for those concerned about cardiovascular risk factors that might be adversely affected by the higher temperatures encountered in steam saunas.

Therapeutic Benefits
According to research, the medical benefits are vast. The sauna provides a passive cardiovascular conditioning effect. As the body works to cool itself, there is a substantial increase in heart rate, cardiac output and metabolic rate. The infrared sauna makes it possible for people who are unable to exert themselves, or who won't follow through on an exercise and conditioning program, to achieve a cardiovascular training effect. This also allows for more variety in any ongoing training program. "Many of us who run do so to place a demand on our cardiovascular system, not to build big leg muscles. Regular use of a sauna may impart a similar stress on the cardiovascular system, and its regular use may be as effective a means of cardiovascular conditioning and burning of calories as regular exercise.” (As reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association - August 7, 1981.)

As a confirmation of the validity of this form of cardiovascular conditioning, extensive research by NASA in the early 1980's led to the conclusion that infrared stimulation of cardiovascular function would be the ideal way to maintain cardiovascular conditioning in American astronauts during long space flights.

People also report weight loss, better skin tone, alleviation of symptoms of fibromyalgia and arthritis, relief from back and joint pain, improved circulation, help with menopausal symptoms, stress release and more. For example, the profuse sweating achieved in the infrared sauna carries off deeply imbedded impurities and dead skin cells, leaving the skin glowing and immaculately clean. Skin tone and elasticity are improved. It has been shown to relieve acne, eczema and psoriasis.



Clearlight Sauna

Set up an appointment to use our Sauna for a 30min detox session and also use our magnetic bed for a 30min rejuvenation.  Cost $60 per 1 hour session.  Call us now @ (248)-292-1069
Are you interested in purchasing a Clearlight Sauna?
Use my discount and click on the tab below
 

Set up an appointment to use our Sauna for a 30min detox session and also use our magnetic bed for a 30min rejuvenation.  Cost $60 per 1 hour session.  Call us now @ (248)-292-1069
Are you interested in purchasing a Clearlight Sauna?
Use my discount and click on the tab below
 



Time to Detox

Time to Detoxify

Researchers have found that adults over the age of 40 who have higher levels of bisphenol A (BPA) in their urine tend to be obese, have more abdominal fat, and are insulin resistant. Studies have shown these metabolic disorders can lead to serious health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

BPA is classified as an endocrine disrupter. Its chemical structure is similar to thyroid and estrogen molecules. This similarity can result in BPA binding to estrogen and/or thyroid hormone receptors. The result of a foreign substance binding to our hormone receptors is that the receptor can be either stimulated or inhibited. Either way, these endocrine disrupting substances wreak havoc with our hormonal system.

BPA is used in the manufacturing of plastics, in epoxy resin linings of food cans and in thermal receipt paper. Furthermore, it has been found in baby bottles and used as part of dental sealant. It can contaminate food and enters the body easily through skin or by ingestion.

Research has shown that BPA in rats can inhibit activation of thyroid hormone. In humans, this problem is known as T3 resistance syndrome. T3 resistance syndrome can lead to all of the signs of hypothyroidism such as weight gain, fatigue, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

The study cited above was done in China. BPA levels were measured in 3,390 adults over the age of 40. BPA was measured in urine samples. The researchers reported the highest BPA levels were associated with obesity and elevated concentrations of insulin. In fact, the scientists reported those in the highest quartile of BPA had a 50% increased risk in generalized obesity, 28% increased risk of abdominal obesity and 37% increased risk of insulin resistance.

We presently have an epidemic of thyroid problems, diabetes, and obesity. I have no doubt that much of our health problems are due to the increasing toxic load we are exposed to. What can you do?

As a practitioner I detox not only weekly in my personal infrared sauna but I also take a natural organic herb 15 day detox program about 4 times a year.

Call now (248) 292-1069 to schedule an appointment to determine which detox is best for you!

Time to Detoxify

Researchers have found that adults over the age of 40 who have higher levels of bisphenol A (BPA) in their urine tend to be obese, have more abdominal fat, and are insulin resistant. Studies have shown these metabolic disorders can lead to serious health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

BPA is classified as an endocrine disrupter. Its chemical structure is similar to thyroid and estrogen molecules. This similarity can result in BPA binding to estrogen and/or thyroid hormone receptors. The result of a foreign substance binding to our hormone receptors is that the receptor can be either stimulated or inhibited. Either way, these endocrine disrupting substances wreak havoc with our hormonal system.

BPA is used in the manufacturing of plastics, in epoxy resin linings of food cans and in thermal receipt paper. Furthermore, it has been found in baby bottles and used as part of dental sealant. It can contaminate food and enters the body easily through skin or by ingestion.

