Dr. Elvis Corner Request more information email

Detoxification

March 4th 2013

In the field of preventative medicine, detoxification programs have become very popular. Detoxification, or detox for short is defined as the reduction of the toxic properties of a substance. The goal is to attain proper functioning and optimum health by detoxifying the body of toxins and harmful chemicals.

Are you toxic? The following lists are some of the signs and symptom one may have in Toxic Overload cases;

  • Feeling tired, sluggish, lethargic
  • Trouble concentrating and staying focused
  • Headaches
  • Joint pain
  • Catch colds easy
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Bad breath
  • Unpleasant body odor
  • Frequent gas, bloating or indigestion
  • Allergies and/or food sensitivities
  • Skin problems like acne, psoriasis, eczema
  • Constipation and other gastrointestinal irregularities
  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Recurrent respiratory problems
  • Back pain
  • Mood changes
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Sinus congestion
  • Dark circles below eyes
  • Smoker
  • Eat meat 2 or more times daily
  • Drink less than 3 cups of water daily
  • Indigestion which is also known as dyspepsia can result in abdominal discomfort or a burning sensation in your upper abdomen. If one cannot digest foods properly it may lead to decreased absorption of essential nutrients and this may lead to signs of tiredness and becoming fatigued. Some reasons for indigestion include eating too much or too fast, high-fat foods, eating when stressed, smoking, excess alcohol intake and taking some medicines. Over time they all contribute to indigestion and could make it worst.

    Body Detox

    Consuming a diet low in water intake and inadequate fiber may lead to a sluggish intestinal tract and constipation. Therefore to prevent complications one can consider a program which is supervised to help to detoxify your body. Examples include; water and juice fasting, herbal supplements as well as a diet detox which can be done after one indulges in a period of over-eating or the consumption of non-nutritious and processed foods. A vegetarian diet may be effective in cleansing the body. This diet contains no animal fat, less processed foods and more fruits and vegetables which aids digestion and help cleanse the digestive tract because of their high-fiber content.

    Herbal Remedies

    Herbal remedies can also be considered to help detoxify the body and internal organs.

    Milk thistle has been used historically to treat liver disorders and in detoxification and cleansing protocols. Traditionally it has also been used to protect the liver and help relieve digestive disturbances/dyspepsia.

    In cases of sluggish bowels, Aloe vera can be considered to help in the short relief of occasional constipation. Aloe is commonly used today as a herbal remedy to promote bowel movements. In herbal combinations, Aloe vera can also be used with other herbal remedies in detoxifying for maximum benefits.

    Both Fennel and Artichoke has been used traditionally to help relieve digestive disturbances, including bloating and gas.

    Using combination of herbs is also useful to help cleanse the body – holistically. To help purge toxic build up and waste from the body natural cleansing herbs in exact ratios can be used including;

    Slippery Elm Bark:

  • Contains tannins and mucilages which are believed to help dissolve mucus deposits in tissues and glands.
  • Inner bark is rich in calcium, magnesium and vitamins A, B, C and K.
  • Helps neutralize acids from indigestion
  • Indian Rhubarb Root:

  • Gentle laxative and helps purge the liver of toxic build up and waste.
  • Helps neutralize acids from indigestion.
  • Burdock Root:

  • Reduce mucus, maintain healthy GI tract and stimulate a healthy immune response
  • A diuretic for water retention and to sweat out toxins through the skin
  • Has Vitamin A and selenium to help reduce free radicals
  • Chromium to help maintain normal blood sugar levels
  • Sheep Sorrel:

  • Diuretic for healthy kidney and urinary functions
  • Rich in ascorbic acid, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium
  • Nourish glandular system
  • They are rich in essential minerals and vitamins, which help nourish and strengthen individual cells and molecules.

    As with most detoxification diets and other types of fasting, it can be very difficult to maintain for extended periods of time. Therefore using other herbs in conjunction to a herbal combination is recommended. Green tea is an excellent example since it is a source of antioxidants for the maintenance of good health and ideal to be used with any program of reduced intake of dietary calories in weight management.

