It’s January of 2020, and time for new beginnings! Among the most healthful steps you can take as you contemplate new beginnings is to detox your body and your environment. Here’s an overview about detox, and some resources to help you dive in further.
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What is “Detox,” and Why Do We Need It?
“Detoxification,” explains Dr. Frank Lipman of BeWell.com, “is what your body does naturally to neutralize, transform or get rid of unwanted materials or toxins. It is a primary function of the body, constantly working and interacting with all other functions of the body.” The real goal, he adds, is to support the body in its detoxification processes to optimize health and assure proper bodily function.
One of our most trusted experts at Revealed Films is Dr. Edward Group, and he has spent a lot of time working to educate people about environmental toxins and the benefits of detoxing.
He points out that studies of environmental toxins have shown that we are exposed to up to 500,000 chemicals and toxins per day that we are taking in – either ingesting, breathing in, or absorbing through our skin.
Dr. Group explains that it is important to educate people about detoxification and to “let people know the power of cleansing their body and the power of healing that they have within. Because everybody has a self-healing mechanism, it’s just suppressed.”
Often people come to a health care practitioner with a list of troubling symptoms they are seeking help with, and usually, they have tried supplements and natural remedies to address their symptoms, but have been met with marginal success.
Dr. Group points to a specific reason for this and a clear first step: a body that is not detoxed will not absorb nutrients and supplements properly, so the benefit of any remedy taken is compromised. By detoxing the gut and the liver, the pathway is cleared for your symptoms to be addressed.
After detoxing, many people find a surprising result – the presenting symptoms that had been plaguing them often change! He adds, “That means that most people who are going into their doctor’s office, they’re getting treated for the symptoms that are on the outer layer. But what’s really the root cause that they’re dealing with is two or three layers in.”
What Can I Do to Help My Body Detox?
There are many schools of thought about the best way to help your body flush out toxins. It’s important to discuss this with your natural health practitioner (if you need help finding one, this website is a good place to start). Depending on your body type, your health, and what you may have been exposed to, there may be considerations that need to be taken into account before you begin. With that in mind, here are a few options:
Intermittent Fasting
A simple option you can try is fasting, specifically intermittent fasting. This may involve fasting for 16 hours per day with an 8-hour eating window. Some people choose to fast two days per week and eat for the other 5. Again, your health care practitioner will know which fast is best for your body. Fasting makes your body go through a natural process called “autophagy,” in which damaged cells are essentially cannibalized and flushed out of your system. Because this is a process your body is naturally designed to go through, it’s a gentle and safe way to start.
You don’t have to quit eating altogether for days on end… there are a variety of ways to fast, and some even involve consuming very-low-calorie foods such as bone broth rather than nothing at all.
To learn more about intermittent fasting, check out these resources:
Intermittent Fasting for Detoxification and Repair (12-minute video)
The Complete Guide to Fasting by Dr. Jason Fung
Detoxing with Supplements and Herbs
There are numerous supplements and herbs on the market that accomplish a healthy detox, including Dr. Group’s proprietary products. Herbs that support detox include:
Many supplements are on the market that contain these herbs, and some are aimed specifically at different types of detox and different types of toxins. Whatever you buy, be sure it is organic, non-GMO, and has been subjected to third-party testing. It is always a good idea to call the manufacturer and find out where they source the ingredients used in their products, because herbs and binders from unsafe sources can be full of impurities and toxins… which is exactly what you’re trying to get rid of!
When you detox, it’s a good idea to add a binder so that the toxins that are being released have someplace to go. This can help reduce the “detox flu” that often happens as toxins are released back into your system… which can leave you feeling temporarily worse for a few days. Good binders include bentonite clay, charcoal, chlorella (a type of algae), and modified fruit pectin.
To learn more about herbs and supplements, check out these resources:
Nature’s Detox: 50 Cleansing Herbs by Dr. Andrew Iverson
Quicksilver Scientific Push Catch Liver Detox Kit
The Detox Miracle Sourcebook: Raw foods and herbs for complete cellular regeneration by Robert S. Morse, ND
Dr. Group’s Detox herbal products, crafted for purity and potency
Other Ways to Detox
In addition to the better-known solutions above, there are a variety of other things you can do to help your body rid itself of the toxins that are weighing you down. Mineral baths are not only good for detox, they also help you relax. Choose a quality mineral mixture without additives… you can add pure essential oils to your bath to add aromatherapy without adding chemicals. Infrared saunas are also an excellent tool for detoxification, so consider looking for a spa or other location nearby that has one. Home saunas are also available (small, portable saunas are surprisingly cost-effective) and infrared sauna blankets can also be purchased.
To learn more about the methods above, check out these resources:
100% Pure Dead Sea Mineral Bath Salts
Sauna Therapy for Detoxification and Healing by Dr. Lawrance Wilson
Full size portable personal sauna
Next Up: Overhaul Your Diet for a Healthy New Start!
Keep an eye out for the next article in this series…which is all about strategies to eliminate GMOs and chemicals in your diet, while focusing on healthy foods that build up your immunity and strength. We’ll bring you some practical, simple ways to get a fresh start this year and start healthy habits that last a lifetime!