Spring, the best time for cleansing or detoxifying!

In last month’s article I talked about the benefits of cleansing with respect to weight loss. This month I would like to explore the topic of "cleanse" and encourage you to try this fascinating experience.

On the topic of toxicity

Today toxicity is of much greater concern than ever before. We are bombarded with numerous types of toxic substances. Air and water pollution, radiation and nuclear power, ingesting new chemicals, use of more drugs of all kinds, eating more sugar and refined foods, and we daily abuse our-selves with various stimulants and sedatives.

Heavy metals

Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, nickel and aluminium are the metals that tend to accumulate within the brain, kidneys and immune system, where they can severely disrupt normal function. Most of the heavy metal toxicity is the result of environmental contamination due to industry. Other sources include:

Early signs of heavy metal poisoning are vague, or associated with other problems. Early symptoms can include headache, fatigue, muscle pains, indigestion, tremors, constipation, anemia, pallor, dizziness and poor coordination. Research has demonstrated a strong relationship between childhood learning disabilities and body stores of heavy metals, particularly lead.

Support for combating heavy metal poisoning

Nutritional factors which combat heavy metal poisoning include a high potency multiple vitamin and mineral supplement; minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, copper and chromium; vitamin C and B-complex vitamins, sulphur-containing amino acids (methionine, cysteine and taurine) and foods like garlic, beans, onions and eggs; and water-soluble fibers such as guar gum, oat bran, pectin and Psyllium seed.

Sings and Symptoms of Toxicity

Detoxification system

The liver is the primary detoxification organ. Exposure or toxicity to food additives, solvents (cleaning materials, formaldehyde, toluene, benzene, etc), pesticides, herbicides and other toxic chemicals can give rise to a number of symptoms. Most common are psychological and neurological symptoms such as depression, headaches, mental confusion, mental illness, tingling in extremities, abnormal nerve reflexes and other signs of impaired nervous system function.

In the internal environment, toxins produced by bacteria and yeast in the gut can be absorbed, causing significant disruption of body functions. Gut-derived microbial toxins have been implicated in a wide variety of diseases including liver diseases, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, psoriasis, lupus erythematosis, pancreatitis, allergies, asthma and immune disorders. Also antibodies formed against microbial antigens can cross-react with the body’s own tissues and lead to autoimmunity.

Many of the toxins that we ingest or make are stored in the fatty tissues. Obesity is almost always associated with toxicity. When we lose weight, we release more toxins, and thus need protection through greater intake of water, fiber, and the antioxidant nutrients, such as vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene, selenium, and zinc.

Our body’s general detoxification system

Our body handles toxins by neutralizing, transforming, or eliminating them. The antioxidants emphasized so much in our diet neutralize free-radical molecules. The liver helps transform many toxic substances into harmless agents, while the blood carries wastes to the kidneys; the liver also dumps wastes through the bile into the intestines, where much waste is eliminated. Our sinuses and skin may also be accessory elimination organs whereby excess mucus or toxins can be released, as with sinus congestion or skin rashes.

Reasons for Cleansing may include:

Simple steps of detoxification

Detoxification can be thought of as any process that enhances elimination.

• Drink more filtered water and herbal teas during the day.
• Eat more fruits and vegetables which have high water content and are a good source of fiber.
• Include whole grains (not flours), legumes, nuts and seeds, and fresh fish (not shellfish) and organic poultry in the diet.
• Rotate foods, especially common allergens, such as milk products, eggs, wheat and yeast containing foods.
• Practice food combining, to improve and ease digestion and assimilation.
• Eat a natural, seasonal cuisine based on fruits and vegetables available in the season naturally.
• Cook in iron, stainless steel, glass, or porcelain to reduce heavy metal exposure.
• Avoid refined foods, canned foods, sugar, salt, saturated fats, coffee, alcohol, and nicotine.
• Be aware that consumption of less red meat, cured meats, organ meats and milk products will create less congestion.
• Reduce fat intake especially found in fried food and animal products.
• Increasing fiber intake through food and supplements, and use of specific colon detox supplements such as Bentonite, Psyllium seed husks, Aloe vera powder and Acidophilus culture will improve the detox process. Fiber has an ability to bind to toxins within the gut and promote their excretion.
• A diet rich in water-soluble fiber such as those found in vegetables, guar gum, pectin, and oat bran is important in detoxification process.
• Saunas help to induce sweats, therefore a good way to promote detoxification.
• Also to improve elimination through the skin, regular aerobic exercise is important to stimulate sweating. As well as improving general metabolism and helping the detoxification process. It is important to note that exercise also increases the production of toxins in the body, so it must be accompanied by adequate fluids, antioxidant, vitamin and mineral supplements.
• Use herbs and botanical formulas to enhance the cleansing process. Some cleansing herbs include: Garlic, Echinacea, Dandelion root, Cayenne pepper, Ginger root, Licorice root, Goldenseal root and Parsley leaf.
• Dry skin brushing with an appropriate skin brush before bathing is helpful during a detox program. This cleanses the skin of dead cell, invigorates the body, improve lymphatic flow and improve immune system.
• Resting and relaxation are important in the rejuvenation process. Relaxation exercises help our body rebalance as our mind and attitudes stop interfering with our natural homeostasis. Practicing yoga combines quiet, yet powerful exercises with breathing awareness and regulation, allowing increased flexibility and relaxation.
• Seasonal changes are the key stress times in nature and the times where we most need to lighten up our demands and consumptions and turn more within to listen to our inner world that mirrors the natural cycles. Spring is the key time for detoxification, followed by the fall.
• Drainage at the cellular level is also very important and beneficial to the detoxification process. Please consult your Naturopathic Doctor regarding drainage protocols. This involves the use of homeopathic complexes to promote a deeper level of detoxification.

The information provided here has been derived from several sources including Encyclopedia of natural Medicine and Staying Healthy with Nutrition.