Have You Done Your Spring Cleaning Yet?

As the weather gets warmer, people often open up the windows of their dwelling places and “air out,” particularly after a long, cold winter like the one we’ve recently experienced.  Cleaning the cobwebs out of the corners of the house and getting rid of that old, stale, re-circulated air is a good thing, but what about clearing the “junk” out of your body?

Various health-related magazines feature articles on “detoxing” – but what exactly is it?  Metabolic detoxification is the process by which your body rids itself of “bad stuff” via the use of various cleansing agents (usually oral).  The liver is the primary organ that filters the poisons from your system, but the large intestine, kidneys, and lymphatics are also involved.  There are a variety of products available which can have effects on different organs of your system.  The more comprehensive the detox the more likely you will receive the benefits you desire.  Considering the toxic environment in which we live, a metabolic detox may be right for you.

1.    What do you mean by toxicity?  According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

•    Over 4 billion pounds of pesticides are used annually in the United States.  This amounts to eight pounds for every man, woman, and child.

•    400 synthetic chemicals can be found in the average human body.

 

 

•    The average home contains from 3 to 10 gallons of hazardous materials.

 

 

•    Current law allows 350 different pesticides to be used on the foods we eat.

 

 

•    Of the roughly 900 active ingredients in pesticides registered in the United States, 160 have been classified as a known or suspected carcinogen by the EPA.

 

 

•    Livestock raised in America for human consumption (chicken, cattle, hogs) consume 24 million pounds of antibiotics per year.

 

 

Need we say more?!

 

 

2.    Why do I need to detox?  If you are feeling lethargic or sluggish, even after making dietary changes, exercising regularly, or consuming sufficient quantities of water, a detox may be indicated.  People who are constipated, overweight, exude body odors, or experience chronic sinus/allergy symptoms may also be candidates for detox.  Chronically inflamed patients such as those with Fibromyalgia, Pre-Menstrual Syndrome, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome may realize a benefit as well.  Even if these symptoms don’t apply to you, but you want to experience more optimal health, biodetoxification helps combat against toxins such as pesticides, industrial compounds, food dyes and additives, medications, household cleaners, alcohol, tobacco, and cosmetics.

3.    How often is a detox recommended?  This varies from person to person, but as a rule, it is recommended on an annual basis.  However, considering what we’ve discussed in this article, more frequently may be better. 

4.    So what can you expect from a detoxification?  The responses usually vary, but most people will experience some effects as the body eliminates the toxins in the system.  This “healing crisis” may manifest as body aches, nausea, headaches, fatigue, or flu-like symptoms.  One’s skin may become more oily, or they may produce loose stools.  Typically these effects are short-lived, and the person feels more energized, less stiff and achy, has clearer thinking, and/or becomes more regular in their bowel movements.  Of course, the severity and duration of symptoms depends upon how toxic the person is in the first place and how aggressively they approach the process.  Because this healing crisis can be severe at times, one should be under the supervision of a physician educated in biodetoxification so that he/she can know if the side effects experienced are normal.

Time to clear out the cobwebs?  Let us help.

Dr. Nabzdyk is a holistic physician with over 17 years experience. He owns and operates ABC Wellness & Rehab, providing individualized nutritional coaching, acupuncture, and chiropractic, as well as hormonal and allergy testing. Call (815) 609-7735 for more information or visit us at www.abcwellness-rehab.com.