Do you ever feel sluggish? As if your body has to work extra hard just to function? As if stress were something you could measure by the pound? Every day the average North American is exposed to hundreds of different toxins, substances that actually create extra work for the body’s detoxification systems. Toxins exist everywhere and can lead to serious health problems. They are in food and the environment, and they stay in our bodies. They can drain the body of energy and make you more susceptible to disease and infection. Toxins tend to concentrate in the liver and gastrointestinal tract, both places responsible for eliminating toxins from the body. Since everyone is exposed to toxins, everyone can use a detoxification treatment on a regular basis. People who are overweight are very often “holding” toxins in fatty deposits, which can make it even more difficult for the body to function and burn fat.
What is Detoxification?
Detoxification is the process of deactivating and removing toxic substances from the body. This can include the removal and clearance of excess mucus and congestion. A toxin is any substance that has a negative effect on cellular functions or structures in the body. Many of these toxins enter our body through our diet, using prescription medications, and environmental exposure. Toxins also exist in our bodies as a result of metabolic processes such as fat and cholesterol oxidation, and free radical formation. Because the liver, kidneys, lungs, skin, and intestines are the major organs of detoxification, poor digestion, colon sluggishness and dysfunction, reduced liver function, and poor elimination through the kidneys, respiratory tract, and skin all add to increased toxicity. Detoxification can also assist in the removal of excess ‘good’ bio-chemicals, such as estrogen and testosterone.
The process of detoxification involves dietary and lifestyle changes to reduce the intake of toxins and improve elimination. It is very important to avoid chemicals, from food or other sources, refined food, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco to help minimize the toxin load. Drinking extra water and increasing fiber by including more fruits and vegetables in the diet are steps in the detoxification process.