Spring is an ideal time to start on a good Detox Program!

There are many health benefits associated with detoxification, and in today’s world detoxing is important. Unfortunately toxins are very common in our everyday environment. Some examples of these toxins include heavy metals, pesticides, chemicals, food additives, and pollutants that are present in the air, water and food that we consume. As well as being exposed to these environmental pollutants, toxins may also be generated internally by bacteria, yeasts and parasites in your digestive system. These internally-generated toxins are then absorbed into your bloodstream, ultimately affecting your health. Rather than allowing these toxins to continue to build up in your body, you can use a detoxification program, such as the one we have prescribed for you, to remove these toxins safely.

As any good naturopath will be able to tell you, the term detoxification is defined as a process by which the liver makes toxins safe for excretion. These can be toxins taken in through food, air, water and our skin, and also those endogenous toxins we produce within our body from natural metabolic processes. This is a function which happens within our body all day every day – it is a natural process – and we enhance this natural action when we engage in an authentic detoxification program.

A good detoxification program will involve three essential areas:

1) lowering the amount of chemicals and toxic foods being ingested

2) providing nutrients to enhance the body’s natural processes

3) supporting the organs of elimination in clearing toxins out of the body quickly and safely

Unfortunately most of the fad “detox diets” don’t cover all of these areas. They may lower the chemicals being ingested by taking in only juices and certain foods, but they don’t usually address the specific nutrients needed to support the liver’s function in binding and excreting toxins, and they also don’t provide support to assist in moving the toxins out of the body. These supports can include far-infrared sauna’s, yoga, breathing techniques, skin brushing, bowel cleansing or colonics – and ideally all of these.

These 3 steps are vital in getting good, long-term results, and only these type of comprehensive detoxification programs should be undertaken, and under the supervision of a qualified naturopath who has experience in, and understands what is happening in the body during the program.

What are some of the signs and symptoms of toxicity?
. Recurrent headaches
. Muscle aching and weakness
. Nerve pain or numbness
. Recurrent infections
. Poor short-term memory and concentration
. Sensitivity to environmental chemicals, odours and/or nutritional supplements
. Chronic fatigue and lethargy
. Anxiety and/or mood swings

Getting Started on the New You!

To complete these very important steps of detoxification, you will be using some natural supplements that are specific in successfully removing toxins and restoring your health. As with any detox program it is also essential that we consider some dietary changes as well:
- Always choose fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables. It is always preferable to buy organic produce when possible.
- Avoid packaged and processed foods as much as possible.
- Remove foods containing artificial colours, flavours, additives, stabilisers and flavour enhancers as well as foods containing hydrogenated fats.
- Read ingredient lists on products to ensure that the food does not contain high amounts of saturated fat, gluten or sugar.
- Add fresh vegetable juice to your diet if possible.
-  Choose soy milk made from whole soy beans (not soy isolates) and one that is low in sugar and free from preservatives.

Congratulations on getting started on your Detox Program!
Let’s take a look at what is involved:
- Firstly we will concentrate on the removal of “bad bugs” from your digestive system.
- Secondly we need to replace the “bad bugs” with healthy ones to improve digestive function. We will also heal and repair your digestive tract.
-  Lastly we will be completing the program by looking at supporting and enhancing the capacity of your kidneys and liver to assist in the removal of wastes.
We can provide you with a detox booklet, outlining foods to enjoy and foods to avoid during your program with a shopping list and some recipe ideas attached for your information.
Now you are up and running, enjoy the experience and the renewed vitality it will bring.

Any questions you may have regarding your upcoming detox ask us today.