Detoxing

Detoxing is worth doing -- you just need to sort the helpful from the hype.

Working the System

A good detox works on all the major players in your body's detoxification system; liver, lungs, kidneys, skin, intestines and lymphatic system. Detoxing can, in some cases, improve certain serious medical conditions, according to nutritional therapist Patrick Holford, founder of the Institute for Optimum Nutrition in the United Kingdom.

It's also not uncommon to notice huge shifts in mood when you detox. These can be positive, or initially difficult.

Because detoxing involves cutting out alcohol and caffeine, you may also notice your energy levels balance out and your mind become clearer and more focused. Sleep often improves, as well: Many people find relief from even chronic insomnia during a detox.

Food intolerance is another issue. A good detox follows the path of elimination diet (used to diagnose food sensitivities and intolerances). If you have undiagnosed food intolerance, you could well notice huge health benefits. In fact, as a result of detoxing, many people report having beaten or seen dramatic improvements in conditions such as asthma and eczema; headaches and migraines; hay fever and sinusitis; PMS; and palpations and chest pains. On a mental level, food intolerance can cause depression, forgetfulnesss and confusion as well as irritability, aggression and hyperactivity. If you suspect you have food intolerance, it could be worth detoxing under the supervision of a professional so you can reintroduce suspect foods following your detox to determine which are causing you problems.

Although detoxing should no be confused with a weight-loss diet, many people do experience some loss of excess weight. Detox can also help re-educate your taste buds and eating habits, making it easier to later stick to a healthy weight-loss plan.

But detox is no magic bullet. If you have a serious health condition, detoxing won't cure it. It might help, but you will need to seek professional advice and have realistic expectations. Many people expect detox to miraculously change their lives -- but it can't. Only you can make that kind of shift. Still, a detox may get you started down the right path.

Detox Your Mind

Your mind is one of your most powerful assets. When it works well you can think rationally, make clear decisions, and pursue your goals with confidence. But with the myriad of distractions of modern life it is easy for your mental process to become overworked and overloaded, leading to confusion, stress and negative thinking.

Detox Your Body

Our bodies have to deal daily with a huge array of pollutants. Lack of exercise, lack of sleep, too much processed food, too much fat and sugar, caffeine and alcohol -- all take their toll on health. If environmental and dietary toxins build up in their body, they contribute to fatigue, weight gain, allergies, headaches, skin eruptions , digestive disorders, lower mental processes, and a weakened immune system.

Fortunately, the body has its own purifying system, but if it becomes over-worked and overloaded, a body detox may be the answer.

All detox experts agree that this involves cutting out alcohol, caffeine, dairy, sugar, saturated fat, salt and processed food. Beyond this point, though, the naturopaths and nutritional therapists diverge, especially when it comes to animal protein.
With some experts, there is no place for animal protein in any detoxification regimen. "It just makes additional work for the liver and kidneys." While others disagree and advocates some animal protein because "your liver needs amino acids (from protein) for detoxing."
The consensus? It's really up to you. If you have serious health issues, though, or if you want more guidance, it would be worth putting yourself in the hands of a well-qualified naturopathic doctor. He or she might suggest a stringent form of detox, such as fasting, mono-dieting or the Aqua Chi foot bath, but it would be carried out under supervision - either as an in-patient at a clinic or with regular physician visits.

Do You Need To Detox?

Naturopaths say there are several signs that your body's natural detox ability is being compromised. If it takes more than two hours for the stimulating effects of tea or coffee to wear off and/or interferes with your sleep, then your liver is not degrading toxic molecules effectively. The same is true if you are highly sensitive to perfume or chemical fumes. If you tend to feel queasy after drinking alcohol or taking painkillers, it's possible the second phase of detoxification (in which the liver combines toxins with carrier molecules) is impaired. The following are common signs of imbalance within your body's detox system:

• SLUGGISH LYMPHATIC SYSTEM: frequent colds and flu, tiredness, puffiness, dark circles under eyes; cellulite
• OVERLOADED LIVER: bloating, nausea, indigestion, furred tongue
• CONGESTED LUNGS: congestion, runny nose, constant sneezing, clogged sinuses
• STRESSED KIDNEYS: dark-colored, cloudy, scanty or strong-smelling urine; pain while urinating
• OVERSTRETCHED SKIN: cellulite, congested blotchy skin, blackhead, whiteheads, pimples, rashes
• TOXIC INTESTINES: constipation, gas, headaches
  
  If you suffer from two or three symptoms, you should probably benefit from a gently detox. If you have the majority of them, you should consult a medical or naturopathic physician.
  

Detox Your Relationships

Whether they involve lovers, friends, colleagues, or family members, relationships can have a powerful impact on all aspects of our lives, particularly our happiness and the way we feel about ourselves.

Harmonious Space

The atmosphere of your home can affect your mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being, as well as your mood. A disorganized home with too much clutter consumes precious time, energy, and money. It can distract your from your real interests and damage your chances of success.