Detoxification FAQs
What is detoxification?
Detoxification is the essential bodily function of removing toxins and waste products from your body. Detoxification ‘detox’ also refers to reducing your overall toxic burden.
What is a toxin?
When talking about ‘detoxification’ a toxin is very broadly defined as a poison. This includes the waste products your body naturally produces (e.g. uric acid, excess hormones), as well as the toxic and poisonous substances that we ingest (e.g. heavy metals, manufactured chemicals, natural & synthetic hormones, etc.).
What is a ‘detox protocol’?
A detoxification program is a way of supporting your body as it eliminates toxins and waste. A good detoxification program should be gentle and supportive for all 5 major detoxification organs - skin, lungs, liver, kidneys & large intestine.
Do I need to detox for homeopathy to help me?
No. Detoxification is not necessary for homeopathy to help you. A well selected homeopathic prescription will stimulate a healing reaction.
Detoxification is something I recommend for patients who have a history of excessive exposure to toxins and want to lessen their toxic burden. I encourage a detoxification protocol for anyone that is interested in: changing their lifestyle and breaking negative patterns; weight loss, as a healthy first step; overcoming addictions; or just looking to improve their overall health.
Is there a difference between fasting & detoxing?
Yes! While the terms are often used interchangeably they are very different. Fasting refers to either dramatically cutting calories or only allowing liquids like water, juice, or tea. A good detox protocol encourages you to eat and nourish your body so that has the energy needed to flush toxins.
How does my body detoxify?
Your body relies on 5 major organs for detoxification. These five organs work together to remove the naturally occurring waste by-products from our metabolic processes as well as the toxins that we ingest (i.e. absorb, inhale & digest).
Am I toxic? Should I detox?
Probably. Almost all of us could use a period of ‘clean’ living that reduces the toxic burden of our bodies. A 2013 study from Environmental Defense Canada found 137 chemicals (PBDEs - flame retardants, PCBs, PFCs - found in non-stick coatings, organochlorine pesticides, dioxins and furans, mercury and lead) in the umbilical cord blood of newborns in Toronto.
If you are finding that you are feeling more sluggish and less resilient than normal and/or that you are experiencing either new or flare-ups of existing health conditions (e.g. rashes & skin conditions, arthritis, allergies, asthma, digestive issues, muscle & joint pain, headaches, sleeplessness, anxiety, etc.) your detoxification system may be overwhelmed and a period of ‘clean living’ may help you.
How did I become toxic?
We are all exposed to external toxins( e.g. toxic cleaning products) to some extent and we produce toxins naturally as by-products of our metabolic processes (e.g. respiration). For most of us our main exposure pathways are actually in our own homes - cleaning products, synthetic fragrances, toxic personal care products, toxins in our food supply, (pesticides, chemical additives, BPA, etc.). Internally we produce more toxic by-products as our bodies deal with stress, anger, poor diet, unhealthy lifestyle, alcohol, and caffeine.
Will I lose weight if I detox?
Possibly. A lot of people find that they do lose weight right away – often as a result less inflammation and bloating. However weight loss during detox is not guaranteed. Having said that, undertaking good detox protocol is a great way to prepare your body for safe and lasting weight loss.
Will detoxifying help my…. allergies/acne/digestion/cellulite/immune system/etc.?
Very likely yes. By how much depends on your specific case, but a body that has a lower toxic burden is struggling less, has a stronger immune system and is better able to eliminate disease. It is however, unlikely that detoxication alone will be the solution. If you are interested in a way to naturally and effectively heal please contact me.
What can I expect?
Fasting is very hard on your body. It is likely that the toxic load your body has to deal with will increase during a fast. During a fast your body will begin to utilize the stored energy (mostly fat) you have in your system. This process on its own will create additional toxins for your body to deal with. More importantly, many of the environmental toxins that we are exposed to (e.g. pesticides like DDT) are stored in your body fat. So as you metabolize your body fat, the toxins that are stored in that fat will enter your blood stream.
Think of your laundry as the toxins in your body. Think of those times when you have been so busy that you have only be doing the ‘critical’ socks & underwear loads and leaving the rest for another time. Now a month, or more, later the pile of dirty laundry has spilled out of the bin and is threating to take over your bedroom. Now is not the time to add extra laundry and pull down all of the curtains (toxins stored in body fat) for cleaning. If you do you will inevitably end up in the middle of the laundry room exhausted, sobbing and ½ buried by dirty laundry….now imagine you haven’t eaten for 3 days!
Do recommend that your patients fast?
I only recommend undertaking a fast if:
Should I cleanse/flush my system?
No – unless you have medical advice to the contrary and medical support. Flushing your system can create imbalances in your intestinal flora that can cause on-going digestive disturbances. Please be aware that many of the popular ‘cleansing’ products on the market are simply laxative herbs that may result in rebound constipation and stagnation.
Should I take supplements during a detox program?
