Detoxification Article

Summer Detoxification: The Perfect Time to Cleanse

By Dr. Bryan Rade, ND

The term “detoxification” has been a media buzzword for years, and as such it has generated a great deal of public interest.  Put quite simply, detoxification is the process of eliminating toxins.  Our bodies perform this function on a daily basis through the actions of the liver, intestines, sweat glands, bladder, and lymphatic system.  Therefore, in order to achieve additional detoxification we need to support these organs of elimination in their natural functions.  This can be achieved through:

Organ Nourishment: this is primarily done through using herbs and nutritional supplements that have an affinity for the organ in question.

Organ Support: each organ of elimination requires different vitamins, minerals, and foods to help it function properly.  For example, the liver requires antioxidant precursors like selenium and zinc to properly process toxic substances.

Organ Obstacle Removal: if you accidently left your bathtub filling and flooded the washroom, it wouldn’t make sense to clean the mess until you turned the faucet off.  Similarly, it is crucial to minimize the number of toxins you expose yourself to when undergoing a cleansing plan.  This requires actions like eating wholesome foods, minimizing chemical consumption, and taking time for mental relaxation.

A warm season like spring or summer is the perfect time to implement a cleansing regimen to promote optimal health…and annual cleansing is an ideal way to maintain it!