The why and how of detox

The body is always undergoing detoxification – the process of breaking down and excreting harmful substances from the cells. Detoxification happens through specific physiological pathways most of which occur via the liver, but what you may not realise is that the gut also plays an important role in detoxification, determining what should and shouldn’t be absorbed. Cells that line the intestines act as an army, protecting the body from harmful substances. This is why it’s so important to keep the gut healthy, settled and regular. Our microbiome, the array of microbes that inhabit the intestines, also aid in the detox process, making it vitally important to have the right balance of the right type of bacteria.

Modern lifestyle exposes us to a huge amount of chemicals from a variety of different sources – home cleaning products, personal care products, air fresheners, plastic bottles, food containers, etc, etc. In relatively recent times mankind has drastically altered the chemistry of the environment, and although the body is incredibly able to adapt to changing situations, we are now under significantly more toxic stress than in the past. The air we breathe is polluted and full of electromagnetic radiation, our food is processed, packaged and fast tracked, and our drinking water contains residues of heavy metals and pharmaceutical drugs. It’s virtually impossible to avoid these exposures however if we give the body a break, a chance to slow down and catch up, the body will eliminate toxins and repair damaged tissue with healthy cells.

How do I know if I need to detox?

Some of the signs that suggest your body is not eliminating toxins as quickly as they are coming in can be: fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, digestive disturbances, skin conditions, hormonal imbalances and allergies. There might be a feeling of sluggishness and tiredness, either sleeping too much or too little but never feeling refreshed. With regular cleansing programs you can keep on top of many ailments before they become more serious. A healthy digestive system leads to a strong immune system, enabling the body to fight off fungal, bacterial and viral infections. A clean body produces the right amounts of hormones, enzymes and antibodies. The mind becomes clearer and sharper and energy levels stabilise.

How can I help my body to detox?

There are various cleansing methods available to help the body rid itself of toxins. One of the quickest methods is water fasting, which as the name suggests, consists of consuming only pure water. Personally I do not water fast for extended periods but short periods of intermitted fasting for 16-18 hours, drinking only pure water is safe and extremely beneficial. I do not recommend long periods of water fasting for anyone who is a beginner, very sick or very toxic. An effective alternative to water fasting is juice cleansing, which provides the necessary nutrients to help the organs metabolise and eliminate toxins. 6-8 x 350ml cold pressed, organic juices are consumed at regular intervals throughout the day as well as pure water, herbal tea and sometimes bone broth. This is usually done between 1 and 7 days but longer periods can be considered under supervision or for those who are experienced in cleansing. Karmic is my favourite organic, cold pressed juice company. You can find them here: https://karmiccoldpressedjuice.com.au

The most effective long term detox solution is known as ‘clean eating’. This diet is a way of life and consists of eating foods that are fresh, plant based, unprocessed and organic where possible. Animal products are healthy in moderation but it’s important to know how and where the animals are raised. Grass fed, open pasture, free range are key considerations when consuming animal products. Staying hydrated is another important factor in the clean eating program and if you’re going to start drinking more water you want to make sure it is as pure as possible. Installing a quality water filter is one of the best investments you can make for your health. There are some amazing products on the market for kitchen and bathroom ranging in price to suit any budget. Here at Cleanse we use Alps water filters: https://www.alpswaterfilters.com.au

Will the process be difficult? 

In my experience the transition to a “low-tox” lifestyle is a series of steps and aha moments. The more you progress on this path the better you’ll feel and that energy propels you to go further, get healthier and get fitter. It’s not always easy and often we revert back to old habits but it’s the small decisions made everyday that make the most impact to your health longterm. Just like any good program it takes consistency and stickability, and sometimes support.

The joys of colon cleansing.

Specialising in gut health for 15 years has shown me how beneficial colon cleansing is to our wellbeing, both physically and mentally. The health of the colon is extremely important to our overall wellbeing and its condition affects every other organ in the body. A healthy digestive system is the basis of solid health and fitness and without it we cannot function to full potential. Numerous studies are showing that the microbiome has an immense effect on disease and that it can actually alter our genome – our DNA – by signalling which genes turn on and off. Detoxifying the colon with colonic irrigation begins to breakdown and eliminate the waste, toxins, harmful bacteria and parasites that lead to inflammation and leaky gut. Once the colon is clean, the process of reestablishing a healthy microbiome begins. Doing this will dramatically improve the way you look and feel as the gut-brain axis sends signals between the gastrointestinal system and the central nervous system. After years of seeing clients improve their lives through regular cleansing programs, I truly believe the “low-tox” lifestyle is one of the most important decisions you can make for your health.