Cleansing or detox programs can be customized for individuals based on your level of health/vitality/energy (how you feel) and on your health goals (how you want to feel). The body is exposed to toxins each and everyday. Detox programs can support the body in getting rid of unwanted substances and impurities so that health and vitality can be improved. Here are some detoxing fundamentals and the scoop on cleansing.
Where do toxins come from?
There are two ways toxins enter our system. Externally, from the environment we reside in. Click here to learn more about The 10 Most Common External Toxins. And internally…believe it or not we also create toxins internally (metabolic byproducts) as our bodies break down nutrients. In a nutshell, there are literally trillions of cells in each and every one of us. These cells take in nutrition from the foods we eat to make energy. For example, a heart cell makes energy to be a heart cell and pump blood, a brain cell makes energy to be a brain cell and conduct thought. As each cell takes in nutrition it also gets rid of waste (like we do). This waste from the cell gets excreted into the interstitial space (the space that houses ALL of our cells). We actually have more space in our body than cells even though we have TRILLIONS of cells! That’s a lot of space!! Eventually this space may become full of waste, making it difficult for nutrition to reach the cell, as well as difficult for the cell to get rid of waste. This can eventually make the cells sluggish, toxic and malnourished. Thus making us sluggish, toxic, and malnourished!
Thank Goodness for The Liver!
This Godly organ enables our bodies to detoxify the external as well as the internal toxins, keeping us healthy and alive. It does this through a powerful two phase process. Phase One picks up toxins that we are exposed to (i.e. alcohol or caffeine) and changes them into an intermediate substance. This intermediate substance is actually MORE venomous than the original toxins. Phase Two then takes the intermediate substance and changes it into a water soluble solution that can be excreted out of the body either through our urine or our feces. Brilliant, but not fool-proof. Because our environment can be so toxic (i.e. the foods we eat, liquids we drink, air we breath), Phase One has a lot to take in. Unfortunately Phase Two simply can’t keep up so there is an abundance of EXTRA TOXIC intermediary substances floating about the body and being reabsorbed into our delicate system!!
Stopping the Cycle – Liver Detoxification
The point of cleansing is to, number one, clean up the diet so you don’t add more toxins to the already overloaded system. This means eliminating some or all of the things that put extra pressure on Phase One and burden the body (sugar, alcohol, and caffeine) and/or are potential irritants to the body (dairy, wheat, corn, and eggs). And number two, include certain nutrients that support Phase Two to help the liver “catch up” and detoxify all those toxins. Whatever you do, make sure your bowels are moving at least daily and you are drinking and absurd amount of water so the mobilized toxins are being eliminated and not just sitting in your bowels and getting reabsorbed.
That’s it?
Yes, cleansing it NOT rocket science. Basically clean up the diet and add some good nutrients and you will begin supporting your liver in detoxification. Cleansing doesn’t mean you have to completely stop ingesting food/calories or go on a lemonade cleansing diet for days. This can actually be excessively stressful on your adrenals and is not recommended for people with extreme fatigue or adrenal issues. Please consult your natural practitioner for guidance and assistance in creating your personal cleansing program.
Weight Loss
Although the goal of doing a cleanse may or may not be to loose weight, it is a nice side effect, if needed. Simply staying away from sugar and alcohol, two high calorie substances, can prompt you to shed a few extra pounds, making your body even more efficient.
When to Cleanse?
Spring is a great time to cleanse. Chinese Medicine supports Spring cleaning for after our bodies have gone through a long winter (time to retract and store up), it is ideal to let go of toxins and shed a few pounds.
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Benefits of Cleansing
The breadth of benefits reach far and wide, and vary greatly for each individual. Overall the cleanser can experience:
• Higher energy levels
• Less food cravings
• Potential weight loss
• Improved mood
• Increased immune function
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