Detox Methods

I recently attended a lecture on detox programs taught by a certified nutritionist, who also has unique credentials as both a certified aromatherapist AND herbologist.  She has been teaching classes on detoxification with physicians all over the country since the early 1970’s, back when “detox” was an extremely aggressive toxin elimination program (ahem, pun intended!)

It was stressed that the best detox is a gentle program that targets the entire body as a whole.  Extreme colon cleansing programs and / or radical juice-only fasts were not recommended because of the potential risk for a “healing crisis”.  This condition may occur when a person suddenly eliminates toxins the body is addicted to, such as caffeine.  A healing crisis can send someone into an alarming state of a seemingly violent illness – which may not be life threatening – but has treacherous physical and emotional symptoms.  It is both frightening and enlightening.

Why Detox?

It has been estimated we take in over 1,000 toxins per day, which is more than 100% increase compared to only 50 years ago.  The reasons cited for this huge increase include many of the usual suspects, such as increased stress levels, too many medications (prescription and over-the-counter), environmental pollution, etc.  And as you can probably imagine, the list goes on and on and on.

Benefits of Detoxing:

A mild, well-designed detox program – done a couple of times per year – can be very beneficial in helping our bodies to slowly eliminate some of the internal (and external) buildup contributing to feelings of sluggishness and a general non-descript discomfort.  Improvements may include fewer skin breakouts, less bloating, increased immunity to illness, improved sleep, better hormonal balance, shinier hair, stronger nails, lower cholesterol, less body odor, etc.

Sources of Toxins:

While there are over 85,000 sources, here are some we are regularly exposed to:

Pre-packaged foods, msg (monosodium glutamate), fast foods, refined sugar and salt, alcohol, prescription / over-the-counter meds, water additives (like flouride, chlorine and ammonia), hormones in meats / milk / eggs, mercury fillings, microwave radiation, teflon coatings, toxic skin additives (such as parabens, pthalates, etc.), flame retardants, formaldehyde in our clothing, glues used to bind books and magazines; mold from plumbling leaks; formaldehyde in carpeting; wood composites, pesticides, dust, lead in old house paints, pthlates in perfumes / plastics, etc.

Symptoms of being Toxic:

Rashes, cold sores and mouth ulcers, weight gain, headaches, sleeping problems, memory trouble, infections, obesity, depression, anxiety, body odor, cancer, etc.

Cleansing the Colon:

Professor Detox was extremely forthcoming with specifics on the ideal “output” parameters.  Suffice it to say it is doubtful the average American generates anything close to the protocols!

A supplement made from a natural blend of fiber, fruits and herbs was advised for cleansing unwanted waste from the body.  The recommended “bulking fiber herbals” included psyllium seed husks, bananas, apple pectin, flax seed, prunes, slippery elm bark, senna leaf, bromelain and ginger root.  This type of herbal supplement comes in a powder form and can be found in health food stores.  It is typically added to an 8 oz glass of water and is taken once after waking up in the morning, as well as once before bed.  The regimen should be followed for approximately 4 weeks.

I had originally planned to write a single post on detox, but quickly realized I could be writing for weeks because nearly every body organ is impacted!  You may be surprised to hear how essential oils are incorporated into a safe and comprehensive detox program.

Next time, I will post specifics about my learnings on detoxing our body’s largest organ, the skin!  And you may discover you’re already performing a “partial” skin detox program…