Detox. Do you really need to?

You have no doubt heard that we don’t really need to “detox” because our body already does this for us.

And, that is absolutely right.

Our liver, kidneys, digestive system and even skin are constantly eliminating wastes and getting the nasties out of our body. All day. Every day. It is a natural process.

So, when we refer to “detoxing” we are really talking about how we can support our body to carry out its own natural cleansing.

Naturopathically, we do this by nourishing the body with whole foods, avoiding processed foods and unnecessary chemicals, and supporting the liver and kidney with strengthening and tonifying herbal medicines and supplements. And taking it easy.

Our liver performs more than 500 functions in the body. 500! 
So doesn’t it make sense to make it a little easier for the liver to do its job by giving it a break from alcohol, coffee, processed foods and unnecessary chemicals. I remember learning at university that when we drink alcohol or coffee, our liver has to, in a sense, stop what it is doing to immediately deal with the constituents of alcohol or coffee (which it identifies as a “poison”) until it can process it into substances which is safer for the body to metabolise.

Detoxing, in the naturopathic sense, is about reducing the burden we place on our body so it can really address removing any stored or built up toxins in the body.

In many cases, I recommend that clients support their body to detoxify before we can really begin treatment. A detox might be for just two days or up to six weeks, depending on the individual.
Not everyone should jump in and start a detox though – for example if you are pregnant or on some medications – so it is important to see a natural healthcare practitioner first.

Wondering if a detoxification program might help you?
If you answer “yes” to a significant number of these questions, then you might want to consider a professional detoxification program:

• Do you consume less than five cups of vegetables and/or salad daily?
• Do you often eat non-organic foods?
• Do you eat processed or fatty meats such as ham, salami, devon or sausages?
• Do you drink alcohol?
• Do you drink more than four alcoholic drinks in one session?
• Do you use recreational or social drugs?
• Does your diet contain soft drink and/or junk food (chips, chocolates, biscuits, lollies, cakes)?
• Do you consume food or drink from plastic, plastic-lined containers, tin or aluminium (eg bottled water, disposable coffee cups, canned foods, takeaway food containers)?
• Are you, or have you been, exposed to insecticides, pesticides or herbicides in the last 12 months (e.g. had your home sprayed for pests, or used weed killing sprays, termite or flea treatments)?
• Are you, or have you been, exposed to heavy traffic, exhaust fumes and pollution?
• Do you use synthetic cleaning products at home (e.g. disinfectants, detergents, bleach, polishes and similar products)?
• Are you, or have you been, exposed to heavy traffic, exhaust fumes and pollution?
• Are you regularly exposed to nail polish, hair dyes and similar products?
• Do you suffer from fatigue?
• Do you suffer from headaches or migraines?
• Do you currently suffer with any skin conditions (e.g. eczema, acne and/or rosacea)?
• Do you suffer from allergies or asthma?
• Do you experience PMS, irregular periods or heavy periods?
• Have you lost/are you trying to lose a significant amount of weight?
• Do you have trouble losing weight or regain lost weight quickly?
• Do you pass stools that are slightly loose or well-formed?
• Do you feel a sensation of incomplete emptying of the bowel?
• Is there mucus or blood in your bowel motion?
  
• Have you been on a course of antibiotics in the last 12 months?
• Do you take pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory or pain relief medicines?
• Are you taking or have you previously been on proton pump inhibitors?
• Are you or your partner planning on becoming pregnant in the next six months?
• Do you experience abdominal bloating or discomfort, burping or excessive flatulence?
• Do you experience nausea or loss of appetite?
• Do you suffer from heartburn, indigestion or reflux?
• Do you get diarrhoea?
• Do you experience constipation (less than one bowel movement a day)?
• Do you suffer from oral or vaginal thrush?
• Do you smoke?
• Do you have a new house, or recently renovated your house?

If you answer yes to a large number of these questions, then you may want to consider a detoxification program. Learn more about clinical detoxification here. 

And don't worry - a detox doesn't mean being hungry or feeling deprived. Check out this detox recipe for Caramelised Bananas with Coconut and Macadamia Crumble.


References:
Liver Anatomy: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/liver-anatomy-and-functions.
​Detox Questionnaire: www.metagenics.com.au