Detoxification: The Complete Package

If you Want to Dextoxify, do it Right!

More Bang for your Nutritional Buck After detoxifying, you feel better; you have cleaned the toxins out of your body. Having a clean digestive system also means you will get more from the foods you eat and the supplements you take. If your intestines are not encrusted, they will better absorb nutrients. In other words, if you thought your coenzyme Q10 supplement was helpful before detoxifying, it could be better afterward! The same goes for the foods you eat.

The Disease Link We have always known that toxins accumulate in the body, and an individual's ability to detoxify carcinogens and xenobiotics (foreign substances) is important in maintaining health. Indeed, new research indicates that the inability to detoxify may be a factor in such diseases as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, multiple chemical sensitivity, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's. It has been postulated that individual detoxification ability can be a decisive factor for cancer development or prevention.

For the Techies The process of converting toxic substances to nontoxic substances and then their excrement is traditionally considered a two-phase function. During both of these phases, the liver transforms toxins into more water- soluble, and thus excretive, substances. In Phase I, enzymes known collectively as the P450 system are added to toxic molecules-imagine putting handles on the toxic molecules. In Phase II, another molecule grabs the toxic molecule by the "handle" added in Phase I. This further increases the toxic molecule's water- solubility, making it possible for it to be excreted. The enzymes that control Phase I and Phase II functions vary from person to person. Nutrients may be important in Phase I and Phase II activities. These include those found in cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, etc.) and a variety of vitamins and minerals. Although fiber does not play a part in Phase I and Phase II activities, it is important in providing a vehicle for excretion and for cleaning waste material out of the digestive tract.

Fiber to the Rescue Fiber is much more than a detoxifier. Its health benefits are well known, and the Food and Drug Administration allows four health claims for fiber: Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include soluble fiber from whole oats may reduce the risk of heart disease. Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol and rich in fruits, vegetables, and grain products that contain fiber, particularly soluble fiber, may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Diets low in fat and rich in fiber- containing grain products, fruits, and vegetables may reduce the risk of some types of cancer. Diets low in fat and rich in fruits and vegetables, which are low-fat foods and may contain fiber or vitamin A (as beta carotene) and vitamin C, may reduce the risk of some cancers.

But, sometimes, you may notice that it drains more slowly or that an odd odor lingers above it. Then it is time to clean it out. You use a drain cleaner, or perhaps a "natural remedy" of vinegar and baking soda. Maybe you have to operate-go under the sink, open the pipe, and clean it out.

Whatever you have to do, you clean it, and the water flows smoothly again. Now think about your digestive tract. You use it a lot. You pour all sorts of things down it. It occasionally gurgles, but it usually works.

But, sometimes, you may notice that it doesn't work so well. You have a stomachache, heartburn, bloating, or gas. Maybe worse. Perhaps you feel tired and run down. Then it is time to clean it out. We call this cleaning detoxification.

Why Detoxify?

These problems include inhibited absorption of nutrients and, per-haps, increased absorption of toxins into the bloodstream. When toxins do enter the bloodstream, they can result in digestive tract pain, gas, bloating, diarrhea, skin problems, fatigue, offensive breath, constipation, and other symptoms. Many health practitioners link such health concerns as acne, allergies, arthritis, PMS, hypertension, and gastritis to a body drowning in toxins.

Detoxifying cleans out the digestive tract. While a clean kitchen sink means more efficient disposal, a clean digestive tract means more efficient waste disposable, more efficient and better nutrient absorption, and better all-around health.

Detoxifying

Preparing

Make things easier through diet One of the prime causes of a toxic body is diet. It is hard to avoid toxins found in the air and in water, but we can do much to eliminate them from our diets. To improve your diet, eat less of some foods, and more of others.

Processed sugar and flour, processed foods, and other "junk foods" should be eliminated. Processed foods contain many additives and sweeteners, which can be toxic, and overly refined foods can "get stuck" in the intestinal tract, forming a sort of "paper-mache‚" crust within. Needless to say, this makes it difficult for nutrients to be absorbed. This crust also slows down transit time-the time from ingestion to excretion. This is important, because the longer partially digested food stays in the body, the better chance there is that carcinogens and toxins will be absorbed.

Eat less meat, as meat is more difficult to digest and contains unhealthy fat. It also may contain xenoestrogens (foreign estrogens) as a result of animal growth hormone shots.

Eat more raw fruits and vegetables. They supply live enzymes, which ensure you get more bang for your nutritional buck. The enzymes found in raw foods help the body's digestive enzymes break down the foods we eat to free up the nutrients within. Helping the body's digestive enzymes means they do not have to work as hard, which frees up energy for other important tasks.

As well, after the age of 40, levels of digestive enzymes begin to decrease. This means you do not digest food as well as you might, which can result in getting less nutrition, but also in more waste material remaining in the digestive tract.

Detoxifying

Loosen and Flush through Diet and Supplements

Herbs are also important in detoxification. Gentle, natural laxatives, such as cascara sagrada, soften caked food, making it easier to eliminate. Black walnut hulls also help do this, as well as having the extra advantage of being an antiparasitic. Licorice root, according to Planta Medica (50: 1984), may help the liver detoxify. Marshmallow and shavegrass are classified as lithotriptics by herbalists, which mean that they dissolve and discharge urinary and gallbladder stones.

Drinking a lot of water is also important. Water flushes toxins and waste from the body and transports nutrients to where they are needed. Try to drink eight to ten glasses of water a day.

Stimulate your Body Systems through Exercise and "Skin Brushing"

Strengthen the Immune System through Stress Management

Deep Cleaning through Enemas