Demystify how to Detoxify

Have you considered a detox? For most people, the word cleanse brings to mind an image of a bottle of pills, powder or drink that smells terrible and is meant to send you running to the bathroom to “clear out” your intestinal tract. Not a very pleasant visual is it? I’d even say it’s quite a bit off track.

While an element of detoxifying your body does involve flushing out the system form the toxins it is holding on to, it does not have to be so intense. In fact, these colon cleanses can sometimes be dangerous because they can cause dehydration, disruption of the natural GI flora and nutrient loss.

a cleanse shouldn't have spending a lot of time in the bathroom

That’s not to say that there isn’t a safe way to cleanse your system. In fact I’m a big proponent of regularly hitting the “reset” button and detoxifying. The trick, however, is knowing what is appropriate for your body, your level of toxicity and your lifestyle. That’s where a little coaching comes in handy. Working with someone who is experienced in the field can not only be helpful in navigating the dozens of various options, but can also ensure you achieve the best results with minimum discomfort.

Some practitioners call these cleanses hoaxes and declare them all dangerous. I’d have to say, some are absolutely ridiculous and even border on dangerous. But I believe when conducted correctly, there’s overwhelming evidence that they do work. By following a detoxifying diet, people have corrected conditions like hypoglycemia, arthritis, irritable bowel disease, and infection; they’ve even fought cancer (and won!)

Fasting (see the blog on fasting and Ramadan for more,) is one way to achieve your detox goals. By abstaining from food, we allow our bodies a break from food breakdown and metabolism. During this break, our body can begin to “clean house” and eliminate any deposits or toxins that might be slowing it down. This break from digestion also gives our digestion track a much deserved rest and opportunity to restore. The problem is, when we fast we'll also releasing toxins at a very fast rate, possibly faster than our body can keep up with the safe elimination. And let’s face it, being hungry sucks.

Fear not! Abstaining from eating is certainly not our only option. There are juice, raw food, and fruit and veggie cleanses as well as cleanses with pre-made shakes and powder supplements. These options allow for various foods, and usually promote eating only foods that are detoxifying in nature. Some examples of foods with natural detoxification properties are:

• Cayenne pepper- along with a couple of cousins like jalapeño and habanera, have shown detoxifying and liver cleansing properties. 
• Lemons and limes- have antiseptic properties, loads of vitamin C (antioxidant) and properties that stimulate the liver to cleanse more efficiently (this is the premiss behind the famous Master Cleanse.) 
  
• Cruciferous vegetables- due to the amount and quality of phytochemicals/anti-oxidents, vitamins and minerals contained in these veggies, they have been used to help repair DNA damage and therefore block cancer cell production.   
• Spirulina- I can write an entire article on the benefits of this single super food. Aside from its super nutritional benefits, its antioxidant qualities make spirulina a potent free radical scavenger. It also has been shown to increase immune system function, making it able to fight cancer, infections and viruses including the flu and even HIV. 
• Wheat grass- one of the highest antioxidant activity of any plant organism. Also, its abundance of chlorophyll has been exploited to cure diseases including Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBS), cancer as well as side effects of chemo from traditional cancer therapy.

These natural food detoxifiers are powerful, and sometimes used in various formulas that can be found in the health food store. Please be careful when using those formulas- due to lake of regulation, many formulas could be misleading. I highly recommend using a tested and proven line like Metagenics. Not only is the quality guaranteed, but you're getting the support of a healthcare provider's guidance to tailor a program for your particular needs as well. 

It’s important to choose your method carefully to ensure you’re achieving your goal without causing harm. For example, some cleanses are better for removing heavy metal toxicity, while others are better for stabilizing blood sugar levels. And most importantly: Make sure you're getting the right liver and kidney support to ensure you don't overwhelm your system. Again, seek out the help and guidance of someone who’s experienced in this field. Besides, dietary restriction, even for a short period of time is hard! We can all use a coach in our corner! Find out more about my detox programs.

