Why Detox?

NATUROPATHIC NEWS & REVIEW:

By Columnist Trudy Cadoo – Senior Naturopath:

Regular detox can be an integral part of a healthy life, it can enhance your overall health and keep you not only looking your best but feeling your best too.  Detoxification is a natural process whereby the body is supported through diet, herbal and nutritional supplementation to process and remove toxins via key elimination channels including our digestive system, liver, and kidneys.

‘Toxin’ refers to any substance that has the potential to interfere with cellular function and both our short term or long term health.  Toxicity is unavoidable.  In our everyday lives, all of us are exposed to some of the residual burden of the two to three thousand new-to-nature chemicals which are invented and released into the environment every year. According to Institute of Functional Medicine and the National Cancer Institute, these chemicals are found in all aspects of our lives: air, water, soil and food.

So Why Would You Need to Detox?  

Maybe you have been suffering from some undesirable symptoms, such as:

• Indigestion, constipation, diarrhoea, stomach pain, reflux, nauseous after eating.
• Recurrent headaches.
• Muscle aching and weakness.
• Recurrent infections.
• Short-term memory and concentration.
• Sensitivity to environmental chemicals and strong odours e.g. perfumes.
• Chronic fatigue and lethargy.
• Anxiety and/or mood swings.
• Hormonal disturbance such as PMS, heavy, painful or irregular periods.

Detox is certainly not new, there is evidence dating back to at least the ancient Hindus, Greeks and Egyptians who all used certain foods and herbs to purify and detoxify the body.  While there are many detox programs on the market., it’s important to make sure that you are being guided by a qualified practitioner.

Detox Tips

There are some simple diet changes that you can make today to help reduce your level of toxicity. These include, but are not limited to:

• Enjoying only fresh organic seasonal fruit and vegetables.
• Avoiding packaged and processed foods.
• Eliminating foods containing artificial colours, flavours, additives and flavour enhancers, as well as foods containing hydrogenated fats.
• Avoiding saturated fats, gluten and sugar.

Living the Detox Lifestyle

• Exercise for optimum health and detoxification, 30-to-40 minutes of exercise three to four times per week. For example, swimming or a brisk walk is sufficient.
• Avoid recreational drugs – caffeine, tobacco and alcohol.
• Drink pure water – at least two litres of water per day, more if it is hot or you are exercising.
• Detoxify your environment – eliminate or minimise your use of chemical cleaning products, make use of the environmentally friendly products or make your own products, (vinegar, bicarb soda and essential oils). Skin care products also need to be considered as they are often full of chemicals.  Take a look at the organic skin care ranges that are available for a healthier choice.

About Our Naturopathic News and Review Columnist

Trudy Cadoo is a Senior Naturopath at Brisbane Livewell Clinic, Wavell Heights. She believes that health is more than the absence of disease. It is the balance of many factors including mental, emotional and physical well-being. Trudy uses a wide range of diagnostic tools to identify and treat presenting problems.  Trudy specialises in helping busy professional women gain more energy, increase their immune system and feel more vital and in control of their health.

Disclaimer: The information published in this column are based on the author’s own professional and personal knowledge, and opinion. This information and opinion is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment of any manner. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding any medical condition and consult a qualified medical professional before beginning any nutritional program or exercise program. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on InShape News.