What Is Detoxification? by Heather Caruso B.Sc., DHMS, HD

According to some Native Indian traditions, detoxification or cleansing should be done every change of season. With the climate change comes a change in food supply, temperature and sun exposure. People tend to get sick at this time, which is due to the stress the body goes through to adjust to it’s environment. Given that we are harmonious creatures with nature, it would seem wise to cleanse during these seasonal shifts. I would recommend a whole body cleanse because as one organ system is worked on, it can create a rebound stress for other systems. When the organ systems work in harmony, it releases toxins more effectively. (Toxins are defined as a poisonous substance that may cause damage to the structure or function of the body's cells. It can accumulate in the body and cause harm.)

If one organ system is sluggish it can cause a back up in toxins. For example, the intestine creates a toxic flow to the liver. If the intestines hold impacted fecal matter, candida, bacteria or parasites, it creates toxins from putrefying. The liver works to detoxify the body of both external and internal sources of toxins.

What is detoxification?

Detoxification or cleansing stimulates the organs of elimination to release toxic burdens which in turn aids in health. Organs of elimination are those that work to excrete poisons or toxins, such as the kidneys, liver, lymph, intestines, lungs and skin. Cleansing has been around since ancient Egyptian times and was carried out as purification ritual. Detoxification can occur through diet, supplements or through other means such as saunas, Epsom salt baths and exercise. Exercise stimulates the lymph to drain toxins. This is because the heart pumps fluids more vigorously through the body. The lungs also release toxins from the body through respiration from deep conscious breathing or exercise.

Why detoxify?

• The digestive system affects the health of the whole body. If you cannot digest certain foods, have poor elimination, detoxification and absorption; you will not feel well. It aids in health to have better absorption of nutrients and excretion of waste.
• Reduction of toxic burdens frees up energy for our organs to work more efficiently on other important functions. For example, women who need a liver detox, may feel their menstrual cycles are smoother after they have cleansed. This is because the liver works to metabolize hormones in addition to hundreds of other functions.
• Detoxification aids in the removal of toxic substances from the body. It makes them less toxic through excretion or binding. It also helps with enzymes that are required to alter negative substances for excretion.
• With the release of toxic burdens, health is gained. The purer the cell, the more efficiently it functions.
• Clearer mental focus and improved emotional state often results from an effective cleanse. Even solutions for problems may seem clearer when your body is purified.
• Increased peristaltic motion means less transit time for waste to be eliminated from the body. This means less contact with putrefying fecal matter and less toxic byproducts. This eliminates a breeding terrain for bacteria, fungus and parasites. The cells and the blood are no longer poisoned from the intestinal tract.
• Improved nerve flow in the digestive tract also improves pains by acting on the nerves in the spinal column.
• Toxic accumulation may block receptor sites for various biochemical processes. For example, certain things can block the thyroid’s receptor sites for thyroid hormone. These events result in hypothyroidism due to lack of absorption of the hormone.
• Weight loss is a natural occurrence of cleansing.
• The standard American diet is full of acids, fats and proteins that cause health concerns.

What are the signs that I may need to detoxify?

• Bad breath and/or body odour
• Skin problems such as acne, rosacea, hives, eczema
• Constipation
• Nausea and poor appetite
• Over or underweight
• Gas and bloating
• Hemorrhoids
• Sinus trouble and headaches
• Premenstrual syndrome
• Vertigo and dizziness
• Water retention
• Brain fog
• Chronic colds and flu
• Food cravings
• Irritability and mood disorders
• Fatigue, tired in the morning or mid afternoon
• Tired on sleeping a full night
• Dry and hard stool
• Bowel movements that take longer then 30 seconds to pass
• Chronic diseases
• Unexplained pains in the muscles or joints
• Eating too many fats, animal proteins, alcohol and smoking
• Lack of exercise

Who should not detoxify?

• If you have a serious health concern, seek proper medical counsel before you detoxify.
• If
  you are pregnant or breast feeding, do not detoxify. The toxins that may be stirred up in your system may affect the baby, in utero or through the breast milk.
• Vegetarians who eat mainly whole grains, legumes and plenty of fruits and vegetables rarely need to cleanse. They naturally eliminate more often and have a very clean digestive tract.
• People who do heavy physical work should postpone cleansing until they have more time and energy. Cleansing can produce symptoms of fatigue which may hinder expending energy.
• If you suspect you have heavy metal toxicity, it is not a good idea to cleanse without supervision. You may release some damaging toxins into your system that would be better off hidden, until you are properly instructed how to cleanse.
• Diabetics should not partake in a fasting type of cleanse.

This is an excerpt from a book by Heather called “Your Guide to Digestive Health; A Handbook of Homeopathic, Dietary and Other Natural Treatments for Common Digestive Disorders” | www.carusohomeopathy.com | ©Heather Caruso 2008