The Importance of Detoxing and Why We Need To Do It
The dictionary defines Detox as the following: a process in which one abstains from or rids the body of toxic or unhealthy substances.
I have been counseling people for more than four decades on the subject of detox for the betterment of their health through my wellness clinic. Observing my clients over the years has clearly shown me the vital importance of effective therapies regarding detoxification in order to attain results for their health. However, we must also realize the potential caveats and concerns when counseling individuals regarding their detox protocols.
Our Bodies Are Flooded By Toxins
One of the most stunning studies performed showing the potential serious concerns of toxins in our daily life was on analysing umbilical cord blood. Not that long ago, scientists believed that the placenta shielded cord blood-and the developing baby-from most chemicals and pollutants in the environment. In a study spearheaded by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) two major laboratories found an average of 200 industrial chemicals in umbilical cord blood. The blood harbored pesticides, consumer product ingredients, (skin care products) and wastes from gasoline and garbage. Information such as this can illustrate and motivate people towards the clear need for detoxification. The first step in assisting anyone with his or her health is making sure they clearly understand and believe in the process itself. Many traditional healthcare practitioners often do not use detoxification as part of their toolbox. This makes education a top priority in order for success.
The Science of Detoxification
The science of detoxification of every single living organism has been intensively studied and its biochemistry illustrates its varied mechanisms of action. The mere fact that nature placed highly efficient detox pathways within all living creatures confirms its vital importance to the continuation of life. Toxins cover the gamut regarding potential damages to the cells of the body. Everything from hormone disruptors, heavy metals devastation to the body and brain, mold toxicity to the immune system, pesticides and fungicides carcinogenic effects (and the list goes on and on). Sadly the world we all live in at the present time contains far more of these toxins than in earlier days. Even in the best situations where we embrace organic foods daily and clean lifestyle we continue to be exposed to toxins from vaccines, mold in the workplace or home, pharmaceuticals, water, skin care products, suntan lotions, the chemical Roundup, which is found in almost all foods. The list goes on and is almost endless. The body has only so much capacity within its system of detox and clearly these days the body is often at or beyond capacity in many individuals. In this situation healing will be seriously inhibited and detox systems must be reinforced and supported in order to achieve and regain health for many people. Of course “Father Time” is not our friend because as we age these detox pathways lessen in efficiency which results in continued elevating the damaging toxins and lessening health.
The Myths of Detoxing
In counseling individuals on the detox conversation, we must remember what their perception of “detox” may be in their mind. For the majority of individuals when they hear the word “detox” they are thinking colon and going to the bathroom. We know regularity does have a place in lessening toxins, but I am more concerned with cellular detox for most of my clients. I always address the issue of regularity and the need to work towards regular bowel movements, but too many so called natural cleansers are nothing more than hidden laxatives. Ingredients such as aloe, cascara, chinese rhubarb, and of course senna are often addictive and are simply cleansing what was eaten over the past few days and not cellular detox. In my podcast, I have nearly 100 episodes on the topic of natural health and the most listened to episodes out of all of them is the one on constipation! I offer information for anyone on a plan of not embracing laxatives but safer options for those who need to reestablish healthy regularity.
Benefits of Detoxing
There are many benefits of cleaning up your daily lifestyle choices. Common sense clearly indicates that the first step in detox is to lessen the amount of toxic exposure. The regulations in other countries do not allow many of the skincare products and pesticides that are used in this country due to their potential toxic dangers. Learning how to navigate these choices is far easier today than in the past. I recommend the website and app EWG.org as they evaluate the safety and risk of so many products and the format is very easy to navigate.
Be aware that if someone becomes too aggressive with internal cleansing it is not uncommon to experience flu-like symptoms such as headache, joint and muscle pain, body aches, general malaise, sweating, or nausea. This requires cutting back or taking a short break from cleansing to allow the body to normalize. All toxins must be freed up from fatty cells and when that occurs too fast it significantly overloads the body's capacity.
The Biochemistry of Detoxing
For those who desire the actual breakdown of how detoxification actually occurs in the body, here is the biochemistry of the process:
There are three phases to most detoxifications within the human body.
Phase 1-enzymatic transformation: This process assists in transforming lipid soluble toxins to more water soluble. Lipid soluble is far more difficult to remove. This process is generally carried out by the cytochrome P450 system in the liver (this P-450 system can be sluggish in a large percentage of the population, lifestyle and botanical therapy offers safe options to assist).
Phase 2-enzymatic conjugation” This system further increases water solubility and relies on glutathione and similar molecules for effectiveness.
Phase 3-transport: Purpose is to excrete water soluble compounds from the cell and is carried out by ATP transporters (nutritional and botanical options again reinforce this system for optimal detox).
I want to detox. Now what?
Listed below are the nutraceutical and botanical options for setting up a detox plan. This is what I consider the most effective researched choices for assisting the body in reducing toxins within the body.
In my many years of experience I have 3 methods of supplementation with natural remedies that further accelerate the process of optimal cleansing. No one ingredient will accomplish this goal which is why you will see three options. Each of these options will consist of tried and proven safe remedies for lessening toxins within the body which allows health to flourish again. Depending on the level of toxicity will determine which Detox Bundle to use. Some individuals will only purchase one bundle and others may find the need to eventually go through all three with some breaks in between.
1. Standard American Detox Bundle
This program utilizes 3 products used as labeled. The cleanse is normally done in a 4 to 8 week program. The products have a track record of safety and effectiveness yet are gentle to the user.
The incredible ingredients in this bundle are formulated for freeing up the toxins and secondly assisting the colon in detox. Nothing in this bundle is laxative, (unlike most cleaners) and is non-addictive. This bundle may be chosen by those who have a history of sluggish elimination within the intestines.
CellCore is one of the most effective products that open up the detox pathways in our body. Toxins are many times tightly bound to our fatty cells and regardless of healthy eating they rarely are released in order to be excreted. This detox bundle consists of 3 powerful natural products that are used together and is very effective in accomplishing the goal of detox. We recommend very toxic individuals to find a health care practitioner to guide you during the cleanse. If you purchase the Guided Detox Bundle kit, Nutrition World certified coaches will do a 15 minute phone or Skype consultation for FREE!
We recommend consulting with your healthcare professional before using any products if you have a health condition.
It’s not just supplements. It’s a lifestyle.
We must also remember the importance of not only supplementation but also embracing lifestyle advice to optimize the process such as adequate fluid consumption, dry skin brushing, sauna therapy, and intermittent fasting which should be included for optimal results.
Know that we should not believe we must live a life of “dimming eyes” with poor health. Hope is found in the fact our body has a pharmacy within that we can access but only with knowledge and wisdom. Trust your body to heal but many times we must open this power of healing by removing the obstacles to health.
Source: Chemical analyses of 10 umbilical cord blood samples were conducted by AXYS Analytical Services (Sydney, BC) and Flett Research Ltd. (Winnipeg, MB).