Detox - A Path to Improved Health and Wellness -continued
Modern Detox Therapies
Our growing knowledge and understanding of health and wellness, symptoms and causes of toxicity, and detoxification coupled with new technologies now makes it possible and more convenient for us all to pursue a much improved state of health and wellness. Detoxification is a process that can be pursued both through sound lifestyle changes and better choices and modern therapies. Most of us know we need to detoxify as we know we "just don't feel quite ourselves." You may have a general hazy, lack of focus, fatigued, sluggish, blocked, or overall run down feeling. These are all general symptoms of toxic buildup in the body.
A well designed and individualized program should be designed in consultation with a trusted health care practitioner such as your Doctor, Chiropractor or Naturopath. The particular "best practice" and most effective program for you will depend upon the condition of your natural elimination systems and overall health. This will also allow you to rule out more serious causes of malaise and allow you to better monitor your progression to improved wellness.
What steps will a detox program likely include?
Diet
A typical detoxification program is likely to include an improved diet consisting of whole foods, organic fruits and vegetables, grains, lots of water, and limited amounts of lean (non-organ or cured) meats or proteins. Salt and sugar are normally not allowed. You will likely also be told to avoid alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine. This type of diet is a way to rest and rebalance your system.
Exercise
Your health care practitioner will likely suggest two forms of exercise that are particularly beneficial in detox therapies. The first is aerobic exercise which improves detoxification by encouraging perspiration, increasing circulation, breaking down fat, and stimulating the lymphatic system. A typical aerobic exercise regimen prescribed for detox therapy includes 30 to 90 minute sessions, 3 to 5 times per week. The second regimen prescribed is likely to be Eastern exercise such as Yoga, Tai Chi, or Qi Gong. These aid the detox process by stretching the muscles, releasing toxins, teaching proper breathing, and stimulating the lymphatic system. A 20 minute Eastern exercise session 3 times per week is thought to be an important component of a comprehensive detox therapy and wellness program.
Stress Reduction
Stress reduction is also an important component for sound detoxification program. While sometimes ignored by many, stress reduction is essential to allow the body to balance itself and for the remaining components of the detox program to be maximally effective. Top stress fighters include:
- Manage your time better by trying to plan ahead more carefully and thoroughly
- Cut down on caffeine and alcohol. Instead, try ginger or peppermint teas which boost energy and mental clarity
- Practice Yoga or even gentle stretching exercises every day
- Take an adequate supply of natural B Vitamins. Good sources are cereal, whole grain bread, milk, lean meat, yogurt, eggs and bananas
- Schedule regular tension release sessions using meditation or other forms of relaxation techniques several times per day
- Eat some carbohydrates for lunch - 1 to 2 ounces of bread, whole grain rice, pasta or potato
- Exercise regularly according to the prescribed program
- Aromatherapy can be a helpful stress reducer
- Supplement your adrenal glands - 500 to 1000 mg of ginseng daily is the most commonly recommended method
- Get a good nights sleep. Milk or dairy products and protein contain tryptophan which helps aid deep sleep. Keep a regular bedtime and be sure to relax prior to attempting to sleep.
Hand Washing
The importance of keeping clean cannot be overemphasized. Most germs enter the body through the nose or eyes when we touch our face so wash your hands thoroughly and regularly.
Sauna
Take a sauna. The human immune system works better at slightly higher temperatures than normal. Humans have recognized this for centuries. This is also one of the reasons the body temperature rises when we are fighting infections.
Nutrient Supplements
Take appropriate and recommended supplements. A host of nutrients can help repair some of the damage experienced before and during detoxification. A good multivitamin with mineral supplements is a good idea for most. Be sure to consult a healthcare professional to make certain that the supplements you take are best for your own personal health and do not conflict or interfere with any medications you may be taking.
Detox Footbath
Lastly, a recent, breakthrough technology has shown significant benefits to detox therapy, Ionic Detox Footbaths.
We understand that regardless of our efforts to lead a healthy lifestyle today's toxic environment results in higher than desired levels of toxins and heavy metals within our bodies. While our body's natural mechanisms to eliminate these toxins work to reduce these levels, they are often overwhelmed leaving us feeling tired, sluggish, and finding it difficult to concentrate. This general feeling of malaise is due to an improper acid-alkaline ph balance and improper positive and negative ion balance in our body's energy levels. This results in weakening our body's natural immune system and consequently greater exposure to many forms of illness and poorer general health. Detox footbaths, which can greatly aid in the reduction of toxins and heavy metals, are an especially important therapy for people recovering from illness, injury, or surgery.
Have you ever noticed how much better you feel when walking on the beach with the surf lapping at your ankles? An ionic footbath can restore that same sensation of well being and effectively aid greatly in detoxification of our systems.