In the 21st Century, we are bombarded with toxins more than at any other time in history. In addition to environmental pollution, our food contains toxins, including pesticides and hormones in intensively farmed meats. Our bodies are dealing with substances for which they weren’t designed, in addition to the toxic waste generated through normal processes like digesting food and creating energy.
While detoxification is a typical daily process for the body, our systems can quickly become overburdened. The detoxification machinery is not always able to keep up with demand. Anything that cannot be eliminated and excreted is stored safely in fat cells.
“You are what you eat, drink, breathe and touch but cannot get rid of…”
If you experience allergies, food intolerances, frequent headaches, sensitivity to chemicals and environmental pollutants, chronic digestive problems, muscle aches, and inflammatory conditions, your body may have exceeded its detoxification capacity. Now is the time to address it.
Why Detox?
Think of it as managing a toxic dump!
Excessive toxins in your body can lead to:
- Unwanted weight gain
- Metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes
- Hypertension and atherosclerosis
- Chronic kidney disease
- Cancer
- Autoimmune diseases like thyroid problems and lupus
- Neurological diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s
- Psychiatric disorders like bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia
Some people are more susceptible to toxicity than others, mainly depending on the level of toxins they’ve been exposed to, the nutrients in their food, and their genetic disposition. Some individuals are better at detoxifying than others!
The Benefits of Detoxing
To get a good snapshot of your body’s need for detox, complete the ‘What’s Your Detox Potential’ questionnaire in the Detox Progress Journal. This lists the symptoms associated with poor detoxification. You’ll score yourself now to establish a baseline and again after completing the programme. Here are some benefits you can expect:
- Clearer mind
- More energy
- Increased alertness
- Reduced bloating
- Clear nose
- Fewer headaches
- No dark circles under the eyes
- Improved skin
- Fewer infections
- Reduced PMT
- Fewer menopausal symptoms
- Less aches and pains
- Better digestion
How Detox Works
The liver is one of the hardest-working organs in the body, aided by the kidneys, digestive system, skin, and lungs. Detoxification is a two-step process carried out primarily by the liver, involving complex chemical reactions that turn toxic chemicals into harmless ones for safe elimination. This process relies on numerous nutrients, so you’ll be eating foods rich in these ingredients throughout the programme.
Detox Phases
Phase 1: This phase prepares toxins for elimination by turning fat-soluble toxins into more easily excreted forms using enzymes. Exposure to caffeine, alcohol, pollutants, cigarette smoke, high-protein diets, preservatives, chemical fertilisers, paint fumes, damaged trans fats, steroid hormones, and charcoal-barbecued meat can make this process harder.
Phase 2: In this phase, the end products of Phase 1 detoxification are bound to specific nutrients like glutathione, sulphur, or carbon groups, sending the toxins down pathways called conjugation, sulfation, methylation, and glucuronidation. The final products are excreted in sweat, urine, and stools.
The Healing’ Crisis’
As your body adjusts to the detox, you might feel worse before you feel better. Symptoms like fatigue, irritability, headaches, brain fog, itchy skin, changes in bowel habits, and sleep difficulties are common and part of the healing process. These adverse symptoms are usually short-lived and can be minimised with simple strategies.
The Detox Action Plan
- Eat organic: Avoid adding more toxins to your system.
- Eat plenty of antioxidants and fibre-rich vegetables: Support detoxification and regular bowel movements.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of filtered water and herbal or green tea.
- Ensure daily bowel movements: Vital for toxin elimination.
- Get enough sleep: Crucial for overall health.
- Take Epsom salt baths: Magnesium aids detoxification.
- Have a sauna: Encourages sweating out toxins.
- Exercise gently: Focus on walking, yoga, and other low-stress activities.
- Rest and relax: Dedicate 10-15 minutes daily to relaxation.
Why Eating Organic is Important
Organic foods are better for your body and the environment but can be costly. Prioritise organic purchases based on the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists published by the Environmental Working Group. These lists help you identify which foods are most and least likely to be contaminated with pesticides.
The Dirty Dozen:
- Strawberries, Spinach, Kale & Spring Greens, Nectarines, Apples, Grapes, Cherries, Peaches, Pears, Peppers & Chillis, Celery, Tomatoes
The Clean 15:
- Avocados, Papaya, Broccoli, Mushrooms, Onions, Sweetcorn, Pineapple, Frozen Peas, Aubergines, Asparagus, Cabbage, Kiwi, Cauliflower, Cantaloupe Melon, Honeydew Melon
Why Drink Filtered Water?
Filtered water helps remove pesticides, nitrates, heavy metals, and microorganisms that might be present in tap water. Investing in a filtered water jug or bottle ensures you’re drinking cleaner water, which aids in flushing out toxins.
Detox Your Beauty Routine
Your skin is absorbent, so what you put on it can end up in your bloodstream. Many personal care products contain synthetic forms of oestrogen, known as endocrine disruptors, which can wreak havoc with your hormones and potentially increase cancer risk. Avoid ingredients like parabens, phthalates, sodium lauryl/laureth sulphate, and any product labelled ‘fragrance’ without further clarification. Choose products labelled “no synthetic fragrances” and consider using apps like ‘Think Dirty – Shop Clean’ to evaluate your current products.
Conclusion
Total Health Now Clinic offers a range of gut detox, weight loss, and rejuvaDetox+ programmes. These programmes reduce your body’s toxic load and support natural healing processes. You can significantly improve your overall health and well-being by making informed choices about your diet, water, and personal care products. Be patient, stick with the programme, and allow your body the time it needs to adjust to your healthier lifestyle choices. As part of our commitment to holistic health, Total Health Now Clinic offers free 30-minute consultations to explore how these natural remedies can support your well-being.
