> Holistic Healing > Detoxification and Cleansing

Purify Yourself
by author Garrett Swetlikoff, ND

Since ancient times, humans have incorporated detoxification practices to cleanse both the body and the mind. Fasting, dietary modifications, physical treatments, herbs, teas, meditation and prayer have been used with varying degrees to "purify" one’s self. To this day, most cultures and medical philosophies, except that of western society, continue such customs. In fact, western medical thought not only discourages such behaviour, but also relates it to "quackery" with no rational scientific basis. However, when most people are asked how they feel after a "cleanse," the majority state that they have realized significant benefits.

What is Toxicity?

A toxin is basically any substance that creates an irritating or harmful effect in the body. Toxicity occurs when the body cannot effectively eliminate or neutralize a toxin. Dosage, frequency of exposure and potency of the toxin play a role in the overall negative effect.

Toxicity occurs on two basic levels: internal and external. On the internal level, our body produces metabolic waste and byproducts, such as uric acid and lactic acid, through its normal everyday functions. Cells generate a host of substances that are removed by the organs of elimination: the intestines, liver, kidneys, lungs, skin and lymphatic system. External toxicity can be acquired by breathing, ingesting or having physical contact with toxins.

According to the World Health Organization, hundreds of millions of pounds of chemicals enter the environment yearly. Industrial pollutants, smoke, pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, heavy metals, plastics, petrochemicals and drugs make their way into the air, soil and water, which, in turn, enter the food chain, surroundings and atmosphere.

Although the human body is quite hardy, eventually thresholds are reached and sickness ensues. Some believe that toxicity not only leads to an increased body burden but also causes eventual disturbances in DNA and the genetic blueprint. Many speculate that the dramatic increases we now see in allergies, autoimmune diseases, cancer, degenerative and mental illnesses are related to toxins.

PDF Table of Toxins: Their Effects on the Body and How You Can Get Rid of Them

The Do’s and Don’ts

Detoxification is a relative term. Anything that supports our body’s elimination of toxins can be said to help us detoxify. Drinking pure water, eating organic fruits and vegetables, reducing processed foods, skin brushing, exercising and maintaining regular bowel movements are essential. Therapeutic detoxification under the supervision of an experienced physician may include specific techniques and prescriptions appropriate for one’s condition and current state of health. It is important to choose detoxification therapies that are not too extreme or too subtle. If difficulties arise, adjusting or stopping the program may become necessary.

Detoxification is most effective in an environment when both body and mind are focused and engaged with little or no added commitments or responsibilities. The fall and spring have historically been times to initiate these treatments; however, one can also follow one’s own natural cycle. Try to keep the body warm and comfortable, and the mind feeling as nurtured as possible (see below). Rebuilding and strengthening techniques must always follow cleansing.There are various contraindications for detoxification, and one must not go to extremes, which are unsafe and counterproductive. Detoxification is best avoided or used only under careful professional observation for menstruating, pregnant or lactating women, the very elderly, patients recovering from recent surgery, those using certain drugs, as well as patients with psychosis, wasting and end-state disease, severe anemia or severe liver, kidney, digestive, heart or lung diseases.

Detoxification Reactions

The body may initially react to a cleanse in what is called a "healing crisis," which can last several days to two to three weeks depending on the technique used and initial level of toxicity. In general, healing crises are welcome signs that the body is responding to the therapy. Symptoms may include fever, headaches, muscle and joint aches, fatigue, skin eruptions, gas and bloating, constipation or diarrhea, bad breath and mood swings. Many patients incorrectly discontinue treatment at this point in fear that they are getting worse or with the belief that they are experiencing negative side-effects. In fact, the opposite is true. If one persists, one eventually feels much better.

The Gastrointestinal Tract

Dr. Swetlikoff is a naturopathic physician practising in Kelowna, BC. He specializes in progressive and interventional natural medicine. Garrett can be reached at 250-868-2205 or gswetlikoff@shaw.ca.

Source: alive #245, March 2003