~Seasonal Detox~
Detoxification is a process that occurs within our bodies on a natural and continuous basis. Detoxifying is the process of releasing
accumulated toxins and waste products that build up throughout our system. From birth, we are bombarded by toxins, externally from environmental sources and internally, our organs give off waste products that accumulate in our body. Imbalanced emotions also play a part in polluting our system with excess chemicals such as free radicals, homocysteine and cortisol.
Detoxifying is, in many ways, an easy process. Our body does much of the detoxification process through urination, defecation and perspiration. As our bodies age and our immune systems weaken from illness, poor diet and/or addictive substances, we sometimes need to give our system an extra helping hand. That is why conscious
detoxing is a great way back to optimum health.
For some, counting on a few cups of coffee, having a cigarette, drinking excessive alcohol or doing recreational drugs has become a familiar habit. Between all the medications, refined foods, additives, alcohol, pesticides and other chemicals we are exposed to in the environment, the ability of our systems to adapt and detoxify can become challenged.
Symptoms such as frequent or reoccurring colds, feeling heavy, sluggish or tired, poor skin, acne or other related skin problems, allergies, a thick, coated tongue, bad breath, headache, and feelings of gas and being bloated after meals may indicate problems in the body's functionality and it's ability to process, digest and excrete properly. These vague symptoms that are often overlooked tend to be
the results of a congested and sluggish body system.
Exposure or toxicity to food additives, solvents, pesticides, herbicides and other toxic chemicals can cause a number of psychological and neurological symptoms. Toxins produced by bacteria in the gut can be absorbed, causing significant disruption of body functions. Toxins that the body are unable to eliminate build up in the tissues, typically in our fat stores.
One of the best ways to start your detoxification is with the body's biggest organ, the SKIN. A detox diet strengthens the organs
involved in detoxification and releases stored toxins, expelling them through the organs of elimination: the skin, as well as the intestines, liver, lungs, kidneys, and lymphatic system.
Adopting A Healthy Lifestyle
1. Eating a diet that focuses on fresh vegetables and fruits, legumes, nuts and seeds and whole grains are extremely important.
2. Regular exercise, which gets your body moving and sweating.
3. Quality sleep, where you do not have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep and wake feeling rested.
4. Avoiding drugs and excessive alcohol. The problem is not only illegal substances like cocaine, heroin and marijuana, but we are
solicited constantly by legal substances that pollute the body such as habit forming sleeping pills, excessive antibiotics that destroy not only the bad bacteria, but the healthy bacterial flora and the constant ads for alcohol.
5. Nutritional and herbal supplements to protect and enhance liver function, the kidneys ability to process and the digestive system's regularity,(discussed below).
6. Improving our mental/emotional process by stopping the mental chatter, approving and accepting ourselves and loosing the emotional
baggage that drags us down.
7. Taking a spiritual approach by looking beyond the little things that get in the way and accepting and trusting the "Universal Power" or energy to guide you. Take a look at the big picture!
8. Decluttering the toxic waste around you including the clutter in your home/office, the friends or loved ones that poison your thoughts
and actions and the environment that is making you sick.
9. Knowing that YOU are in control of your life.
10. That you have the power to do something about that will make a change.
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 and can monitor your progress throughout the program.
The most easiest, inexpensive and effective methods of detoxification are fasting and specific dietary regimens. Keep in mind that the goal is to achieve a healthier way of eating, not weight loss, or to rid the body of bacteria that causes damage. In fact, "the good bacteria," known as probiotics, is necessary in order to remain in good health.
