Why Detox?
In many parts of the world, particularly where Christmas or the Winter Solstice are celebrated, the end of the calendar year represents a time of excess. More food, more alcohol, and less physical activity are typical. However with the start of the New Year, many of us want to bring some changes to our diet and lifestyle, sometimes just for a short time, while others commit to long-term changes. One common activity that forms part of these changes is “detox”.
The body is in fact detoxing 24 hours a day. It has natural physiological detox actions of its own, such as sweating or urinating. But if the body takes in more toxins than it can detoxify or lacks the nutrients it needs to function properly or if there is a block in the system (like constipation) then it cannot cope and develops symptoms.
Some skeptics argue that detox is just a meaningless marketing term and mock the idea that accumulated toxins cause a sluggish metabolism or general malaise. If you are interested in how the science of detoxification responds to the skeptics then this article by the Alliance for Natural Health is a robust debate with the critics. In practice, anyone that has been on a detox programme will know how much better you feel (eventually) for cleansing your system in combination with improvements to diet and lifestyle. A Channel 4 Programme; “How the Rich Live Longer” found detoxification was a common component in the life of the super-rich looking to expand both the length and the quality of their lives.
We know that today’s ‘average diet’ differs greatly from the one we evolved to eat and typically has an imbalanced delivery of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, is too high in Omega 6 compared with Omega 3 fatty acids, and is deficient in a plethora of nutrients needed to control and balance the multiple and interacting metabolic systems required to keep us healthy, vibrant and energetic.
We live in a world surrounded by synthetic man-made compounds, found in everything from cleaning products to pesticides, which can make their way into our food, water, air and our bodies (particularly the case for fat-soluble toxins). We are less active than we used to be and we consume fewer plant nutrients that help regulate natural detoxification pathways. That means many people suffer from a burden caused by their chemical load. This can lead to fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, skin conditions and in the long run to serious diseases like cancer, heart disease, obesity and diabetes.
The body is in fact detoxing 24 hours a day. It has natural physiological detox actions of its own, such as sweating or urinating. But if the body takes in more toxins than it can detoxify or lacks the nutrients it needs to function properly or if there is a block in the system (like constipation) then it cannot cope and develops symptoms.
The starting point for detox is diet
The basic concept of a detox is to reduce your exposure to toxins and to cleanse and eliminate them from your body. Detox diets usually emphasise nutritious foods that are easily assimilated by the body with a focus on vegetables and some fruit, plenty of water and often supplements (see below) to assist the cleansing of the liver, kidney and colon.
Our advice is:
Meat, dairy, wheat, sugar, caffeine, alcohol should be avoided.
Eat organic food wherever possible and is the simplest way to reduce the amount of toxins you are ingesting. Cook your own food from fresh ingredients and avoid processed or ready-made food.
Organic brown rice can help to you to stay feeling full and avoid snacking between meals
When you can, eat raw foods and include fresh fruit and vegetable juices (make your own juices with a juicer such as NutriBullet). Lightly steaming vegetables preserves much of the nutritional value
Read every label when you buy food. Avoid preservatives, artificial flavourings and colourants
Don't eat your food in a rush. Chew properly as saliva contains important digestive enzymes and go for moderation in everything you do, you cannot detox and overeat at the same time.
If you are desperate for a snack try an organic oatcake or for something sweet an organic palm date.
Drink filtered tap water (much better than tap water and water from plastic bottles)
If you can’t handle life without caffeine, then don’t go back to brown tea, only drink moderate quantities of green tea.
If you’re looking to lose weight as part of a detox, then learn to understand glycaemic load. Our herbalist and naturopath gives more detail.
Exercise is part of detox. Start gently if you’re not used to it.
If you’re constipated, a healthy high fibre diet should improve things. You can also try an organic food grade castor oil as a temporary measure or try colonic hydrotherapy. This link provides more information.
Recognise and avoid as far as possible the other sources of toxicity you may be exposed to in products such as chemical air fresheners, cleaning products and cosmetics. Replace these products with those made from natural ingredients.
Slow down, rest and de-stress. Try a simple daily meditation or mindfulness. And remember, There are no quick fixes. The aim is to develop long-term changes in your lifestyle and get rid of bad habits. Don't go on a 'retox' binge
Supplements for detoxification
The cleanse category on our website includes a number of supplements that can help with detoxification. There are varying levels of research linked to these supplements and we’ve included one or two studies for each herb mentioned.
The individual herb most commonly used for detox is milk thistle. Milk thistle prevents liver damage and enhances liver function through its ability to prevent toxin-induced damage, and by stimulating the growth of new liver cells to replace old damaged cells. Silymarin a key phytochemical within milk thistle has been shown to stimulate the production of glutathione, by over 35 percent. Increased glutathione levels raise the liver’s detoxification potential to handle a wide range of hormones, drugs, and chemicals.
Dandelion root stimulates bile production and has also been shown to protect the liver against chemical toxins and Burdock root has similar properties
Our herbalist, Ana has combined these and other cleansing herbs in our CleanseHerb tincture blend.
Chlorella has a range of benefits including several linked to detoxification. For example it is well known as an effective heavy metal and pollutant detoxifier proven to help remove cadmium, lead uranium, mercury and dioxins from the system.
Spirulina has a unique nutritional profile that nourishes, supports and gently strengthens the whole body. It’s rich in essential nutrients such as Vitamin A, B6, B12, iron, magnesium, iodine and calcium, that make it perfect in treating any nutritional deficiencies.
Wheat grass juice has the ability to cleanse while rebuilding at the same time. It contains Super Oxide Dismutase which, like Milk thistle is a powerful antioxidant that can help to generate glutathione.
Wheat grass juice powder has a high nutritional content, which includes the nine essential amino acids, vitamins and essential minerals at a level where you would need to take about 30 times the weight in vegetables to digest the same quantity of some of these nutrients
Chlorella, spirulina, wheat grass juice powder, Pukka Clean Greens and Viridian Soul Food Greens are available in capsules and powder form. If you buy the powders then you can add them to your vegetable juice drinks to make the ultimate healthy detox formula.
Warning
It is advised to avoid self-medication. You should also seek advice from a health professional if pregnant or breast feeding