    We are what we eat and also what we absorb, therefore taking digestive enzymes and probiotics is suggested in any detoxification program. They also provide “friendly bacteria” which forms part of a natural healthy gut flora.

    If you have never attempted any detoxification programs it is important to check with family practitioner before you begin. Detoxification should not be done if you are pregnant, breast-feeding or suffer from heart problems, diabetes or chronic conditions. Remember there are numerous methods to detox your body and some may require lifestyle as well as dietary changes. Therefore, it is best to choose methods that you can follow which is safe and done with medical supervision. Besides taking herbal supplements and starting any detox diets make sure to include digestive enzymes and probiotics. They help with digestion and maintain a healthy intestinal flora which aids in complete digestion and assimilation of nutrients.

    Helpful tips: For an overall healthy digestive tract and regularity

     

  • Reduce pesticides and chemical exposure
  • Try to cut down on commercially grown meat
  • Increase fruits and vegetables, preferably organic ones – high in fiber
  • Increase cruciferous & dark green leafy vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains
  • Consider eating carrots (beta-carotene) and grapes (proanthocyaindines) which are sources of antioxidants
  • Eat pineapple and papaya since they contain digestive aids to help break down foods
  • Drink more water and herbal teas – helps keep the bowels moist
  • Stop taking nicotine, coffee, saturated fats, alcohol and sugar
  • Exercise at least 20-30 minutes daily
  • Begin gradually with 1-3 day detoxify program and work up to a week
  • Other detoxifying programs to consider include: acupuncture, saunas and homeopathy.
  • Get plenty of fresh air
  • Decrease stress by using getting massages, try deep-breathing, yoga, tai-chi, counselling, laughter and hydrotherapy)
  •  

    1. Dorland’s Medical Dictionary. Detoxification. (Internet) (Cited on Jan. 5th, 2010) Available at http://www.mercksource.com/
    2. Medline Plus. Indigestion. (Internet) (Cited on Jan. 5. 2010) Available at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/indigestion.html
    3. Medline Plus. Fiber. (Internet) (Cited on Jan. 5, 2010) Availabe at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002470.htm
    4. Greenlee H, Abascal K, Yarnell E, Ladas E. Clinical applications of Silybum marianum in oncology. (Integr Cancer Ther.) 2007 Jun;6(2):158-65.
    5. NHPD Monograph. Milk thistle. (Internet) (Cited on Dec. 17th, 2009) Available at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodnatur/applications/licen-prod/monograph/mono_thistle-chardon-eng.php
    6. NHPD Monograph. Aloe vera. ( Internet) (Cited on Dec. 16, 2009) Available at - http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/monoReq.do?id=4&lang=eng
    7. NHPD Monograph. Burdock. (Internet) (Cited on Dec. 17th, 2009) Available at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php
    8. NHPD Monograph. Fennel. (Internet) (Cited on Dec. 17th, 2009) Available at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodnatur/applications/licen-prod/monograph/mono_bitterfennel_fenouilamer-eng.php
    9. NHPD Monograph. Artichoke (Internet) (Cited on Dec. 17th, 2009) Available at http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/monoReq.do?id=87&lang=eng
    10. NHPD Monograph. Green tea. (Internet) (Cited on Dec. 17th, 2009) Available at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodnatur/applications/licen-prod/monograph/mono_greentea-thevert-eng.php
    11. NHPD Monograph. Probiotics. (Internet) (Cited on Dec. 17th, 2009) Available at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodnatur/applications/licen-prod/monograph/mono_probioti-eng.php

     

     

     

    pine trees
      North America 1-514-695-2299 / TOLL FREE 1-888-900-2299 (back to top)▲
     Essiac® For Pets | Tru-Pine® For Pets      Essiac® Powder | Essiac® Liquid Extract | Essiac® Vegicaps | Tru-Pine® Extract

    Designed by theComputerAide.com