10 Dec What is Detoxification?
What is Detoxification?
Detoxification is the process of clearing toxins from the body or neutralizing or transforming them, and clearing excess mucus and congestion. Many of these toxins come from our diet, drug use, and environmental exposure, both acute and chronic. Internally, fats, especially oxidized fats and cholesterol, free radicals, and other irritating molecules act as toxins. Functionally, 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 involves dietary and lifestyle changes that reduce the intake of toxins and improve elimination. Avoidance of chemicals, from food or other sources, refined food, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and many drugs helps minimize the toxin load. Drinking extra water (purified) and increasing fibre by including more fruits and vegetables in the diet are steps in the detoxification process. Moving from a more to a less congesting diet, made up of more super foods, as shown in the accompanying table, will help us to move along the detox road.
When Is the Best Time to Cleanse / Detoxify?
The seasonal changes are the key stress times in nature and the times where we most need to lighten up our outer demands and consumptions and turn more within to listen to our inner world that mirrors the natural cycles. Spring is the key time for detoxification; autumn is also important. At least a one- to two-week program is suggested at these times. In spring, we may eat more citrus fruits, fresh greens, and juices, while in autumn we may dine on other harvests, such as apples or grapes, and the many vegetables. Lots of fresh fruits and vegetables are appropriate when we are going into summer; and brown rice, vegetables, and soups may be best to simplify our diet when going into winter.
Our Body’s Detoxification Systems:
- Respiratory–lungs, bronchial tubes, throat, sinuses, and nose
- Gastrointestinal–liver, gallbladder, colon, and whole GI tract
- Urinary–kidneys, bladder, and urethra
- Skin and dermal–sweat and sebaceous glands and tears
- Lymphatic–lymph channels and lymph nodes
The Detox Juice:
1 handful of rocket leaves
2 cabbage leaves
1 carrot
¼ red onion
1 cup broccoli flowerets
2 red radishes
1 tsp of Herbs of Gold brand(HOG) phytogreens or spirulina
Diet Advice:
Try to have 3 of the following foods every day (lightly steamed or cooked)
Apples garlic rocket
Brussels sprouts kale Bok Choy
Broccoli asparagus cauliflower
Cabbage turnips Chinese cabbage
Bean sprouts radishes Ginger
See www.whfoods.com for ways to cook these foods
Drink Green tea: try to have as many antioxidants as you can e.g. anything that stains the fingers: beetroots, berries, carrots etc
Looking for more diet resources?
Want to get your health back on track? Call 9339 199 now or SMS 0488 854 005 to book in for a FREE 15-minute scoping session.
