There are a number of detox programs on the market today. Many of which involve extreme food and beverage restrictions. While cleansing your body of harmful toxins can help improve your energy level and health, attempting such an intense detox program on your own can put your health at risk.
Many of today’s detox programs consist of detoxification or cleansing diets. These special detox diets usually involve consuming only pure and natural foods that help aid in your body’s functions, namely that of the liver—the body’s primary detoxification system.
Our daily environment is filled with harmful substances, many of which we breathe and ingest without even knowing it. From the chemicals in our air and drinking water to the preservatives in our food, our bodies are overwhelmed with toxins each and every day.
While the liver and other natural filters of our detoxification system are designed to remove harmful toxins from the body, when our detox system isn’t functioning to its fullest potential—whether it be due to stress or some other underlying health issue—it can result in a buildup of harmful toxins. This toxic buildup has been recognized across the health industry to be linked to a variety of common and serious health issues, including fatigue, weakness, joint pain, allergies, digestive problems, cardiac disease, cancer, developmental disorders, and more.
Some of the early symptoms associated with a comprised detoxification system and toxic buildup include:
- Acne and other chronic skin problems
- Allergies, including nasal and skin allergies
- Sensitivities to food, chemicals, and alcohol
- Chronic respiratory problems, including asthma
- Fatigue and weakness
- Fluid retention, weight gain, problems losing weight
- Pain and/or swelling of the joints
- Chronic headaches and/or migraines
- Inability to concentrate, problems with memory
While detox programs that consist of special diets and supplements are usually safe for generally healthy individuals, an “extreme” detox program can be risky for some people. This is why I strongly recommend a supervised program. This is especially true for people who have had heavy exposure to metals or who have hidden health issues, such as adrenal fatigue or a digestive infection. Attempting to detoxify your body in such a case is just too dangerous to do on your own.
A personalized detox program such as the ones I tailor to my individual clients is the safest way to rid your body of toxins and rebalance your detoxification system. My program is customized to the needs of your body and typically involves supplements to help regulate your liver’s natural cleansing functions, along with detox powders for meal replacements.
Whether you need antioxidant supplementation or rebalancing of your detoxification system, my comprehensive tests can help identify where your body needs support. To get your body and your health back on track, contact me so we can find the right detox program for you.
Now available! A new detox program to help cleanse your body of harmful toxins and restore your energy and your health. Contact Dr. Heather for more information. In the meantime, here’s a safe vegetable detox broth recipe from About.com, Alternative Medicine that I recommend giving a try for improved enzyme and cellular metabolism:
Alkaline Vegetable Detox Broth Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 small zucchini
- 2 cups spinach
- 2 cups broccoli heads
- 3 cups celery stalk
- 2 cups red-skinned organic potato peels, cut 1/2 inch thick
- 2 quarts distilled water
Instructions:
- Chop the vegetables into very fine pieces (or shred in a food processor).
- Place the chopped vegetables in a covered pot with the water and bring to a boil.
- Lower the heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- Strain and consume the broth.
- Broth keeps for 3 days in the refrigerator. May also be frozen in larger quantities.
To learn more about how your body rids itself of toxins, read Detox: The Importance of a Healthy Detoxification System.
Source: http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/dietarytherapy/a/Alkaline.htm