Even though modern life would be impossible without all the chemicals that go into all our "necessities" of life, there is a down side to all this exposure. Each and every day we are exposed to hundreds of substances that have infiltrated our food, water and air. They lurk in our cleaning products, fabrics, personal care products, our automobiles and even in the building materials in our homes and offices.
While our bodies have systems of detoxification to deal with and eliminate chemicals to which we are exposed, the sheer volume of these chemicals can overwhelm our bodies and cause a toxic buildup leading to disease and just plain not feeling up to par.
A toxin is defined as any compound that has a detrimental effect on cell function or structure. When the body experiences an overload of toxic substances, the consequences can manifest in a number of ways. Individuals suffering from the following would benefit greatly from a fasting cleansing detoxify body program.
*dullness
*headaches
*nausea
*drowsiness
*gout
*dizziness
*lethargy
*insomnia
*boils and pimples
*mental and physical fatigue
*halitosis
* eczema
*lack of concentration
*profuse sweating
*emphysema
*loss of memory
*skin rashes
*body odor
*PMS
*irritability
In addition to these symptoms, it has been suggested that toxic overload may also contribute to more serious conditions such as cancer, autoimmune disease including inflammatory and rheumatoid arthritis, and neurological disease such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
Allow me to break down each specific detoxification organ and it's purpose in the detoxification process, as well as each organ's purpose when it is functioning properly.
1. The liver eliminates toxins, hormones, worn-out blood cells and drugs. It also stores glycogen for energy, the fat-soluble vitamins and the minerals copper and iron, bile salts and triglycerides (specialized fats). The liver produces cholesterol and plays a role in fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism and extracts wastes from the blood.
2. The kidneys purify blood and lymph. They excrete toxic substances and waste products through the urine. Adequate water intake is necessary for toxin elimination.
3. The intestines are involved in the assimilation of nutrients through the intestinal lining. Toxins can damage this filtering membrane, leading to malabsorption of nutrients and abnormal permeability. This can result in leaky-gut syndrome, leading to increased allergic reactions.
4. The skin eliminates toxins through perspiration. The skin is the last organ for the body to eliminate toxins. Therefore, if you are suffering from rashes, acne, etc. a detoxification program would be of great benefit.
5. The lungs excrete toxins as exhaled gases or in phlegm.
6. The lymph glands contain fluid that plays an important role in the detox process, carrying away wastes from the cells. Lymph nodes act as purifying stations, removing toxins, wastes, and bacteria from tissues.
If you are trying a fasting cleansing or detoxify body program for the first time, it is best to start with a gentle cleanse. Detox diets can target the different organ systems involved in detoxification. In general, it is usually recommended that you begin with the intestines. The reason for this is if you focus on the liver first, the stored toxic substances that are released from the body tissues may become reabsorbed if the bowels are not moving adequately enough to expel them. A natural health care practitioner can design a fasting cleansing detoxify body program that suits your needs by targeting specific organ systems. For example, a person with a skin condition may benefit from a program that addresses the liver, intestines, and the skin.
When incorporating a fasting cleansing detoxify body program, some people may initially experience headaches, slight nausea, poor concentration, weight loss, skin rashes or chilliness. Gradually, individuals will notice an improvement, usually by the third or fourth day. Vitamin C helps reduce these temporary side effects.
Is there anyone who shouldn't try a fasting cleansing or detoxify body program?
It is especially important to consult a qualified health care practitioner if you have a terminal or malignant illness, genetic disease, liver disease, cancer, autoimmune disease, hyperthyroidism, mental illness, diabetes, active alcoholism or drug addiction, eating disorder, are chronically underweight, take regular medications or are pregnant.
