Why Detox?
Have you wondered why you feel tired, lacking energy and generally
‘unwell’ despite not being ‘ill’? There is no temperature, no runny
nose, no cough … yet you sluggish and unhealthy.
The reason is, your body is full of toxins and cannot function
optimally.
Our cosmopolitan lifestyle exposes us to external toxins day in day out.
Even the most health conscious of us cannot avoid it.
Broadly speaking, there are two types of toxins.
- Environmental toxins - toxic and unwanted inorganic chemicals
are in our food, water and air in the form of fertilizers,
pesticides, food additives (flavour enhancers, colouring and
preservatives), heavy metals, cigarette smoke and other pollutants.
They are also present in paint, carpet, plastic containers,
drycleaned clothes, cosmetics and skincare products and many, many
products we use each day.
- Internal toxins – what our body releases as the byproduct of our
digestive and metabolic processes.
Our body is designed to naturally detoxify through through our skin,
bowel, liver, kidneys and lungs in the form of perspiration, bowel
elimination, urination and respiration. But, if the body is taking in
and producing more toxins than it can eliminate, you end up in a state
of toxicity.
When the body is overburdened with toxic substances for a prolonged
period of time, it loses its capacity to detoxify efficiently, which
leads to further toxic build-up in the body. A prolonged state of
toxicity is thought to lead to illness and has been linked to hormonal
imbalance, impaired immune function, nutritional deficiency, and an
inefficient metabolism. All of this can leave you feeling tired and
sluggish and much less able to fight off illness and the effects of
aging. Signs of a prolonged state of toxicity are thought to include:
- Indigestion and/or constipation
- bad breath
- low energy and fatigue
- poor skin
- stiff, aching joints and muscles
- headaches
- weight imbalances
- insomnia and poor quality sleep
- mental fogginess or difficulty in focusing
- allergies
- susceptibility to infections
While it is unrealistic and impossible to get rid of eliminate
external toxins completely, the body can be relieved of excess toxins
through detoxifications programs. When the body is unburdened and
supported in its natural function of detoxification, people often report
improved energy, clearer skin, regular bowel movements, improved
digestion, and increased concentration and clarity. In short you are
much better equipped to cope with the daily stresses of modern life!
What’s more, it is thought that detoxification will reduce the risk for
many chronic diseases, such as cancer.
So should you go on a detox program?
Anyone considering starting a comprehensive detox program (eg. a program
that lasts longer than 3 days) should consult a qualified health
professional and/or their medical doctor first.
Pregnant or nursing women or children shouldn't go on a detox program.
If you have anemia, eating disorder, diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid
disease, autoimmune disease, cancer, terminal illness, certain genetic
diseases, and other chronic conditions, you should only undergo a detox
program under the supervision of your family doctor.
Lastly, whilst Fatigue, indigestion, cough, muscle pain, and poor sleep
are signs of a prolonged state of toxicity, they can also be signs of
serious illness. Do consult a doctor for a thorough assessment to ensure
that any symptoms are not caused by a medical condition that requires
immediate treatment. |