Research has shown that BPA in rats can inhibit activation of thyroid hormone. In humans, this problem is known as T3 resistance syndrome. T3 resistance syndrome can lead to all of the signs of hypothyroidism such as weight gain, fatigue, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

The study cited above was done in China. BPA levels were measured in 3,390 adults over the age of 40. BPA was measured in urine samples. The researchers reported the highest BPA levels were associated with obesity and elevated concentrations of insulin. In fact, the scientists reported those in the highest quartile of BPA had a 50% increased risk in generalized obesity, 28% increased risk of abdominal obesity and 37% increased risk of insulin resistance.

We presently have an epidemic of thyroid problems, diabetes, and obesity. I have no doubt that much of our health problems are due to the increasing toxic load we are exposed to. What can you do?

As a practitioner I detox not only weekly in my personal infrared sauna but I also take a natural organic herb 15 day detox program about 4 times a year.

Call now (248) 292-1069 to schedule an appointment to determine which detox is best for you!



Heal with Heat

When you are sitting in a traditional sauna, you are sitting in a hot room; 180-220 degrees. In your Clearlight Far Infrared Sauna only about 20% of the heat goes to heat the air and the other 80% directly heats your body. The warming effect on your body stimulates your cardiovascular system, your immune system and your lymphatic system. Your bodies response to that is to sweat.

When you first get into your sauna you will start to perspire right away because of the room temperature. After about 10-15 minutes you will start sweating profusely as your body responds to the far infrared heat. You will actually sweat more in an infrared sauna than in a traditional rock sauna. Studies show that sweat from a traditional sauna contains about 3% toxins where sweat from your far infrared sauna contains about 17% toxins. The detoxifying and deep penetrating heat from a Clearlight Sauna makes them very, very effective.

When you are sitting in a traditional sauna, you are sitting in a hot room; 180-220 degrees. In your Clearlight Far Infrared Sauna only about 20% of the heat goes to heat the air and the other 80% directly heats your body. The warming effect on your body stimulates your cardiovascular system, your immune system and your lymphatic system. Your bodies response to that is to sweat.

When you first get into your sauna you will start to perspire right away because of the room temperature. After about 10-15 minutes you will start sweating profusely as your body responds to the far infrared heat. You will actually sweat more in an infrared sauna than in a traditional rock sauna. Studies show that sweat from a traditional sauna contains about 3% toxins where sweat from your far infrared sauna contains about 17% toxins. The detoxifying and deep penetrating heat from a Clearlight Sauna makes them very, very effective.



Toxic Environment

We all live in a toxic environment. Toxins are found everywhere (e.g. the air, food, water and metabolism of bacteria) as well as within our own human metabolic processes. By the time you finish reading this article, you will have produced enough toxins to poison a small animal!

As our external environment has radically changed so has the internal environment of our bodies. Exposure to toxins such as chemicals, heavy metals (e.g. lead, mercury, cadmium) and pathogens such as parasites, viruses, bacteria and fungus have become impossible to avoid and even more difficult to remove once they have embedded themselves into our tissues. Last year alone, more than 7 billion pounds of chemical pollutants were released into the environment. Over the course of a lifetime, we will be exposed to thousands of foreign compounds that can enter our bodies through the food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe and directly through our skin or eyes. To make matters worse, many of us have substituted healthy meals with a poor diet that lacks nutritional value to fuel to body’s detoxifying capacity. All of these factors contribute to an accumulation of toxins or what is simply called toxicity.

Are you feeling tired or out of sync? Having fatigue, brain fog, headaches, difficult sleeping, depression or anxiety? Skin problems such as psoriasis, eczema or acne? Joint or muscle pain, stomach issues such as gastric reflux, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, nausea or irritable bowel problems?   Have you been diagnosed with medical conditions such as migraine headaches, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, insomnia, depression, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis or chemical sensitivity syndrome?   If you answered yes to any of these questions, it may be time to consider detoxification as the key to unlocking the door to health and wellness.

Detoxification is about removing and eliminating toxins. It is about resting, cleansing and nourishing the body from the inside out. Detoxification works because it addresses the needs of the individual cells, the smallest units of human life. Detoxification allows toxins to be eliminated from your liver, kidneys, intestines, lungs, lymphatic system and skin. 

The term ‘detoxification’ refers to the body’s natural ability to transfer and eliminate toxins. Only substances that easily dissolve in water can effectively be excreted from the body. Toxic compounds are typically stored as fatty molecules and, therefore, do not mix well with water. The process of detoxification transforms toxic, fat-soluble substances into harmless, water-soluble molecules which can be excreted from the body through the kidneys, bowel, skin or lungs.

