What’s the Big Deal About Detoxification?
Detox. It’s a term you’ve no doubt heard a lot of on TV, in magazines or in the gym. But why should you ‘detox’?
Detoxification is your body’s natural process of changing dietary and environmental toxins into less harmful substances before eliminating them from your body. Supporting natural detoxification processes can help improve digestive function and may facilitate healthy weight loss, however the benefits do not stop there as healthy detoxification pathways may also lead to a reduction in other seemingly unrelated symptoms, such as sore joints or painful periods. Even if you’re fit and well, for many people a regular detox leaves them feeling more energised whilst reducing the toxin load.
Toxins in Daily Life
The term ‘toxin’ refers to any substance with the potential to interfere with normal cellular function and which may negatively impact both your short and long-term health. You do not have to look very far to find toxins as they may be found in household chemicals, personal care products, and also in some foods (e.g. food may be exposed to pesticide residues or toxic metal contaminants). Your body is designed to remove these toxins via the ‘channels of elimination’, i.e. your liver, kidneys, bowels and skin; however it is possible for these channels to become overwhelmed, depending upon your level of exposure, and this may reduce your overall health and wellbeing.
Why Choose a Naturopath Only Detox Program?
Walk into any pharmacy or health food store today and you will find a number of over the counter detox products. However, since these packages don’t assess your individual health requirements they are limited in their ability to meet your detoxification needs. A personalised program based on your specific health history, together with the added benefit of professional support and advice from your qualified Practitioner can have a much greater impact on your detox capacity – helping to promote long-term wellbeing beyond the duration of the program.
Herbal Help to Boost Your Detox
A solid naturopath Detox Program always incorporates three key herbal and nutritional formulas, based on scientific research, to lay the foundation for effective detoxification. These formulas focus on supporting the three main channels of elimination: the liver, kidneys and optimal digestion. The first formula helps optimise your liver’s detoxifying capacity. It contains the herb Milk thistle along with Cape jasmine and Green tea to help protect your body from the harmful effects of metabolising toxins. In addition, the amino acids taurine and glutamine support liver detoxification pathways and promote a healthy digestive tract.
The second formula incorporates the greens Spirulina, Coriander, Kelp and Aloe. These herbs assist with the binding of toxins and promote alkalinisation, since an alkaline pH is required for effective removal of wastes via the kidney. Finally, a traditional herbal formula containing Dandelion, Gentian, Lemon balm and Ginger not only helps to minimise any existing symptoms of poor digestion such as burping and bloating, but helps stimulate the digestive secretions and bile flow you require for optimal digestive function.
Detox Diet and Lifestyle Support
Modern diets can be a major source of ongoing toxin exposure due to the intake of caffeine, alcohol and refined processed foods, which typically contain artificial additives, preservatives and toxic fats. Not only do these add to your toxin burden but put unnecessary pressure on your organs of detoxification. By minimising certain foods, whilst increasing your intake of plantbased wholefoods, you can enhance the effects of the herbal and nutritional formulas and boost your detox capacity. During a personalised detox program, a naturopath will always advise you on the specific dietary and lifestyle measures that will help you get the best results.
The Path to Long-Term Wellness
Supporting effective detoxification is a cornerstone of any good Natural Medicine practice. A personalised detox program prescribed by a naturopath can not only help you achieve optimal results, but offers long-term benefits for your health and wellbeing that cannot be matched by a single over the counter package.
To get you started – LEMON CUCUMBER DETOX WATER
This detox drink is a delicious blend of lemons, water and cucumber slices.
This recipe is awesome and so easy! Add lemon and cucumber slices to water and let it set to maximize nutrients into the detox water. If you want, you can skip the cucumber and just do lemon, but you will be missing out on the benefits of cucumbers. Cucumbers are rich in water and fiber and reduce swelling. They help with digestion and flushing out toxins in the body.
7 BENEFITS OF DRINKING LEMON WATER
Lemons are an acidic food that when it enters the body combined with water, alkaline the blood stream. This is great for if you are dehydrated as it replenishes the body and enhances the body’s ability to absorb water.
- Lemon water flushes out the system and stimulate the liver. Side note: did you know your liver can store unwanted things like too much iron or it can malfunction to produce extra cholesterol (which the body naturally produces). Lemon water boosts liver productivity to rid the body of extras it does not need. Much like adding Draino to pluming to unclog a pipe!
- Aids in digestion. Helps to removes bloating and indigestion!
- Builds the immune system. Lemons are packed with vitamin C, which helps increase the body’s immunity to sickness!
- Prettier skin! Yes please! Lemons detoxify the blood which maintains skin’s radiance. It is also rich in antioxidants eliminating free radicals that can cause dull skin and cause aging effects.
- Loose weight with lemon water! Lemons natural contain pectin fiber which helps to ward off hunger cravings.
- Helps with anxiety and depression. Lemons have a calming effect to the nervous system, even just smelling the citrus.
- Prevents kidney stones. The citric acid in lemons increases urine total which helps to fight off kidney stones.
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Drinking lemon water in the morning starts the body off with balanced digestion after resting for 8 hours without food or water and boosts liver function.
This one is simply so easy to do and make part of your daily routine!