Ramadan: Fastin and Physiology

Friday marked the first day of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. It's a month that observers fast daily, no food, no water, from sunup (fajir) to sundown (maghreb.) It's interesting to note, that fasting isn't the only dietary restriction required. Islam, like Judaism, has strict dietary restrictions pertaining to the quality and butchering methods of meats. A tie between spirituality and food? Possibly, but we'll save that for another blog.

Today  thought I'd delve into the origins and significance of fasting and how it can be physiologically beneficial. Islam is not the only faith where fasting is prescribed. Restricting food intake is only one of many forms of fasts. The reasons for fasting are not always religious, non-religious reasons can be political (like Gandhi’s famous peace fasts) or even medical or health related. 

Gandhi

Most cultures incorporate fasting though religious practices. The benefits of abstaining from food and water have been observed in many cultures dating back centuries. The general idea behind the fast is that restricting food (and in most cases water,) helps the observer connect more readily with the higher power. By limiting physical satisfaction, individuals can separate physical from spiritual desires. This therefore helps one understand impurities and human imperfections. This seems to be a common theme across the board. 

fasting and meditation go hand in hand

In the Far East, fasting is a part of Buddhist and Hindu practice. Although, not generally encouraged for most Buddhists, fasting is part of the clergy’s practice. In Hinduism, there are variations in the customs from one region to another. However, those who do observe the practice, do so in worship of the Gods, in remembrance or mourning as well as to guard against egoism and self-indulgence. 

In Christian practice, it is a generally held belief that abstaining from the wants of the flesh frees the soul. Although some Christians observe by only giving up certain items (for example during lent,) other churches observe whole days of fast without food.  In the Greek Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches, for example, fasting is used to guard against gluttony and self indulgence.

In Judaism, fasting is part of the ritual of atonement from sin. In addition, fasting is to commemorate of those lost in the past as well as to celebrate salvation and gratitude. Observers are to abstain from food, drink as well as other pleasures such as lotions, oils and physical contact. The belief is that abstaining from the simple physical indulgences will increase one’s appreciation for the dependence on God and heighten the understanding of loss.

The premise behind fasting in Islam is very similar, and in fact is derived from the tradition of fasting in Judaism and Christianity. Fasting is practiced primarily during the month of Ramadan, marked by the Islamic lunar calendar, but other days are encouraged as well.  It is believed that in abstaining from food and drink, you can more fully understand the plight of those less fortunate and gratitude for what you have. (I ran across a Huffington Post article that was a very touching reminder.) It is also a time of reflection on your actions, words and thoughts, since Muslims are encouraged to refrain from angry outbursts, impure or hateful thoughts and distasteful actions especially during Ramadan. It’s a time for self-reflection and a chance to improve personal conduct, find motivation for self-control as well as seek atonement from God.

There are many proponents as well as opponents in health and nutrition on the topic of fasting. Some argue that the practice is dangerous, and could throw off the body’s natural rhythm and metabolism. Others would assert that the opposite is true; that the occasional reduction of caloric intake is actually beneficial, if not necessary for optimal biological function. This reduction allows the body to slow down and shift from storage mode to “spring cleaning” mode- providing opportunity for the body to clear up the intestines, joints and fat cells of the stores of toxins. Opponents point fingers at the fasting fad, calling the claims of cleanses, detoxes and fasts fraudulent.  

Question is, can a practice dating back hundreds of years and spanning dozens of cultures be considered a fad?

Most studies conducted on the matter conclude that to some effect the reduction of calories does in fact result in beneficial effects on insulin production and glycogenisis (breakdown of stored fat to form glucose.) Under controlled conditions, and medical supervision and support, fasting could improve your health, lower your blood pressure, your cholesterol and blood sugar levels. But since we are physical and spiritual beings, the spiritual effects must be considered. This tradition can help the observer find balance between the physical world and the spiritual world.

Is fasting part of your religious or health practice? Ever been curious about the beneficial effects of a supported detoxification program? Read my blog, "Demystify How to Detoxify" to explore the effects and methods of detoxes and cleanses. Ready to get started?  Get in touch with me now!