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Volume 4 - 1
Detoxification: A natural way to battle aging
and enhance health
The human body is exposed to millions of toxins every day. These toxins come from pesticides, food additives, heavy metals in the water, industrial chemicals, pharmaceutical drug residue, and many other substances. Toxins are also produced naturally by the body and are therefore absolutely impossible to avoid. Research has revealed that toxicity is responsible for rapid aging, promoting degenerative diseases, and breaking down the immune system. Despite these threats to our health, there's good news: Damage from these pollutants can be battled through a variety of natural approaches to maintain a healthy and clean body.
The digestive system is known as the cornerstone of good health. It has been believed and proven for centuries that our mental and physical energy stems from good digestive function which is responsible for the assimilation, or uptake, of all nutrients and the elimination of waste and toxic substances. When this system is healthy and in good function, all of the body's processes and systems run smoothly. When the body is not digesting well, signs of gas, bloating, nausea, constipation, obesity, and emotional imbalance will be present. When these symptoms appear, the body is not detoxifying to its full potential and the liver is overwhelmed with toxic substances.
The liver is the main filtering agent which detoxifies the blood and rids the body of pathogens and bad bacteria. The liver cells have fat soluble membranes which may store toxins for extended periods of time and then release them when the body is physically straining, stressed and starved. When a build up of toxins is finally released, exhaustion is the first prevalent symptom. In order to keep this organ continually cleansing, there are a variety of methods which are used to maintain liver and digestive system health. Fasting, botanical remedies and diet modification are the most popular routes to detoxify and cleanse. Some health care professionals use all three together while others have a particular preference for one.
A Fast Way To Cleanse
There are various types of fasts which people use to cleanse and rid themselves of toxins. Usually they are done in the spring or autumn, and can vary from a seven day water fast to a three day juice fast. It is very important to consult a health care professional before fasting and the longer the fast, the more strict supervision should be. According to Dr. Leon Chiatow, author of The Body & Mind Purification Program, "During a fast the body uses up non-essential tissues, such as fat, as a source of fuel, but spares essential tissues. These non-essential tissues are used by the body as safe 'dumping grounds' for unwanted toxic materials such as heavy metals and pesticides." It is important to tailor a fast to an individual's needs and conditions. Diabetics are usually not recommended to fast and instead may try a "monodiet" which is eating the same food (such as apples) for a few days. Many experts who recommend fasting, stress that rest and relaxation is extremely important, so the body will channel the energy towards cleansing. The entire metabolic rate of the body slows down during fasting as does the body's temperature, blood pressure, pulse and respiratory rate. Fasting is considered the quickest way to eliminate toxins and recharge the body's natural healing processes. It can be a strong first step in adopting a long-term, detoxification program and lifestyle.
Fasting is a very controversial method of cleansing, too. Many health experts reject fasting as a healthful way to detoxify the body. In the December 1995 issue of the Townsend Letter, Jeffrey S. Bland, PhD stresses that starvation and long-term fasting can deplete the body's detoxification process. Lack of essential nutrients can increase the susceptibility to toxicity. Among the antioxidants which are drained from exposure to toxins is glutathione. This amino acid is found in high levels of the organs which detoxify, especially the liver. According to Dr. Bland, "During times of increased exposure to toxins, there is a greater demand upon glutathione reserves in the body. If the individual is fasting or not eating an appropriate diet, exposure to toxins can have serious adverse effects which have been associated with increased biological aging."
Nutritional supplementation is an imperative part of detoxification, especially when one chooses to fast. It is usually recommended that a potent multiple vitamin and mineral formula, along with additional vitamin C, glutathione, glutamine and lipotropics (such as choline and L-methionine) be supplemented during fasting and detoxification. The body's nutrition stores need replenishment at all times, especially when it is not being fed. Herbals are also one of the keys to cleansing and supporting the liver in ridding the body of unwanted substances.
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