Articles - Detoxification

In recent history, mankind has managed to drastically change the chemistry of the environment in which we live. Billions of pounds of chemical pollutants are released into the environment we eat, breath and live in, every year. In addition to this problem, we have refined away much of the nutritional value of our food supply. We have replaced it with artificial colorings, preservatives, flavorings, etc. Combined with the excessive use of antibiotics in agriculture and medicine we have predisposed ourselves to a kind of "internal pollution." This internal pollution occurs when unhealthy bacteria overcome the healthy bacteria in the intestinal tract. What does this mean to us individually? It poses a threat to the vibrant health that we would all like to enjoy. Succumbing to the adverse effects of toxicity depends on our knowledge of the subject and the lifestyle choices we make. We all need to take personal responsibility to ensure that we do not fall victim to toxicity.

This internal pollution occurs when unhealthy bacteria overcome the healthy bacteria in the intestinal tract.

What are some of the consequences of toxicity? When the body experiences an overload of toxic substances, the consequences can manifest in a number of ways: headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, irritability, depression, mental confusion, digestive problems, flu-like symptoms, allergic reactions including hives, stuffy or runny nose, sneezing and coughing. The preferred detoxification program to address these toxicity-related symptoms was a water and juice fast. This program was based on the premise that the body will clear stored toxins and heal itself when the stress of digestion and the insulting agents were eliminated. The realization that the body’s mechanism for detoxification is a heavily nutrient-supported process has made it clear that a water or juice fast is incomplete. Fasting for extended periods of time may weaken muscles and organs due to insufficient protein and may cause a gradual decrease of metabolic activity due to the body’s attempt to conserve energy stores.

The current approach for detoxification is to nourish the body completely, in order to optimize its natural ability to detoxify itself. By providing high quality protein, the right carbohydrates and essential fats, the body prevents organ and muscle breakdown and conserves the proper energy stores. The right nutrients are needed to support the function of the organs directly involved in detoxification: the liver, the kidneys and the intestinal tract. The intelligent application of nutrition will allow for this support.

Here are some basic ways to avoid toxicity in your external environment. Do everything you can to purify your home and work environments. If possible, remove any toxic materials, such as, stored or leaking chemicals, dyes, paints, solvents, glues, acids, insecticides or cleaning agents from your home or workplace. If any offending chemicals cannot be removed consider an effective air purification system. Breathing apparatus or protective clothing should be used when working with any toxic materials. Regular replacement of air conditioning and furnace filters may also be helpful or even necessary. For your internal environment, try to eat a balanced diet consisting of plenty of fresh, wholesome foods. Avoid eating excess saturated fat, refined sugar and foods high in additives and preservatives. Reduce or eliminate your intake of alcohol and caffeinated drinks. Drink plenty of purified water, ideally, 64 oz. Eat adequate amounts of high quality proteins, carbohydrates, especially in the form of fruits and vegetables and essential fats. Try to consume organically raised animals and organically grown fruits and vegetables whenever possible.