Home / Nutrition Program / Basics / The benefits of detoxification
Detoxification has many benefits, not least of which are clearer skin, better energy, healthier digestive function, brighter mood, better hormone balance and more effective metabolism to name a few. Who doesn’t want that!
The body is designed to eliminate toxins, however we were not designed to live in a modern world and cope with the constant exposure to chemicals, pesticides and toxins. Our detox program is designed to support all of the organs of elimination and enhance their function.
The diet is the most important place to start when supporting detoxification, so it’s very important that you get on board and invest some time and energy into shopping and cooking – your body will thank you for it. You need to avoid processed foods in all their guises, so all processed foods should be avoided. Whole foods are higher in nutrients which help the body to eliminate toxins and far lower in additives, chemicals and toxins (especially if you are able to access organic produce).
We also use herbal medicine which has been traditionally used for centuries to support detoxification. Many studies have shown the potent effect herbs can have on the organs of elimination.
Detoxification is one of the core foundations of natural health, long before the advent of modern medicine health spas were popular in Europe. They encouraged clean eating, rest, relaxation, gentle exercise and exposure to sunlight. Cleansing herbs were used to support organs of elimination, primarily liver and bowel. If only we could all have access to this type of rest and healing!
In today’s modern world we are exposed to a myriad of chemical substances, through our food, environment, personal care products, household cleaning products, the list is endless. Many of these have never been tested for their safety in humans. It has been shown that many common plastics and other chemicals disrupt the endocrine system, while other chemicals can be neurotoxic.
Toxins come in two broad categories, exogenous (toxins absorbed from outside the body) and endogenous (toxins produced within the body). Exogenous toxins may come from environmental exposure to heavy metals, chemicals and pesticides or may be absorbed into the body in the case of drugs, alcohol and chemicals and additives used in food. Endogenous toxins include hormones and other chemical messengers that are produced within the body, including chemicals produced by bacteria, yeasts and parasites in your digestive system. Even though we all try to avoid toxins and pollution, we are all exposed on a daily basis, people are often surprised at what the tests show!
Everyone can benefit from a detox, especially if they are struggling with any of the symptoms below:
Read my recent article for Nature & Health Magazine
