Detoxification

Do you suffer from chronic pain, digestive concerns, sleep issues, mood swings, poor stress management, low libido, excess weight, headaches or lowered immune function? All of these can be a signs of chronic toxicity.
We are exposed to toxins everyday of our lives. These toxins arise from the food we eat through pesticides and other chemicals sprayed on our food, to preservatives and additives used to enhance flavour and prolong shelf life. Plastic containers and water bottles leach chemicals, such as BPA’s, that have the potential to disrupt our endocrine system and have created a large waste increase in our landfills. We are overloaded by environmental toxins including radiowaves from cell phones and wireless towers. Our water sources are not as clean as they may once have. Water is often treated with chemicals such as chlorine, mineral contents often removed and other elements added back in like fluoride. Some bottled water can pose a problem as some have been noted to have more bacteria then tap water and had the added benefit of leaching harmful endocrine disrupters. Other major toxins include smoking, heavy metals, and medications.
What is Detoxification? Detoxification is the process of eliminating toxins from the body. Poor digestion, reduced liver function, sluggish colon, poor elimination through kidneys, lungs and skin can all increase the toxic burden. Detoxification occurs naturally through the body, however, due to the number of toxins and chemicals in our food, water, air and through processing and metabolism, these toxins build up over time. Detoxification involves dietary and lifestyle changes then reduce the intake of toxins while improving elimination.
This can be done through a whole foods, plant based diet, comprising of lots of colourful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, vegetarian and lean proteins, clean water, sunshine, exercise and adequate sleep constitute a healthy lifestyle that helps to limit illness and disease and promote wellness. Although cleansing is not an easy process, most people feel better as a result of the cleansing process. It helps to increase our energy, improve digestion, sharpen mental capabilities, prevent illness, increase feelings of emotional wellbeing and improve physical appearance and minimize the effects of aging.
Although we cannot eliminate all the toxins we come in contact with on a daily basis we can minimize their effect by reducing their presence in our immediate environment. We can rest our systems and allow our bodies to better metabolize toxins by participating in a yearly or seasonal detox.
Speak with your ND to establish what detox is right for you.

By: Mary-Claire Seitz, ND