Most of the body’s detoxification in done in the gut (intestines), kidneys and liver. The skin and lungs also play a significant role. Overall detoxification is heavily nutrient dependent whereby key steps are fueled by vitamins, minerals and other major food components. Some of the key nutrients involved with detoxification include: zinc, pantothenic acid, vitamins, amino acids, L-glutamine, taurine, N-acetylcysteine and many others.

So, where do you begin? First, lighten up your toxic load. Eliminate alcohol, coffee, cigarettes, refined sugar and saturated fats, all of which act as toxins in the body and are obstacles to your healing process. What you eat will define how well you are able to detoxify. Foods that contain wheat (glutens) and dairy (milk, cheese) often cause allergy problems and inflammation in your stomach and intestines. Sugar has a tendency to cause hypoglycemia and increase your resistance to insulin promoting body fat formation. Meats often contain hormones and antibiotics that are difficult to digest and remove. Caffeine has ill effects on the body’s digestion. Refined, processed and junk foods all impair your body to detoxify efficiently.

Eating a wholesome diet, rich in whole grains, plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits is key to long term health. All of the deep colored fruits and green leafy vegetables are rich in nutrients critical to detoxification. Eating organic foods and drinking fresh natural spring water of ½ to 1 gallon daily will assist you body in eliminating toxins.

Detoxification should include some type of skin cleansing. Our skin in one of our best eliminating organs. Heavy metals are actually released through our skin’s pores when we sweat. Sauna baths and steam rooms are great for removing toxins from the skin and regenerating one’s health and energy. Massage therapy will stimulate the flow of lymphatic fluids and promote the elimination of toxins.

Good skin care is also in order. Even the chemicals in soaps, shampoos and moisturizing lotions will make a difference in our health. Most people do not see the ill effects of these subtle chemicals, because their liver is able to metabolize these substances. Individuals who are environmentally toxic will see a great change in their health by using natural soaps, shampoos and natural skin products.

Our bowel flora (the bacterial balance in our colon) is also important for detoxification and normal health. Probiotics is the term given to the normal, health, beneficial bowel bacteria, which may be taken as a supplement. These normal flora will defend our body from the pathogenic species of bacteria and perform many vital functions such as detoxification of toxic chemicals and making valuable vitamins. 

Antibiotics kill off the good bacteria as well as the bad bacteria that may be causing disease. This allows the bad organisms, such as yeast, to overgrow and lead to a myriad of gastrointestinal problems. Replacing our natural flora is a good step for preventing disease and keeping our bowels healthy and populated with normal flora. Taking probiotics containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidophilus can help detoxifying and improve your health.

The use of enzymes in detoxification is important. The body needs an adequate supply of enzymes, not only for digestion, but also for detoxification. Enzymes are best obtained from fresh raw fruits and vegetables, but may also be taken daily as nutritional supplements. 

Enzymes are used by the body in detoxification of toxic substances. The liver is the source of most detoxification enzymes, which it must make, or store. Enzymes also help the bowels in cleansing. The role of enzymes in digestion is to break down food for digestion and absorption. When foods are broken down they become more liquid and the bowels move much easier and faster. Transit time is decreased and our health is increased when toxins are removed and eliminated quickly. Digestive enzymes are one of the keys to breaking problems with chronic constipation, diarrhea and other digestive problems.

Keeping the bowels clean and moving is a major step in regaining our health. The bowels are crucial in the elimination of toxins especially those processed by the liver. The easiest way to get the bowels moving is by eating a high fiber diet consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables. Extra fiber may be added with a number of natural fiber additives. 

There are many herbal supplements that assist in bowel function. Colonic therapy is another method to help improve and restore bowel function. One should try and not become dependents on herbal laxatives or colonics to maintain normal bowel function. Finding the correct balance with diet, fiber, supplements or defining underlying medical problems such as hypothyroidism, hormonal imbalance or vitamin/mineral deficiency is a better step to long term health and wellness.

The use of key vitamins and minerals are important to detoxification. The use of antioxidants, such as vitamins A, E and especially C, are essential for detoxification since they involved with the detoxification of toxins. Antioxidants are involved with helping cells to neutralize free radicals that can cause cellular mutations and damage. 

The function of antioxidants is so important that any deficiency may be catastrophic to one’s health. When antioxidant levels are low, energy is not available and detoxification cannot take place in a normal fashion. Therefore, toxins accumulate or are stored until they can be processed. The liver and many other organs are compromised in their function when antioxidants are low. Just the lack of energy is enough to cause the body to have compromised or poor health, because it is energy that is required for the removal of toxins and wastes.

