Detoxification
Therapy
What Is It?
How Does It Work?
What Happens During Treatment?
What Is It Used For?
Side Effects/Cautions
Recommended Books
What Is It?
Detoxification Therapy uses a range of methods to assist the elimination
of harmful toxins and chemicals which may have built up in the
body over time. These methods are used mainly by naturopaths and
nutritional therapists, but other natural health practitioners
and some doctors may also suggest this type of treatment. The aim
of the therapy is to cleanse and purify the body in order to increase
wellbeing, and to prevent diseases such as cancer, heart disease
and diabetes.
How Does It Work?
Advocates of detoxification therapy argue that an overload of toxins
and synthetic chemicals in our environment and in our diet, interferes
with the healthy functioning of our bodies. These toxins come
in the form of smog, pesticides, chemicals in paint and household
cleaners, cosmetics and prescription drugs, the additives, preservatives,
artificial flavourings and colourings in our food, and alcohol
and caffeine. These chemicals may build up in the body over years,
causing damage to organs and overloading the immune system. Symptoms
of toxic overload may include depression, headaches, fatigue,
and poor digestion. By eliminating harmful toxins from the body,
practitioners believe the immune system and the organs involved
in waste removal - the kidney, liver, large intestine and skin
- can function more efficiently, and the body is allowed to heal
itself.
Many scientists remain skeptical about this form of
treatment, arguing there is no danger in the trace
amounts of chemicals we are exposed to. Since no specific
chemicals are identified during the elimination treatment,
it is impossible to say whether the treatment used
was successful. However, proponents argue that detoxification
therapy can increase vitality, improve mental functioning
and digestive problems, strengthen the immune system
and reduce blood pressure.
top
What Happens During
Treatment?
At an initial visit your practitioner will ask about your general
medical history, your diet and lifestyle. S/he will check your
blood pressure, heart and lungs, and may arrange for samples of
your blood, urine and hair to be tested for chemical content.
Your practitioner will suggest changes to your diet
and lifestyle, such as giving up smoking and caffeine,
decreasing your intake of sugar and certain types of
fat, and eating more whole grain foods or raw foods.
Additional treatments include chelation therapy, which
removes heavy metals from the body; colonic irrigation
for cleansing the bowel of toxic faecal matter; special
diets, called “detoxification diets” -
these can involve eating mainly organic foods such
as whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables and eliminating
sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and sometimes dairy, or you
may be asked to eat just one type of food, such as
grapes or apples or only raw foods; and fasting, either
a water fast, where you drink only water for 24-36
hours, or a juice fast, where you drink only vegetable
juices for up to 10 days. Nutritional or herbal supplements
may also be taken to aid the detoxification process.
top
What Is It Used
For?
Detoxification therapy has been reported to be effective for relieving
rheumatoid arthritis, raised cholesterol, high blood pressure,
skin disorders, digestive disorders, clogged arteries and heart
and lung disease.
Side Effects/Cautions
Detoxification therapy should not be used as a substitute for conventional
medical care.
Do not use this therapy if you are pregnant, nursing,
underweight, elderly, have a weakened immune system,
or if you suffer from diabetes or ulcers.
See side effects/cautions for chelation
therapy.
Avoid colonic irrigation if you have any inflammation
of the bowel, haemorrhoids or tumours of the large
intestine or rectum. This treatment can cause infection,
bowel dysfunction, and alternating bouts of constipation
and diarrhoea.
Do not fast if you have heart problems, diabetes,
advanced cancer, kidney or liver disease or lung disease.
Fasting can cause anaemia, depression, dizziness and
fainting, fatigue, low blood pressure, nausea, lowered
resistance to infections and weakness.
References
top
Recommended
Books
Prices are in US Dollars
|
|
The Detox Book: How to
Detoxify Your Body to Improve Your Health,
Stop Disease, and Reverse Aging, 2nd Edition
Bruce Fife
Substances that are toxic to our bodies come
at us from all directions: the air we breathe,
the food we eat, the water we drink, the cleaning
products we use, and the metabolic waste produced
inside us. Toxins build up in the body faster
than they can be removed, contributing to premature
aging and chronic and degenerative diseases.
Fife, a nutritionist, naturopath, and codirector
of an alternative health centre, provides a
comprehensive handbook of detoxification therapies,
including healthy nutrition, fasting, juicing,
oxygen and heat therapies, exercise, and kidney
and liver cleansing. Chapters give extensive
background information on each subject, reports
of research, and precise, detailed instructions
for self-administration of the therapies, though
the reader may also want to consult a practitioner
for additional guidance. Line drawings and
charts enhance the text, and short lists of
additional resources are given at the end of
chapters. An encyclopedic look at how we can
care for and cleanse our amazingly resilient
bodies.
Learn
more...
|
|
|
Detoxification - All you need to know
to recharge, renew and rejuvenate your body,
mind and spirit!
Linda R. Page
More than twenty-five thousand new toxins
enter our environment each year. Detoxification
and body cleansing is a necessary commitment
in today's world - a way of life - for good
health.
In this complete encyclopedia/guide of detailed instructions
for detoxification and cleansing, Dr. Page discusses why
body cleansing is necessary in today's world. She shows you:
what you can expect when you detox; what a good cleanse really
does; how to direct a cleanse for best results.
Also: Detailed detox charts for special needs; Step by step
instructions that guide the reader through every detox program;
Extensive "Green Cuisine" recipe section; Materia
Medica Detox Herbal Supplement Directory with over 90 herbs;
Glossary of detox terms; Much more!
" The commitment to having a clean body is a commitment to enjoying a better
quality of life as you rejuvenate your body, mind and spirit through detoxification
and body cleansing. Cleansing improves every part of your being: physical; psychological;
sexual. You'll look and feel better!" - Linda Page, N.D., Ph.D.
Learn
more...
|
|
|
Lose Weight, Have More Energy & Be
Happier in 10 Days
Peter Glickman
Most people have trouble losing weight because
they think the problem is fat. The real problem
is the toxins they are eating. Amazingly, when
the toxins are eliminated, not only does the
weight melt off, but people discover boundless
energy and a new positive mental attitude.
This book is the first major book written exclusively about
the Master Cleanse since it was developed and published by
Stanley Burroughs in 1976. Hundreds of thousands of people
have done this cleanse to lose weight, have more energy and
feel happier.
The Master Cleanse became famous when Robin Quivers, Howard
Sterns producer, lost more than 60 pounds on it. Requiring
no special shakes or pills, the ingredients can be found
at nearly any health food store.
This book also includes 69 frequently asked questions and
many, many personal experiences of the more than 100 people
who have done the Master Cleanse.
Learn
more...
|
More
Detoxification Books
top
<< Natural Therapies
Index
|
