Mounting evidence shows there is a connection between the accumulation of toxins in body tissue and the development of chronic disease.
WHAT ARE TOXINS: Our systems are under constant attack by agricultural, industrial and, even household chemicals on a daily basis. Even the food we eat and the water we drink carry pesticides, fungicides, and a variety of chemicals and hormones. These chemicals and microbes have the capacity to become poisonous to our bodies.
THREE STAGES OF TOXICITY: Excretion is the first stage of toxicity. Toxins are passed from the body through the liver, kidneys, colon, lungs, and skin. The first phase breaks toxins down into an intermediate compound in the liver. The white blood cells of the immune system are also designed to neutralize microbial toxins in the lymph, blood, and digestive systems.
In the second phase, the compound is further broken down by enzyme systems into byproducts which are then eliminated through the liver or kidneys.
Whether by genetic default or nutrient deficiency, some people are more likely to develop diseases of toxicity such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, chemical hypersensitivity syndrome, and even some cancers. Stephan Kuprowsky, M.A., N.D. states that when a particular toxin overwhelms the normal excretion mechanism, the body produces an acute inflammation to rid itself of toxins. Examples are bronchitis, sinusitis, dermatitis, and cystitis. These "diseases" are actually the body's attempts to discharge toxins. If toxins remain, then the body moves into the deposition stage, where toxins are deposited in fat cells, cysts, polyps, or pre-cancerous tumors.
After years of storage, the toxins move into the degeneration stage. This leads to degenerative diseases such as cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease.
Detoxifying the body is widely believed to prevent and reverse disease.
FASTING: Fasts are usually supported by fresh fruit juices or pure water. Although a 3-day fast is generally accepted as safe for most people, a doctor's supervision is always recommended. The best juices are carrot, beet, and parsley or wheat grass. Rice protein is often supplemented to add the nutrients necessary to sustain liver detoxification of chemical toxins.
MONO-DIETS: Eating one food for a period of 1 to 5 days helps rid the body of waste products.
Papaya contains high amounts of natural enzymes, fiber, vitamin C ,and beta-carotene. Papaya seeds are a natural anti-parasitic. Some of the other fruits traditionally used to cleanse the system are grapes, grapefruit, and apples.
COLON CLEANSING: While colonics and enemas are valuable, it is important to realize that other therapies such as saunas, dry skin brushing, and herbs should also be included in a detoxification program.
SYSTEMIC DETOXIFICATION: Methods currently employed to perform systemic detoxification include--Homeopathic drainage remedies, nosodes, ozone therapy, chelation therapy, high-dose intravenous vitamin C and vitamin-mineral drips, peat baths, constitutional hydrotherapy, colonic hydrotherapy, and hyperthermic infrared sauna therapy. These therapies require supervision by a naturopathic physician or other health practitioner.
HERBAL SUPPORT: Some of the best herbs for liver cleansing are: milk thistle, dandelion root, artichoke, and black radish. Foods that help support liver detoxification are vegetables in the cabbage family, flax, sesame, sunflower and safflower oils, garlic and onions, raw nuts, seeds, and all fruits and vegetables.
Always check with your physician before making dietary changes.
