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By Michèle Wolff B.H.Sc Naturopathy, Dip. Colonics and Author of ‘Digestive Solutions’
With our modern and busy lifestyles, our bodies are exposed to an abundance of toxins and harmful pollutants. From food, cleaning products and even make-up, it’s a constant challenge to be fully aware of what we are putting into our bodies and how to maintain our well-being. The body has a natural ability to get rid of harmful substances through key organs, including the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract (stomach and bowel) and the skin. Sometimes the demand is too much and toxins from the external environment and those generated within the body can be absorbed into the blood stream and affect your overall health and energy stores.
If toxicity in your body is the reason you feel unwell then it is time to detoxify. Detoxing involves eliminating toxic substances with healthy whole foods and juices to give your body the chance to recharge. This should be done at least once a year and you should ideally give yourself a minimum of three weeks to fully cleanse the body. The aim is to cleanse using these techniques:
- Remove the load on your digestive system by avoiding alcohol, cigarettes, unnecessary drugs, sugar and processed foods
- Provide your body with essential nutrients by eating fresh organic foods, drinking purified water and vegetable juices
- Release toxins through the digestive tract, liver, kidneys and lymphatic system by eating simple whole foods and drinking herbal teas to support organs and remove wastes
- Renew your digestive lining by eating foods that help get rid of bad bugs and eating foods that promote good bugs
- Relax to avoid stress and promote repair and recovery.
These changes may cause some unwanted side effects such as nausea, mild headaches and digestive changes. These are just symptoms of withdrawal from addictive substances such as caffeine or sugar which are hard to give up. These symptoms should be mild and will usually pass in a few days when the body starts to adjust to getting rid of the toxins.
It can seem overwhelming at first so take time to plan, organise and choose a suitable moment for yourself to begin the process. Think of it as clearing out your overly-cluttered garage that has built up over the years – it takes time to get through it all but once you do you immediately feel better. As your energy increases through detoxing, your motivation to keep up the good habits will increase too. As your body rejuvenates, you will feel lighter and more vibrant, your skin will glow and people will start to notice that something is different about you. Sometimes all it takes is a small diet and lifestyle change to combat unwanted symptoms, leading to a happier and healthier you.
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Michèle Wolff is a leading health practitioner and a qualified naturopath, nutritionist, herbalist and nurse, owner of Ultimate Detox Solutions www.detoxspecialist.com.au. Her new book ‘Digestive Solutions – 101 Proven Methods to Solve Your Tummy Problems Naturally’ is available from bookstores and good online booksellers. Visit www.digestivesolutions.com.au RRP $39.95
