Detoxification – Some Things to Remember

Howdy folks. Detoxification is something that seems to be a bit trendy at present and it seems everywhere you turn there is a new version of a “Detox” programme. Now I have been a bit critical of our industry before and this is no exception. This is another case of our “supplement” companies going down the path of the pharmaceutical industry in my opinion. They are cashing in on a trendy wave of un-needed treatments by feeding people’s belief that they do.

With this in mind I thought that I would set a couple of things straight about detoxification and whether or not you need it. We have seen some recent tragedies in the media from people participating in extreme cleansing processes by unqualified people and this is not only dangerous but is reflecting poorly on our industry and the therapeutic benefits of detoxification when called for and when properly supervised.

First off let me make it clear that a “Detox” programme is very beneficial if done correctly and with supervision from a qualified Naturopath or Nutritionist. When would you need one of these? Most commonly if you have a lifestyle history of being exposed to chemical contaminates, have been living a very excessive lifestyle of over indulgence and are carrying a lot of body fat. In the first case you may need chelation therapy which will help collect and eliminate the heavy metals or cheicals from your system gradually and make them easier to excrete. In the second case, most commonly we see a digestive or liver cleanse.

At this point it is pertinent that I point out that your body is ALWAYS detoxifying itself. This is a NORMAL bodily process and for most people living a healthy life, eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, plenty of fibre, drinking enough fresh water, drinking alcohol reponsibly and not over indulging in rich or junky foods, getting regular moderate exercise and sleep will be doing perfectly well and are hardly likely to need a detoxification regime. For the rest of you, doing a GENTLE liver or digestive cleanse is beneficial done NO MORE THAN twice a year. Any more than that and you risk liberating a lot of toxins into the system and draining your batteries.

When you do a cleansing or detox programme, it is simply creating better conditions for your body to do what it always does naturally. In the case of N.E.S. therapy, when detox symptoms are felt, it is a case of the body self correcting and the contaminates inhibiting this process being removed. Your body will not do more than it can cope with so hammering it will not create anything extra.

Where people go wrong is that are either doing these programmes unsupervised or doing poorly designed programmes, or, they are doing them for far too long or far too often. The longest cleanse I ever give someone is 21 days and they only do this twice a year at the most. prolonged periods in sweat lodges or saunas etc to try and help this process ARE DANGEROUS AND UNWARRANTED.

SOME GUIDELINES TO REMEMBER

1. ALWAYS consult a professional, qualified Naturopath, Doctor or Nutritionist. Other kinds of therapists are NOT properly qualified to give this advice or supervise such therapies.

2. If the programmes calls for you to be exposed to high temperatures or humidity for long periods REFUSE to do it. IT IS DANGEROUS.

3. The practitioner should always do a thorough background health check and examination before recommending a cleansing or detox programme. If this is not done REFUSE TO PARTICIPATE.

4. If the pragramme calls for you to be on it for longer than 30 days REFUSE TO DO IT, THAT IS TOO LONG.

5. If the programme calls for repetition for more than twice a year, REFUSE TO DO IT, THAT IS TOO OFTEN.

6. If at any time you feel particularly unwell, CEASE THE PROGRAMME. Detoxification symptoms – (Mild headaches, dry mouth, some emotional releasing, more frequent bowel movements  and or urination, increased water intake, mild nausea) – can be uncomfortable but SHOULD NOT BE DEBILITATING.

I have used detoxification for my clients for many years, where and when needed, with a great deal of success and benefit for them. The N.E.S. system I now use also aids in detoxification, but these are very safe and proven methods that are well within safety guidelines. I have a degree in health science and understand nutrition and bodily processes well. I would like to assure my clients and readers that detoxification is a safe and effective method to use for wellbeing creation, when done under supervision and whend designed by a suitably qualified practitioner.

Please do not fall victim to the current trend of thinking you need a detox programme cause your best friend did or because some wanna be guru says it helps to clear your mind etc. You only need one if you need one!

DAILY DETOXIFICATION

The most common advice I give to people wanting to ensure that toxins and the like are not damaging their systems is as simple as this:

1. Avoid eating or drinking excessively. Especially junk foods or alcohol.
2. Avoid eating too much shellfish due to their general contamination with heavy metals and other chemicals.
3. Avoid eating too much deep sea fish. Similar reasons to shellfish. Eat shallow water species if possible.
4. Don’t smoke anything!
5. Limit coffee intake.
6. Eat plenty of fibre rich foods like fresh vegetables and fruits, wholegrains etc.
7. Drink at least 2 litres of fresh water dailly including fresh squeezed juices.
8. Get plenty of sleep.
9. Limit stress and make sure you exercise and participate in recreational activities.
10. Breathe deeply. Learn to consciously breathe long and slow..see how much better you feel.

Do these simple daily steps and you will be clearing toxins out in a gentle and consistent way as nature intended. It will save you money and time and greatly improve your wellbeing!

Have a great day!

Craig Hitchens. B.HSc. NESCP. Dip. Massage. Dip. Reflexology. IICT Member

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