Introduction to Detoxification/Purification


This information on detoxification is written in an effort to simplify this often complicated subject. I’ve created this web site to assist the consumer in researching quality detoxification protocols, explaining what each program does and providing on-line access to the recommended products. This can not only save the consumer significant time and money but, most important, it allows YOU, the consumer, to make informed decisions about your health, take more control of your own healing process and increase your health and vitality. (See disclaimer).



What is Detoxification?

Detoxing is just another word for cleansing. The aims of a detox program are to increase the efficiency of the digestive system and to stimulate the other parts of the body that are responsible for cleansing and elimination. Used sensibly and occasionally, detox regimes are invaluable in promoting and sustaining good health.



What is a Toxin?

A toxin is any substance that causes irritating or harmful effects in your body. More and more evidence links the toxins in our environment and in our foods to ill health. Every day we are exposed to new and stronger chemicals, air and water pollution, and radiation. Our generation is exposed to more pollution than any in history. We use more drugs, eat more sugar and refined foods, and turn to damaging props such as alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco to help us deal with rising stress levels. Internally, biochemical, cellular, and bodily activities of normal everyday bodily function generate substances that also need to be eliminated. Other factors such as lack of sleep, exercise, or fresh air, and even negative attitudes, are thought to enable waste products and toxins to build up in the body and upset self-regulation.

The presence of toxins in our bodies in any amount is not healthful. Although it may seem harmless to many people, medical science is discovering that the regular accumulation of toxins may lead to fatigue, general aches and pains, declining appearance, premature aging, weight gain and many chronic diseases.

CLEARING TOXINS FROM THE BODY IS A DESIRABLE PROCESS
AND AN IMPORTANT KEY TO HEALING.



Benefits of Detoxing



How to Detox

Detoxing is a relative term. Anything that supports elimination will help you detox. However, it is important not to go to extremes - fasting, frequent enemas, use of diuretics, and excessive exercise carry the danger of making you lose essential nutrients. For the focus of this site, detoxing involves reducing the intake of toxins and increasing their elimination primarily through diet.

The most important way of strengthening your body’s natural defenses and combating the daily onslaught of toxins is to improve your diet by consuming foods rich in and plant phytonutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals and those having high water content. You should also try to avoid chemicals, refined foods, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and many drugs to reduce the toxic load.



How Your Body Handles Toxins

Your body is designed to cope with toxins by neutralizing, transforming, or eliminating them. All organs involved in detoxification can become overloaded.



Healing Crises

As detoxification takes effect, your health should improve steadily, possibly with temporary relapses known as healing crises. Minor ailments such as colds, fevers, and skin spots should be seen in a positive light because they are signs that the body is trying to throw off an accumulation of toxins. So, don’t be surprised if your skin becomes dull or spotty at the beginning of a detox program - it will soon clear.



The Types of Detox Protocols:

Detox diets, in general, are forms of intestinal and systemic cleansing. Whenever you undergo any form of intestinal cleansing, all of the bacteria, both friendly and unfriendly, are washed out. It is, therefore, important to repopulate your intestine with friendly bacteria, especially Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. The easiest way to repopulate the intestines is to take a probiotic supplement. The best are from non-dairy sources to avoid dairy allergies/sensitivities. (To order a high quality, freeze-dried, live culture, dairy-free probiotic on-line, see Ultra Flora Plus by Metagenics).



Where Do You Begin?

  1. Read the skin detoxification page for environmental precautions to initiate in conjunction with any form of detox.
  2. Take the Self-test questionnaires on the candida and liver detox pages. Generally, a systemic liver detox will decrease Candida flora as well so it is recommended that you start with either the Standard Process purification protocol. However, because Candida is very tenacious, if you feel Candida is a major problem compromising your health, you can either follow up after the liver cleanse with the Candida detox protocol or take an additional fungicide and/or probiotic while doing the liver cleanse to more specifically target the Candida. The best fungicide is caprylic acid (can be ordered through the Nutrition Dynamics web site listed below) and can be taken in capsular form or in liquid form added to protein shakes.
  3. Initiate the parasite detox protocol if your response to the liver and Candida detox cleanses has plateaued.


The Nutritional Companies Recommended:

There are many sources of quality nutritional and detoxification supplements on the market. The companies I recommend on this site not only offer high quality, scientifically-researched products, but also have some convenience for the consumer with the ability to purchase professional grade products on-line. Feel free to peruse these sites for any products that may be of interest to you. The following links are offered so that the reader can research the company philosophies and manufacturing processes. Details about ordering products can be found on the products page.

Disclaimer:

Please note, the information provided by Dr. Andrews is not intended to be a treatment protocol for any disease state, is not intended as medical advice, nor is it intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care provider. The intent of this web site is to share knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Andrews, who encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care practitioner.