Detoxification

Dietary detoxification can be a catalyst for lifestyle change. Many people experience increased energy, improved mental clarity and sleep, and increased awareness of potential food sensitivities as a result of detoxification. The main pillars of health all have a connection, directly or indirectly, to detoxification. To engage in the process of dietary detoxification we need to place our focus on sourcing and preparing healthy food. The consumption of whole, unprocessed foods, such as cruciferous vegetables, berries, herbs, and spices, provide us with important bioactive components to support detoxification processes. In addition to increasing our intake of whole foods and specific

Fact: Our modern world is filled with man-made toxicants! Toxicants are defined as harmful substances, which have been introduced into the environment, while toxins may include endogenous metabolic byproducts or naturally occurring compounds. Our environment has changed considerably from that of our ancestors due to the introduction of thousands of man-made chemicals used in agriculture, industrial applications, household goods, and pharmaceutical medicines. While humans are capable of a certain level of adaptation to our biochemical environmental, there is a growing concern about the relationship between detoxification functions and chronic disease. An ever increasing volume of synthetic chemicals is being introduced

Introduction to Elimination The human body has a number of intricate systems and pathways that need to function effectively to absorb and utilize nutrients while simultaneously removing toxins and wastes. This process is done by every cell and tissue continuously as the body produces energy from nutrients but is also exposed to harmful compounds daily. The importance of efficient elimination is paramount because cells and enzymes cannot function when there is excess waste and toxin build-up. If the amount of toxins surpasses the ability of the body to remove it changes that promote disease start to occur. This is when

In part five of our series on healthy elimination we are getting right into what detoxification really means. The truth about detoxification Unfortunately, detoxification has also become synonymous with cleansing – a term loosely used to describe all sorts of treatments aimed at purifying or purging the body. While the principles of purifying hold true many such treatments are unproven ( ionic foot baths anyone?), make little sense physiologically, and can even be dangerous. True detoxification begins at the cellular levels- specifically cells of the liver and kidney, and involves enhancing the body’s natural mechanisms for eliminating toxins and harmful

While our bodies are finely tuned, energy efficient, high power, recycling machines, waste is still created. Some waste is simply produced when there is an excess of a nutrient or molecule that our body does not, or cannot, use or store. Some is produced by our cells as they make more energy, or as by-products of regular cell functioning. With each process, our body must do something with the waste – either recycle it or get rid of it, as holding on to these wastes products can be harmful. Luckily, our body has adapted not one but four methods of

Welcome and I’m happy to have you back to Part Three of our Great Escape blog post series! Before we discuss specific natural approaches that you can try to keep your intestinal region healthy, let’s review two of our most frequently asked about concerns: I have a bad case of… Diarrhea: Diarrhea is an all too common symptom with a wide range of causes and repercussions. Infectious agents, overeating, incomplete digestion, food sensitivities, intestinal dysmotility, and sometimes more serious medical issues, are some of the common causes of diarrhea. Diarrhea can be classified as acute or chronic, and is further

“The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of non-essentials.” -Lin Yutang While our bodies are finely tuned, energy efficient, high power, recycling machines, waste is still created. Some waste is simply produced when there is an excess of a nutrient or molecule that our body does not, or cannot, use or store. Some is produced by our cells as they make more energy, or as by-products of regular cell functioning. With each process, our body must do something with the waste – either recycle it or get rid of it, as holding on to these wastes products can be

Most people don’t successfully carry out and maintain a detoxification program. It is difficult to stick with a strict diet or drink an unpleasant tasting powder. Most commercially available detox kits contain herbal supplements that are little more then a laxative. A good detox will stimulate multiple elimination pathways with the main focus on the liver and intestines. Diet – Adequate fluid and fibre from whole grains, fruits and veggies are extremely important to help keep our bowels moving. Fibre provides bulk for the stool, binds fats, prevents blood sugar elevations and stimulates elimination of toxins. Antioxidants, vitamins and minerals are crucial for

While much of the country is still under snow, March is the month when spring officially arrives.  In honor of spring, I thought it would be appropriate to write about the idea of doing some “spring cleaning” for your body, also known as detoxification. In today’s modern world we are constantly bombarded by toxins in our environment, from contaminants in our air, soil and water.  Everything from heavy metals like lead and mercury, to pesticide sprays like DDT, to plastics like bisphenol A (BPA).  In addition, we can also become exposed to toxins via home cleaning products, skin and hair

A recent study funded by the National Institute of Health has found NAC supplementation may help teens kick their pot habit. The supplement used in the study was N-acetylcysteine or NAC for short.  The study found that adolescents diagnosed with marijuana dependence were twice as likely to remain abstinent when they received NAC vs placebo, in addition to counseling. The study was conducted over eight weeks and found that 44% of adolescents assigned to take 1200 mg of NAC twice per day tested negative for cannabinoids (marijuana) in their urine, compared to 32% in the placebo group.  The effect did