I completed my 14-day detox program over the weekend. During that time, I received a number of emails and question regarding my program. I thought I would spend this week writing about detox programs, diets, the good and bad of detoxing.
One of the questions I received was Why Detox?
The presence of unwanted substances in the body – from external toxins from our environment – from chemicals found in our food, air and water, swimming pools, pesticides, etc. – are a leading cause of many of the chronic illnesses we see today. Additionally, look around – we have gotten away from a good healthy, clean, balanced and organic diet. The average diet is unbalanced and toxic – high protein, meat-based; excessive consumption of dairy products; refined grains which are rich in gluten that literally converts into glue in our colon; starchy foods that stiffen the body (just like your shirts at the dry cleaners); refined sugars; excessive sodium intake; and genetically-engineered and altered, pesticide laced fruits and vegetables; and our food contains harmful chemicals and additives from flavor enhancers, preservatives, coloring agents, colored # dyes, MSG, aspartame, saccharin and the list goes on and on.
But our bodies are a wonderfully designed creation. Our bodies, if they have proper nutrition, have healthy biochemistry, if our organs designed for detoxification and elimination are functioning at their optimal level, are designed to eliminate these unwanted substances through perspiration, bowel elimination, urination and respiration.
However, if we are taking in more of these unwanted substances than our bodies can safely eliminate, a state of chronic toxicity may occur. Studies show that most chronic illnesses can be attributed to the presence of unwanted substances in the body or the lack of needed substances in the body. When the body has been exposed for a prolonged period of time, it loses its capacity to detoxify at the same rate that toxins are being produced and ingested causing your organs to be weakened.
A detox allows your body to neutralize and safely eliminate harmful chemicals within the body. A good detoxification program is designed to enhance the body’s natural ability to handle toxins. When you detoxify your body, you open the door to healing and rejuvenation – you are turning back the hands of time and degeneration.
When you are dirty on the outside, what do you do? You take a shower, of course. I like to think of my detox as a shower for my body but on the inside.
Eat fresh. Enjoy.
