Body Detox
Cleansing from the inside out
With summer fast approaching, many of us try to slim down in time for warm-weather getaways. One way to gain a sleeker figure—and a healthier one—is to undergo a detoxification routine.
An integral part of many wellness philosophies, including ayurveda and Chinese medicine, detoxification involves removing impurities from the blood and nourishing the body from the inside out. This is typically done by setting aside a period of time in which toxins such as alcohol, refined sugars, saturated fats, and even chemical-based cleaners and beauty products are eliminated and/or replaced with more healthful choices.
Some people believe that the body is fully equipped to manage detoxification naturally via organs like the liver and kidneys, which are dedicated to cleansing. So why do others espouse detoxification diets? Because despite the body’s best efforts, it can’t flush out all the toxins common to the average person’s diet and personal care products, says Dr. Gaetano Morello, author of the book Whole Body Cleansing.
“The problem is that the body was not made to detoxify the 85,000 chemicals registered with the Environmental Protection Agency alone. If the body were able to get rid of these chemicals, we wouldn’t find evidence to the contrary,” Morello says. “The Environmental Working Group has found toxic chemicals in every single study ever done on adipose tissue.”
Our food, water, air, cosmetics, medications, and other elements we are regularly exposed to may contain toxins that tax our bodies and contribute to long-term health issues. In one recent study, the Environmental Working Group found more than 200 chemicals in umbilical cord blood from babies born in U.S. hospitals. The group’s research builds on similar studies from the Centers for Disease Control that link chemical exposure to diseases including asthma, cancer, and diabetes.
There are a number of ways to attempt to cleanse your body and give your immune system a boost. One popular method is known as The Master Cleanse and has been popularized by many Hollywood celebrities. Also known as the Lemonade Diet, this detoxification program is essentially a 10-day food fast that involves drinking a concoction of pure water, fresh lemon juice, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper up to a dozen times a day, while taking laxatives. It was originally developed in 1940 as a stomach ulcer cure by alternative health practitioner Stanley Burroughs.
Cathrine Oclassen, a colon hydrotherapist and proprietor of Gentle Waters Detox in Sunnyvale, supports fasting and programs like The Master Cleanse, but cautions that some people may not be good candidates. “I do believe that cleanses are good and they definitely help to rid the body of toxins. The problem is that too many people don’t take the time to do all the research; they’re excited about starting and don’t take the time to evaluate their own bodies’ needs.”
For example, Oclassen says, someone with fluctuating blood sugar levels, a weak immune system, or liver problems might not be a good candidate for a fast or cleanse. Anyone considering a fasting or cleansing regimen should consult with his or her physician before starting one. Those who get the green light and complete a fast or cleanse should consider supplementing their diets with probiotics, Oclassen says, which can help to replace the good bacteria lost after thoroughly cleansing the colon.
To ensure a healthy body, Oclassen believes that it’s best to maintain a balanced diet, minus a few popular food groups. “I believe that eliminating certain foods will help build up your immune system. Some foods that I suggest eliminating: simple sugars, bleached wheat (all wheat is best), dairy, and red meat.”
Many people have undiagnosed milk and gluten allergies and may notice immediate and positive changes when these food groups are eliminated, she says. Diet changes may seem daunting, so Oclassen recommends starting off slowly: “Detoxing is a life change and it will take time. It’s about healing your body from the inside out.”
Morello says that you can also undertake detoxification simply by choosing the foods you eat wisely. When shopping, seek out fresh, organic fruits and vegetables and fiber-rich whole grains. Try to eliminate alcohol, coffee, saturated fats, refined sugars, and tobacco from your diet. Minimize meat, processed foods, and products made with refined flour, all which are difficult to digest.
When detoxing, it’s important to consume a lot of water—a minimum of 64 ounces each day, plus warm lemon water first thing in the morning to kick-start your digestive system.
Another popular way to cleanse is with liquid meals. Fruit and vegetable juice smoothies and puréed soups are delicious and healthy, and your digestive system won’t need to work as hard to process them. Coconut water is loaded with potassium, calcium, and electrolytes to help keep you hydrated.
Whatever path you choose, be certain to include plenty of fiber in your diet. The average person consumes 10-15 grams of fiber each day; Morello suggests 30-35 grams daily. “Fiber doesn’t get absorbed, it just passes through the body. It regulates blood sugar, reduces cholesterol. I think fiber is critically important.” Raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes are all rich sources of fiber.
In addition to changing your eating habits, you can also reduce your day-to-day exposure to toxins in your environment. To create a healthier home, start with your household cleaning products. By replacing chemical-based cleansers with natural products that utilize vinegar and plant-based cleaning agents, you can improve your indoor air quality. Stock your bathroom vanity only with shampoos, deodorants, soaps, and moisturizers that are free of harsh chemicals (see the Environmental Working Group’s online database at cosmeticsdatabase.com for nontoxic health and beauty product recommendations).
Morello also advocates installing purified water systems for the home. Once you have one, you can pack a stainless steel water bottle in your briefcase or purse and quench your thirst throughout the day with filtered water straight from your home tap. Studies show that bisphenol A, or BPA, found in plastic water bottles, can leach into water and contribute to health problems including heart disease, cancer, and reproductive problems.
Stress can play an important role in sabotaging the detoxification process. When our bodies experience stress, our adrenaline levels increase to unhealthy levels, which adversely affects our immune systems and makes our bodies more vulnerable to disease. To combat stress, experts recommend including an hour of exercise, yoga, or meditation in each day.
