The role of toxins and importance of detoxification has been mostly ignored by conventional medicine. Fortunately scientists and some practitioners are starting to understand that it is important in our health. But how do you know if you need to detox?
Most people probably have symptoms of chronic toxicity that you don’t realize are related to toxicity. If any of these things sound familiar to you, detoxifying might be critical for your health and to feel good again.
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Joint pain
- Sinus congestion
- Postnasal drip
- Excessive sinus problems
- Headaches
- Bloating
- Gas
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Sleep issues
- Difficulty concentrating
- Food cravings
- Trouble losing weight
- Rashes
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Canker sores
- Acne
- Puffy eyes and dark circles under your eyes
- PMS and other menstrual disorders
- Bad breath
When you hear the word “detox” you probably think of drug/alcohol detox or maybe something like a juice cleanse or enemas. That’s not at all what we are talking about. We are referring to the science of how our bodies get rid of waste. When they are unable to do that efficiently and effectively, we get sick.
There are many diseases that we suffer from today that are linked to toxicity.
- Parkinson’s
- Alzheimer’s
- Dementia
- Heart disease
- Chronic fatigue
- Fibromyalgia
- Cancers
- Autoimmune disease
- Food allergies
- Arthritis
- Digestive problems like Crohn’s, ulcers, colitis, inflammatory bowel
- Menstrual problems like heavy bleeding, cramps, PMS, menopausal symptoms, mood changes, and hot flashes
This list might make it seem like everyone is toxic, which isn’t exactly true. We aren’t all sick all the time due to toxins because each of us is genetically and biochemically unique. Some of us are better at getting rid of toxins and waste than others.
Here are some simple steps you can take to help get started with detoxification.
- Drink plenty of water every day.
- Make sure your bowels are moving. If they aren’t try flax seed or some extra magnesium to get things started.
- Eat organic produce and animal products to help eliminate toxins (if you need to prioritize organic vs non organic, you can check out the EWG's Clean Fifteen and Dirty Dozen lists. If you can, always buy things on the Dirty Dozen list organic)
- Aim for 8-10 servings of colorful fruits and vegetables per day.
- Avoid stimulants, sedatives, and drugs such as caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol.
- Move your body at least five days per week with a focus on cardiovascular conditioning, strengthening, and stretching.
- Get rid of white flour and white sugar
- Take a sauna or detox bath three times per week (click here to book time in our sauna, it's under 'Wellness/Integrative' in the services menu).
- Take a high quality multi-vitamin and mineral supplement
- Practice relaxation every day.