Detoxification is essential for good health to exist. Our body must eliminate toxins daily or will simply die. Since our environment is more toxic today, our organs are over stressed with environmental toxins to deal with daily. We must give our bodies the critical tools to complete the detoxification process efficiently.

The way we live determines our health and how well we are able to detoxify. Detoxification is easy if we eat a wholesome natural organic diet and live life in a more natural way. But for those who want their cake and eat it too, detoxification may be compromised. A change in your lifestyle may be needed and detoxification will be forthcoming. Nature has afforded us the chance to live in a toxic environment and not be adversely affected. Of course, you have to live right to get that chance. Without detoxification you may not get a second chance!

Good health is within our reach, but first we must cleanse the ‘temple’ we have been blessed with and eat a wholesome natural diet that provides us with maximal nutrients critical for vitality. Herbs can help stimulate the liver, lungs, kidneys and bowels when needed but diet is the first priority. Many people living today have never know what good health ‘feels’ like. They survive with an abundance of toxins and live an existence much less than healthy. Understanding detoxification is the key to unlocking the door to great health and natural wellness!

A comprehensive detoxification program can assist the body’s natural cleansing, set up an appointment now to review the steps needed to become healthier.

We all live in a toxic environment. Toxins are found everywhere (e.g. the air, food, water and metabolism of bacteria) as well as within our own human metabolic processes. By the time you finish reading this article, you will have produced enough toxins to poison a small animal!

As our external environment has radically changed so has the internal environment of our bodies. Exposure to toxins such as chemicals, heavy metals (e.g. lead, mercury, cadmium) and pathogens such as parasites, viruses, bacteria and fungus have become impossible to avoid and even more difficult to remove once they have embedded themselves into our tissues. Last year alone, more than 7 billion pounds of chemical pollutants were released into the environment. Over the course of a lifetime, we will be exposed to thousands of foreign compounds that can enter our bodies through the food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe and directly through our skin or eyes. To make matters worse, many of us have substituted healthy meals with a poor diet that lacks nutritional value to fuel to body’s detoxifying capacity. All of these factors contribute to an accumulation of toxins or what is simply called toxicity.

Are you feeling tired or out of sync? Having fatigue, brain fog, headaches, difficult sleeping, depression or anxiety? Skin problems such as psoriasis, eczema or acne? Joint or muscle pain, stomach issues such as gastric reflux, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, nausea or irritable bowel problems?   Have you been diagnosed with medical conditions such as migraine headaches, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, insomnia, depression, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis or chemical sensitivity syndrome?   If you answered yes to any of these questions, it may be time to consider detoxification as the key to unlocking the door to health and wellness.

Detoxification is about removing and eliminating toxins. It is about resting, cleansing and nourishing the body from the inside out. Detoxification works because it addresses the needs of the individual cells, the smallest units of human life. Detoxification allows toxins to be eliminated from your liver, kidneys, intestines, lungs, lymphatic system and skin. 

The term ‘detoxification’ refers to the body’s natural ability to transfer and eliminate toxins. Only substances that easily dissolve in water can effectively be excreted from the body. Toxic compounds are typically stored as fatty molecules and, therefore, do not mix well with water. The process of detoxification transforms toxic, fat-soluble substances into harmless, water-soluble molecules which can be excreted from the body through the kidneys, bowel, skin or lungs.

Most of the body’s detoxification in done in the gut (intestines), kidneys and liver. The skin and lungs also play a significant role. Overall detoxification is heavily nutrient dependent whereby key steps are fueled by vitamins, minerals and other major food components. Some of the key nutrients involved with detoxification include: zinc, pantothenic acid, vitamins, amino acids, L-glutamine, taurine, N-acetylcysteine and many others.

So, where do you begin? First, lighten up your toxic load. Eliminate alcohol, coffee, cigarettes, refined sugar and saturated fats, all of which act as toxins in the body and are obstacles to your healing process. What you eat will define how well you are able to detoxify. Foods that contain wheat (glutens) and dairy (milk, cheese) often cause allergy problems and inflammation in your stomach and intestines. Sugar has a tendency to cause hypoglycemia and increase your resistance to insulin promoting body fat formation. Meats often contain hormones and antibiotics that are difficult to digest and remove. Caffeine has ill effects on the body’s digestion. Refined, processed and junk foods all impair your body to detoxify efficiently.

Eating a wholesome diet, rich in whole grains, plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits is key to long term health. All of the deep colored fruits and green leafy vegetables are rich in nutrients critical to detoxification. Eating organic foods and drinking fresh natural spring water of ½ to 1 gallon daily will assist you body in eliminating toxins.

