Dr. Natalie’s Naturopathic Detox Guidelines
What is detoxification?
Detoxification is the process of either clearing toxins from the body or neutralizing or transforming them. Functionally, poor digestion, colon sluggishness and dysfunction, reduced liver function, and poor elimination through the kidneys, respiratory tract, and skin all increase toxicity. A detoxification is a process which occurs naturally in our bodies – but due to the number of toxins and chemicals in our food, water, air and through processing/metabolism, these toxins build up over time. Detoxification involves dietary and lifestyle changes that reduce the intake of toxins while improving elimination.
What are toxins?
Toxins can be either external (alcohol, pesticides, tobacco, heavy metals, medication, oral contraceptives) or internal (through normal metabolism, the body forms by-products which are toxic if not neutralized or excreted).
Benefits to detoxification
-Help prevent disease, especially when someone has prolonged exposure to chemicals or hormones (such as oral contraceptives).
-Improve symptoms of weight gain, low energy, joint pain, headache, pain, PMS, unhealthy skin, anxiety and irritability, frequent colds, heartburn, constipation and gas.
-Treat disease such as autoimmune disease, multiple chemical sensitivity, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, digestive disorders, heart disease, arthritis, ADD and other chronic degenerative disease.
Components of detoxification
-A detoxification can last from 1 week to 2 months depending on your health goals. As is true for all naturopathic protocols, an individualized approach is recommended. There are five components to detoxification:
1. Diet modifications
2. Supplements
3. Lifestyle
4. Mental/emotional
5. Spiritual
Other aspects of cleansing
Although cleansing is not an easy process to stick with, most people feel better as their cleanse progresses—more vital, lighter, less blocked, more flexible, clearer, and more spiritually attuned. There are so many benefits to cleansing your body and mind.
“Healing Reactions”
Please be aware that people experience different reactions to detoxification and cleansing depending on how much your body needs to eliminate. Some common symptoms include fatigue, nausea, headaches, constipation or diarrhea, sweating, irritability, mood swings, insomnia, runny nose, inability to concentrate. These are normal reactions and can be decreased with increased water intake, exercise and
NCKO detoxification
resting when needed. Try to start your cleansing process when you have a day or two off from work since the first day or two are the most difficult. However, these symptoms will subside and the benefits will be worth it!
As stated above, an individualized approach is recommended. In my office, I will assess your current detoxification capabilities, and determine which elimination system needs extra help. You should never start a detox before addressing medical concerns, including constipation, inflammatory bowel disease, or acute infections. If you are interested in a detox, call 416-894-0621 and refer to this article.
Dr. Natalie