If you want to – in moderation. Ideally you should be getting all of nutrition that you need from the food that you are eating. Supplements to consider include: B12 if you are not eating nutritional yeast (or another source of B12), vitamin D3 in winter months; probiotics, if you are prone to digestive disturbances; and, Omega 3, which is typically lacking in our diets. I don’t recommend using concentrated forms of any herbal supplements without medical supervision.
Do I need to take herbs or buy supplements in order to detoxify?
No. Your body is a great detoxifier. The most important thing to do is to reduce your toxic exposure.
Should I use herbs during detoxification?
Yes – in either fresh, dried in your cooking or in teas. I don’t recommend using concentrated forms of any herbal supplements without medical supervision. Herbs are medical and delicious. Great herbs to consider adding to your diet (in moderation) that will support your body's detoxification processes include: burdock, cilantro, dandelion, fennel, garlic, liquorice root, marshmallow root, milk thistle, parsley, yellow dock, nettle, ginger, cardamom, rosemary, cinnamon, and turmeric.
What ailments are associated with a high toxic burden?
The list is potentially endless. If your toxic burden is high your body will be struggling. That struggle will be expressed as dis-ease symptoms. Some of the more common symptoms associated with a high toxic burden include:
Detoxification is the essential bodily function of removing toxins and waste products from your body. Detoxification ‘detox’ also refers to reducing your overall toxic burden.
What is a toxin?
When talking about ‘detoxification’ a toxin is very broadly defined as a poison. This includes the waste products your body naturally produces (e.g. uric acid, excess hormones), as well as the toxic and poisonous substances that we ingest (e.g. heavy metals, manufactured chemicals, natural & synthetic hormones, etc.).
What is a ‘detox protocol’?
A detoxification program is a way of supporting your body as it eliminates toxins and waste. A good detoxification program should be gentle and supportive for all 5 major detoxification organs - skin, lungs, liver, kidneys & large intestine.
Do I need to detox for homeopathy to help me?
No. Detoxification is not necessary for homeopathy to help you. A well selected homeopathic prescription will stimulate a healing reaction.
Detoxification is something I recommend for patients who have a history of excessive exposure to toxins and want to lessen their toxic burden. I encourage a detoxification protocol for anyone that is interested in: changing their lifestyle and breaking negative patterns; weight loss, as a healthy first step; overcoming addictions; or just looking to improve their overall health.
Is there a difference between fasting & detoxing?
Yes! While the terms are often used interchangeably they are very different. Fasting refers to either dramatically cutting calories or only allowing liquids like water, juice, or tea. A good detox protocol encourages you to eat and nourish your body so that has the energy needed to flush toxins.
How does my body detoxify?
Your body relies on 5 major organs for detoxification. These five organs work together to remove the naturally occurring waste by-products from our metabolic processes as well as the toxins that we ingest (i.e. absorb, inhale & digest).
- Skin - eliminates toxins via perspiration including ammonia, urea, uric acid, and some pesticides and heavy metals.
- Lungs - rid the body of toxic gases and volatile chemicals, e.g. when the liver neutralizes alcohol, acetaldehyde is created and then exhaled as a gas.
- Liver - is the main detoxification organ. It filters toxins (mainly fat soluble) from the blood and excretes them into bile, other types of toxins are chemically altered by the liver so that they are either neutralized or converted into a form that the kidneys can filter.
- Kidneys - filter toxins (mainly water soluble) out of the blood and excretes them into urine, including: urea produced in the liver, ketones from the breakdown of fat, drug residues, and hormones.
- Large Intestine - binds toxins (including hormones) and bile for excretion via feces.
Am I toxic? Should I detox?
Probably. Almost all of us could use a period of ‘clean’ living that reduces the toxic burden of our bodies. A 2013 study from Environmental Defense Canada found 137 chemicals (PBDEs - flame retardants, PCBs, PFCs - found in non-stick coatings, organochlorine pesticides, dioxins and furans, mercury and lead) in the umbilical cord blood of newborns in Toronto.
If you are finding that you are feeling more sluggish and less resilient than normal and/or that you are experiencing either new or flare-ups of existing health conditions (e.g. rashes & skin conditions, arthritis, allergies, asthma, digestive issues, muscle & joint pain, headaches, sleeplessness, anxiety, etc.) your detoxification system may be overwhelmed and a period of ‘clean living’ may help you.
How did I become toxic?
We are all exposed to external toxins( e.g. toxic cleaning products) to some extent and we produce toxins naturally as by-products of our metabolic processes (e.g. respiration). For most of us our main exposure pathways are actually in our own homes - cleaning products, synthetic fragrances, toxic personal care products, toxins in our food supply, (pesticides, chemical additives, BPA, etc.). Internally we produce more toxic by-products as our bodies deal with stress, anger, poor diet, unhealthy lifestyle, alcohol, and caffeine.
