Does your body need detoxification?
Our body's natural detoxification system is designed to support our health by eliminating waste products and environmental toxins. Like any other hardworking system, it needs periodic rest and support to continue functioning properly. If you answer "yes" to five or more of the following questions, you would likely benefit from a complete detoxification program.
Date: 10/06/04
Source: www.holisticmed.com
1. Are you strongly bothered by gasoline fumes or common household cleaners?
2. Do you have a negative reaction when you eat foods containing preservatives or MSG?
3. Do you feel "wired up" when you drink even small amounts of coffee or black tea?
4. Are you exposed to synthetic carpeting?
5. Do you take antacids?
6. Does your family have a history of cancer?
7. Have you experienced food allergies?
8. Do you regularly consume alcohol or tobacco?
9. Are you exposed daily to cell phones, computers, or microwaves?
10. Does pollen, grass, or ragweed bother you?
The use of detoxification techniques can sometimes make the difference between an effective holistic healing program and endless frustration. I have seen these techniques get many people started on their healing path where medications, diet, exercise, yoga, and everything else failed. Cleansing techniques such as those described below have been frequently and successfully prescribed by holistic healers for moderate to severe immune system disorders.
It is well-known that eating a diet high in saturated fats can often lead to a buildup in the arteries (atherosclerosis). In a similar fashion, fats, cholesterols, mucus, xenobiotics (organic toxins), inorganic chemicals, etc. can build up in various organs and tissues of the body, severely affecting the operation of those organs and tissues. Often, these buildups aren't severe enough to be recognized as diseases unto themselves, yet they can lead to quite a few problems throughout the body.
The exposure to toxic chemicals is a large source of toxic buildups throughout the body. After years of exposure to these substances, often the body can no longer keep up with eliminating these substances and they get recirculated into the bloodstream, wreacking havoc thoughout the body, or stored in the liver, body fat or many other parts of the body. These cleanses are geared toward removing these toxic chemicals as well as other toxins.
In addition to the buildups throughout the body, problems can begin to arise in different areas of the body. The GI tract can develop microscopic ulcerations, pH imbalances, imbalance in bacteria and fungus, granulomas, hypersecretion of mucus, and many other problems. In addition to deposits of fatty acids in the liver, liver cells can begin to die, bile flow can become inhibited making digestion of fats difficult, etc. And so it goes with other organs and tissues throughout the body.
These types of buildups and problems throughout the body can contribute to the development of a serious illness. In order to reverse the serious illness, the buildups and other problems need to be removed as part of an overall healing plan. A holistic healing plan *without* the use of cleansing techniques can often result in the gradual removal of toxic substances from the body. But, in many instances, the detoxification is so slow or even non-existent that the use of cleansing techniques can be extremely beneficial. If you have had chemical poisoning or have been using prescription pharmaceuticals for a number of years, detoxification may be extremely helpful to your recovery.
An Invitation
If you not extremely weak (e.g., - AIDS Wasting Syndrome, bedridden, extremely low t-cell count), I strongly suggest that you consider performing a cleanse technique. In many cases, it can get a person started on their healing path faster than many other holistic healing techniques. Note: The ideas presented below ARE NOT meant as medical recommendations, but are intended to help you and your practitioner plan a detoxification program should both of you determine that is what should be prescribed.
There are a number of contraindications for using detoxification techniques (e.g., porphoryia and fasting), so please consult your healthcare practitioner. Even if you perform a detoxification technique on occasion, it should not be used as the major source of healing -- just a very useful tool. - Mark Gold 10/4/95
For more information on Detoxification "The Detox Box" is available from www.soundstrue.com and retails for $24.95. Also see the www.holisticmed.com website for more information on detoxification.
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