DETOX - What Do You Mean By Detox?

Frank Lipman

There is a lot of misunderstanding about what a detox is and how to do it, so let me explain how I understand detoxification.

Detoxification is what your body does naturally to neutralize, transform or get rid of unwanted materials or toxins. It is a primary function of the body, constantly working and interacting with all other functions of the body. So when I am talking about detoxification, it is about improving and optimizing the function of your body’s own detoxification systems. This is done by decreasing the amount of toxins we put into our bodies while at the same time supporting our body’s detoxification and elimination systems with the nutrients it needs to function properly.

As a culture we are very aware of our external cleanliness. We clean our teeth daily, we bath and wash our hair daily or every other day and we like to look and smell clean because it makes us feel better. Similarly, I see detoxification as internal cleansing. The problem is that it’s often hard to know when our internal cleansing mechanisms are not functioning well. Unlike other parts of our body it is very hard to know how well our liver is working, and our liver is the main detoxification organ. Apart from synthesizing and secreting bile, the liver acts as a filter for toxins and bacteria in the blood and chemically neutralizes toxins, converting them into substances that can be eliminated by the kidneys.

Although it is mostly ignored by our current medical system, the detoxification system is a key component of our body’s functioning. Most of the molecules made by our bodies every day, are for getting rid of waste products. We need hundreds of enzymes, vitamins and other molecules to help rid the body of unwanted waste products and chemicals. We need to manufacture these molecules to help take the good from what we ingest and get rid of the unwanted. Although the bulk of the work is done by the liver and the intestinal tract, the kidneys, lungs, lymphatic system and skin are all involved in this complex detoxification system.

The purpose of a detoxification program is primarily to support these organs of elimination so that toxins present in the body can be metabolized and excreted. Time and time again I’ve seen the benefits a good internal cleanse can bring.

I think an effective detoxification system is necessary for good health and in response to the many requests I’ve had, I have put together my own programs based on what I’ve seen working in my practice.

I have been putting my patients on “detoxes” for the last 20 years and seen incredible results. I designed a two week detox with all the components I feel are necessary to optimize your body’s detoxification systems. This is now available for everybody online.

Source: http://www.drfranklipman.com/what-do-you-mean-by-detox/

HEALTH - Detox dos and don’ts

So you’ve decided to give your digestive system a break by doing a detox. Good for you! But where to begin? Here’s what you should and shouldn’t be doing while detoxing.

DO ask a health professional

Consult your doctor or health professional before you begin a detox to ensure your body is equipped to handle it.

DON’T eat difficult to digest foods

The primary goal of detoxing is to take pressure off the liver, kidney and bowel function – and you do this by forgoing foods that are difficult to digest. "Eliminate processed foods and ones that contain chemicals, preservatives and additives, caffeine, alcohol and sugar,” says Lee Holmes, author of Supercharged Food. “Eliminating gluten, wheat, yeast and dairy is also helpful during a detox," Holmes suggests.

DO eat natural whole foods

Eliminating foods doesn’t mean going hungry! While detoxing you’re encouraged to consume fresh whole foods such as fruit, vegetables, fish, eggs, legumes, olive oil, raw nuts and seeds. “A diet of delicious whole foods will allow you to feel satisfied while still supporting your body to cleanse and heal,” says Alex Jamieson, author of The Great American Detox Diet.

DO drink water

Keeping up your H20 intake when detoxing assists with flushing the system of toxins. Holmes recommends “drinking lots of water throughout the day as this will aid in digestion and elimination." Holmes also suggests starting the day with lemon infused hot water. “This stimulates the release of enzymes that can clean out the digestive tract, rid the body of toxins and cleanse the liver.“

DON’T be alarmed by your body’s reaction

Dizziness, headaches, skin eruptions and fatigue are all detox by-products. Kimberly Snyder, nutritionist and author of The Beauty Detox Solutions explains, “You may experience the "worse before better" scenario, but the good news is that your body is ridding itself of toxins that were holding it back from perfect balance.” If passing waste is problematic, try introducing a fibre supplement.

DO exercise gently

During a detox is not the time to undergo a rigorous, sweaty workout session. “Detoxes generally don’t provide the extra fuel needed for exercise. As a result, doing exercise can leave you feeling tired, dizzy, and nauseous,” says dietician Cynthia Sass. Instead, aim for half an hour of gentle movement like yoga or walking.

DON’T impose time limits

Generally a detox lasts between one to five days – however there are no hard and fast rules. "Everyone is starting at a different place when they go into a cleanse, and may react in a different way," says Snyder. Listen to your body and do what feels right.

DON'T give in to cravings

Fight that mid-detox hankering for fatty or sugary foods! "Eating junk food may make you feel better, but it will cause the toxins to be redistributed back into your system," says Jessica Ainscough founder of The Wellness Warrior. Post-detox, it’s also important not to fall back into old habits. Stick with a predominantly whole food diet and gradually reintroduce the foods you eliminated during the detox.

Source: http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/