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Spring Cleansing...for a Healthy Body and Mind

Posted Monday, March 22, 2010

Are you feeling congested, sluggish, and less productive?  Then you may be suffering from a toxic build-up and needing a spring cleanse!  

Toxic Accumulation in the Body

Many common health problems may be traced back to exposure to and the accumulation of toxins in the body.  Over time, toxic symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, itchy skin, sleep disturbances, irritability, and a lack of motivation can occur.  On the cellular level, damage can build up and produce serious health consequences like cancer.  

Where do Toxins Originate?

For most people, food is the main source of exposure to toxins.  Over 300 chemicals are used by the food industry during processing, and an additional 12,000 chemicals are used in food packaging materials.  Pesticide residues are found in the vast majority of food samples.  Pollution is another factor.  In Canada, there are over 23,000 chemicals registered for production and use, and the majority have not been tested for their impacts on human health, wildlife, or the environment.  In addition to external sources of toxins (exotoxins), we produce toxins within our own bodies (endotoxins) through the process of digestion, metabolism, elimination, fighting infections and dealing with stress.

How Can You Detoxify?

Unloading these toxins and achieving optimal health is much easier than you might think.  The cleansing program is customized to your needs and is made up of four components:  

• Cleansing diet
• Nutritional supplementation
• Exercise
• Hydrotherapy

Cleansing and Detoxification —
A Natural Process

Detoxification is the body’s natural process of neutralizing toxic materials from cells, tissues and organs.  The body processes these toxins through the liver and kidneys and eliminates them through the bladder, bowels, lungs and skin.  Cleansing is the act of helping your body to detoxify and eliminate unwanted toxins more thoroughly and effectively.

Is it Time for a Cleanse?

Everyone has their own level of tolerance when it comes to toxins. Once you’ve reached that tolerance, a number of different symptoms can begin to appear.  Think of your body as a glass of water.  Once full, if you continue to add more water, it will spill over.  If toxins continue to be added into your system when there is no more room, the body becomes overwhelmed and dysfunction and dis-ease begins to occur.  This can eventually lead to degenerative conditions. 

Symptoms of Toxic Build-Up

• Headaches
• Joint Pain
• Recurrent respiratory infections
• Back Pain
• Allergic Symptoms
• Insomnia
• Mood Changes
• Constipation
• Hemorrhoids
• Sinus Congestion
• Acne
• Morning Sickness

If you ignore these early warning signals, conditions such as arthritis, ulcers, psoriasis, and other expressions of disease can occur and eventually lead to more serious and even life-threatening conditions.

Temporary Reactions to Detoxification

The initial cleansing reactions, known as the “healing crisis,” are temporary symptoms of detoxification.  Some symptoms are mild while others may be more unpleasant, and will vary from person to person.  These reactions can be minimized by drinking plenty of fluids throughout your cleanse, taking supplements that ensure elimination and incorporating exercise and hydrotherapy.

The long-term benefits of your cleanse will make any difficulties worthwhile and will prevent future diseases that may be debilitating – this is the goal of the Spring Cleanse!  Here is a risk to benefit comparison:

If you are interested in having a cleaner body, sharper mind and calmer spirit, then call to make an appointment with one of our Naturopathic Doctors for your personalised Spring Cleansing Program.

Here’s what our patients have to say:

"After the week-long cleanse, I had a lot more energy, no more headaches, more mental clarity and less anxiety.  I no longer need as much sleep, my quality of sleep has improved, and I have been more productive in my workday." - CB, Vancouver

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