Detoxification should include some type of skin cleansing. Our skin in one of our best eliminating organs. Heavy metals are actually released through our skin’s pores when we sweat. Sauna baths and steam rooms are great for removing toxins from the skin and regenerating one’s health and energy. Massage therapy will stimulate the flow of lymphatic fluids and promote the elimination of toxins.

Good skin care is also in order. Even the chemicals in soaps, shampoos and moisturizing lotions will make a difference in our health. Most people do not see the ill effects of these subtle chemicals, because their liver is able to metabolize these substances. Individuals who are environmentally toxic will see a great change in their health by using natural soaps, shampoos and natural skin products.

Our bowel flora (the bacterial balance in our colon) is also important for detoxification and normal health. Probiotics is the term given to the normal, health, beneficial bowel bacteria, which may be taken as a supplement. These normal flora will defend our body from the pathogenic species of bacteria and perform many vital functions such as detoxification of toxic chemicals and making valuable vitamins. 

Antibiotics kill off the good bacteria as well as the bad bacteria that may be causing disease. This allows the bad organisms, such as yeast, to overgrow and lead to a myriad of gastrointestinal problems. Replacing our natural flora is a good step for preventing disease and keeping our bowels healthy and populated with normal flora. Taking probiotics containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidophilus can help detoxifying and improve your health.

The use of enzymes in detoxification is important. The body needs an adequate supply of enzymes, not only for digestion, but also for detoxification. Enzymes are best obtained from fresh raw fruits and vegetables, but may also be taken daily as nutritional supplements. 

Enzymes are used by the body in detoxification of toxic substances. The liver is the source of most detoxification enzymes, which it must make, or store. Enzymes also help the bowels in cleansing. The role of enzymes in digestion is to break down food for digestion and absorption. When foods are broken down they become more liquid and the bowels move much easier and faster. Transit time is decreased and our health is increased when toxins are removed and eliminated quickly. Digestive enzymes are one of the keys to breaking problems with chronic constipation, diarrhea and other digestive problems.

Keeping the bowels clean and moving is a major step in regaining our health. The bowels are crucial in the elimination of toxins especially those processed by the liver. The easiest way to get the bowels moving is by eating a high fiber diet consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables. Extra fiber may be added with a number of natural fiber additives. 

There are many herbal supplements that assist in bowel function. Colonic therapy is another method to help improve and restore bowel function. One should try and not become dependents on herbal laxatives or colonics to maintain normal bowel function. Finding the correct balance with diet, fiber, supplements or defining underlying medical problems such as hypothyroidism, hormonal imbalance or vitamin/mineral deficiency is a better step to long term health and wellness.

The use of key vitamins and minerals are important to detoxification. The use of antioxidants, such as vitamins A, E and especially C, are essential for detoxification since they involved with the detoxification of toxins. Antioxidants are involved with helping cells to neutralize free radicals that can cause cellular mutations and damage. 

The function of antioxidants is so important that any deficiency may be catastrophic to one’s health. When antioxidant levels are low, energy is not available and detoxification cannot take place in a normal fashion. Therefore, toxins accumulate or are stored until they can be processed. The liver and many other organs are compromised in their function when antioxidants are low. Just the lack of energy is enough to cause the body to have compromised or poor health, because it is energy that is required for the removal of toxins and wastes.

Detoxification is essential for good health to exist. Our body must eliminate toxins daily or will simply die. Since our environment is more toxic today, our organs are over stressed with environmental toxins to deal with daily. We must give our bodies the critical tools to complete the detoxification process efficiently.

The way we live determines our health and how well we are able to detoxify. Detoxification is easy if we eat a wholesome natural organic diet and live life in a more natural way. But for those who want their cake and eat it too, detoxification may be compromised. A change in your lifestyle may be needed and detoxification will be forthcoming. Nature has afforded us the chance to live in a toxic environment and not be adversely affected. Of course, you have to live right to get that chance. Without detoxification you may not get a second chance!

Good health is within our reach, but first we must cleanse the ‘temple’ we have been blessed with and eat a wholesome natural diet that provides us with maximal nutrients critical for vitality. Herbs can help stimulate the liver, lungs, kidneys and bowels when needed but diet is the first priority. Many people living today have never know what good health ‘feels’ like. They survive with an abundance of toxins and live an existence much less than healthy. Understanding detoxification is the key to unlocking the door to great health and natural wellness!

A comprehensive detoxification program can assist the body’s natural cleansing, set up an appointment now to review the steps needed to become healthier.



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