APRIL 2014 - Practitioner's Corner - Detox Tips

Everyday we are confronted with toxins. We encounter them in our environment, food and imbalances of bacteria in the digestive system. Our bodies contain natural protective mechanisms that guard against small amounts of toxicity. When toxicity levels start to increase, our natural detoxification processes become overworked and weakened, leading to systemic health problems.

The gut is the main place where toxicity overload takes place. The gut is responsible for making sure we break down our food into absorbable forms and eliminates waste. The liver is the major filtration organ of the body and is in charge of multiple detoxification pathways and distributing wast toe the eliminatory organs. When these processes are impaired, multiple symptoms start to occur, leading to complications in our daily activities.

Symptoms associated with toxicity overload:

• Reoccurring headaches
• Chronic fatigue and lethargy
• Poor concentration and memory
• Digestive discomfort such as: bloating, flatulence, constipation and diarrhoea
• Muscular aches and pains
• Allergies & sensitivities
• Mood swings, anxiety and depression

If you suffer from 3 or more of the above symptoms, chances are you are in need of a detox. To start a detox we must first remove any potential dysbiotic bacteria (such as Candida albicans), fungi or parasitic organisms and clean out the digestive system. Secondly we need to strengthen and rebuild the gut integrity as well as support the liver to better facilitate natural detoxification.

What is required for a detox?

• Herbs can be highly beneficial when eradicating bacteria, fungi and parasitic micro-organisms. They can help to strengthen the guts normal digestive processes and repair damage to the mucosa lining.
• Supporting the liver with herbal and nutritional supplements can assist with better elimination of toxins as well protect the liver from any damage caused by toxicity influx.
• The key to implementing a successful detox is through a healthy diet. Eliminating all sugar, processed foods, dairy and gluten containing grains can help provide the body with healthy nutrients and prevent feeding the unwanted organisms in the gut.
• Drink plenty of clean pure water daily. This will help prevent dehydration, toxic accumulation and optimises body functions.
• Eat plenty of alkalising foods such as green leafy vegetables.
• Avoid doing strenuous exercise during a detox. High levels of exercise can generate an influx of toxins and cause you to become unwell. Mild walking is suitable.
• Some side effects may be experienced such as headaches, irritability and nausea.
• Eat small meals regularly. This will help to stabilise your blood glucose levels, which may help prevent some of the side effects.
• Do not do a detox if you are pregnant
• Avoid detoxing if you have a cold for flu
• Always talk to a health care professional before commencing any detoxification program.

Written by Vanessa Laird - Naturopath Calanna Pharmacy Woreee

contact: vanessaw@calannapharmacy.com.au

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