Will I lose weight if I detox?
Possibly. A lot of people find that they do lose weight right away – often as a result less inflammation and bloating. However weight loss during detox is not guaranteed. Having said that, undertaking good detox protocol is a great way to prepare your body for safe and lasting weight loss.
Will detoxifying help my…. allergies/acne/digestion/cellulite/immune system/etc.?
Very likely yes. By how much depends on your specific case, but a body that has a lower toxic burden is struggling less, has a stronger immune system and is better able to eliminate disease. It is however, unlikely that detoxication alone will be the solution. If you are interested in a way to naturally and effectively heal please contact me.
What can I expect?
- A challenge – all change is challenging. The greater the changes you are making the greater your personal challenge will be.
- To feel better for it - after. After a detox protocol many people experience greater mental clarity, fewer headaches, less anxiety, improved digestion, improved energy levels, reduced or eliminated cravings, and that they sleep better.
- You may not feel very well while undertaking a detox protocol - especially at the beginning if you are breaking unhealthy patterns and dealing with addictions (caffeine, sugar, etc.). If you are feeling intolerably unwell, stop the protocol and talk to you medical practitioner.
Fasting is very hard on your body. It is likely that the toxic load your body has to deal with will increase during a fast. During a fast your body will begin to utilize the stored energy (mostly fat) you have in your system. This process on its own will create additional toxins for your body to deal with. More importantly, many of the environmental toxins that we are exposed to (e.g. pesticides like DDT) are stored in your body fat. So as you metabolize your body fat, the toxins that are stored in that fat will enter your blood stream.
Think of your laundry as the toxins in your body. Think of those times when you have been so busy that you have only be doing the ‘critical’ socks & underwear loads and leaving the rest for another time. Now a month, or more, later the pile of dirty laundry has spilled out of the bin and is threating to take over your bedroom. Now is not the time to add extra laundry and pull down all of the curtains (toxins stored in body fat) for cleaning. If you do you will inevitably end up in the middle of the laundry room exhausted, sobbing and ½ buried by dirty laundry….now imagine you haven’t eaten for 3 days!
Do recommend that your patients fast?
I only recommend undertaking a fast if:
- You have consulted your medical practitioner
- You have been on a detox protocol first
- It is a juice fast – your detoxification systems needs fuel & support
- It has a limited duration of 3-5 days
- Your motivation is detoxification - you may lose weight on a fast, but it is likely that your metabolism will slow down so that when you do start eating again you will gain more weight back!
Should I cleanse/flush my system?
No – unless you have medical advice to the contrary and medical support. Flushing your system can create imbalances in your intestinal flora that can cause on-going digestive disturbances. Please be aware that many of the popular ‘cleansing’ products on the market are simply laxative herbs that may result in rebound constipation and stagnation.
Should I take supplements during a detox program?
If you want to – in moderation. Ideally you should be getting all of nutrition that you need from the food that you are eating. Supplements to consider include: B12 if you are not eating nutritional yeast (or another source of B12), vitamin D3 in winter months; probiotics, if you are prone to digestive disturbances; and, Omega 3, which is typically lacking in our diets. I don’t recommend using concentrated forms of any herbal supplements without medical supervision.
Do I need to take herbs or buy supplements in order to detoxify?
No. Your body is a great detoxifier. The most important thing to do is to reduce your toxic exposure.
Should I use herbs during detoxification?
Yes – in either fresh, dried in your cooking or in teas. I don’t recommend using concentrated forms of any herbal supplements without medical supervision. Herbs are medical and delicious. Great herbs to consider adding to your diet (in moderation) that will support your body's detoxification processes include: burdock, cilantro, dandelion, fennel, garlic, liquorice root, marshmallow root, milk thistle, parsley, yellow dock, nettle, ginger, cardamom, rosemary, cinnamon, and turmeric.
What ailments are associated with a high toxic burden?
The list is potentially endless. If your toxic burden is high your body will be struggling. That struggle will be expressed as dis-ease symptoms. Some of the more common symptoms associated with a high toxic burden include:
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It seems like a lot. Do I need to do everything in the detox protocol to benefit?
No, but the more you do the better. Do what you can when you can. Of all the things that you can do reducing your expose to toxins is the most important. Consider getting rid of all toxic cleaning, home and beauty products. The Environmental Working Group, the David Suzuki Foundation and Environmental Defence have resources that can help you.
If you are looking for a very short detox diet to follow you may like Dr.Oz’s 2 Day Wonder Cleanse, it includes recipes.
No, but the more you do the better. Do what you can when you can. Of all the things that you can do reducing your expose to toxins is the most important. Consider getting rid of all toxic cleaning, home and beauty products. The Environmental Working Group, the David Suzuki Foundation and Environmental Defence have resources that can help you.
If you are looking for a very short detox diet to follow you may like Dr.Oz’s 2 Day Wonder Cleanse, it includes recipes.
