Detoxing: Friend or Foe...?

Detoxification. An important and necessary process of our bodies to function optimally. It's difficult to not think about the topic these days, with all of the detox advocates floating around the interwebs and social media currently. Yes our bodies could all use some extra love in regards to getting rid of the excess toxins that we unknowingly ingest. However it is also worth consideration that a detox should have some guidance from a professional, and avoid blindly following the trend of other people who may or may not know how to help others. I recently read an article by Andrea Beaman that was very thought provoking and logically explains the topic of detoxification in a more cautious manner, that I found helpful and wanted to share below. Thanks Andrea!!!

"Are You Damaging Your Body by Detoxing?"

"Most folks, when they start a health and wellness regimen, begin with some type of detox protocol.

But, what they don’t realize is there are many other bodily functions that need to be supported as they go through the process of detoxification.

And, if those detoxification pathways are not functioning well, it could make any underlying conditions even worse as toxins back up into the system.

To keep this toxic disaster from happening inside your body, it’s essential to get to know your organ systems a little better.

So let’s get started!

The liver is the largest glandular organ in the body and performs multiple critical functions to keep the body pure of toxins and harmful substances.[1]

The liver is a hardworking organ and some of its priorities include:

• Bile production, that helps break down fats and absorption of nutrients in the small intestine

• Produces cholesterol and proteins to help carry fats throughout the body

• Stores glycogen and releases glucose as needed

• Storage of blood and iron

• Breaks down insulin, estrogen and other hormones

• Conversion of ammonia to urea (urea is one of the end products of protein metabolism that is excreted in the urine)

• Clears the blood of drugs and other harmful substances

• Produces immune factors and removes bacteria from the bloodstream

After the liver breaks down harmful substances, they are excreted into the bile or the blood: bile by-products enter the intestine and leave the body through the feces, and blood by-products are filtered by the kidneys and leave the body via the urine.

Here’s where some of the “detox” trouble arises.

If the digestive system is sluggish, and you have a tendency toward constipation, toxins can be reabsorbed back into the body and the blood via the intestines.

If the kidney/bladder system is deficient (weak), it can get overloaded with toxic residue and this can lead to bladder and kidney infections, as well as a lack of will on the emotional level. The kidneys energetically house our will and if that system becomes overburdened, you will NOT have the desire or the will to do anything.

With that being said, before you start any type of detox protocol, it’s best to ensure your liver, intestines and kidney/bladder are all working well.

One of the ways to help your digestive system function better is to eat fiber-rich foods (whole foods) and chew them well.

Digestion begins in the mouth, not in the stomach.

You can also use bitter herbs to stimulate the production/release of bile to help you digest food better. Also known as bitters, these herbs have been used for centuries and help the digestive system function optimally.

Once you get your digestive system functioning better, it’s time to ensure the kidneys are up to task… meaning they are happy, healthy and filled with essence (energy), rather than with bacteria and stones.

I usually suggest clients do some sort of kidney cleanse/support before embarking on a liver detox protocol.

Depending on their personal condition, I suggest purchasing some of the herbs below.

• Hydrangea root

• Gravel Root (Joe Pye Weed)

• Marshmallow Root

• Uva Ursi

• Goldenrod
  

Three weeks is generally sufficient for supporting the health of the kidneys and bladder with this particular herbal protocol (follow the instructions on the bottle).

BUT, besides adding highly effective plant medicines into the diet, my clients know they need to eat well and exercise on a daily basis. They cannot keep drinking soda, eating sugary crap and excessive amounts of poor quality proteins, and expect that the functioning of their organs is going to improve with a quickie detox.

After getting their digestive system functioning better and completing the kidney cleanse/support protocol, I feel confident having them do a “liver cleanse.”

Liver cleansing is not as complicated as it seems.

And, one of the BEST ways to support the health of the liver has traditionally been through fasting.

Many cultures around the world have fasted at specific times of the year to support proper liver function."

Click here for the full article with links.