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In our busy modern world, toxins are very common and are impossible to completely avoid, but we can reduce our exposure to them as much as possible and detoxify our bodies at least every year with a comprehensive detox program.

Although the human body is designed to cleanse itself naturally of the normal waste by-products of digestion and metabolism, it is not able to deal with the additional toxic overload from chemical preservatives, pesticides, pharmaceutical drugs, cigarettes, processed foods, food additives, cosmetics, cleaning products, car exhaust fumes, and other sources of external toxins present in the air, water and food that we consume. Toxins can also be generated internally by “unfriendly” bacteria, yeasts and parasites in our digestive systems which are absorbed into the bloodstream, affecting our health and vitality. Purification of polluted blood and tissues is absolutely necessary to preserve health and prolong life.

A periodic detox is probably the single most effective preventative measure you can take to prevent disease, cancer and degenerative conditions that thrive in an acidic, poorly-oxygenated body. Detoxification is also the best cure for most of these conditions, so its importance cannot be emphasized enough.
Signs and symptoms of toxicity:

• Recurrent headaches
• Muscle aching and weakness
• Nerve pain or numbness
• Recurrent infections
• Poor short-term memory and concentration
• Sensitivity to environmental chemicals and odours
• Chronic fatigue/lethargy
• Anxiety and/or mood swings
• Bad breath, foul body odour
• Constipation, IBS, digestive complaints
• Acne, skin rashes
• Infertility, hormonal problems

When detoxifying your body it is important that all the key detoxification organs and systems within the body are cleansed otherwise toxins can re-enter the bloodstream and cause unpleasant symptoms. This includes the bowels, liver, kidneys, lymph, skin and lungs.

The first and foremost strategy in any detox program is to flush acid residues out of the lymphatic system, blood, and other bodily fluids, all of which should be slightly alkaline. This can be done by making certain dietary changes and drinking 2-3 litres of pure, filtered water daily to neutralise, dilute and flush out acids and toxins through the kidneys. By flushing out acids proper pH balance can be restored in the blood and body tissues. Excessive levels of acid residues in the body suppress immunity, interfere with normal metabolism, inhibit digestion and absorption of nutrients, and promote fungal and bacterial infections.

There are many different detox programs available these days which can be a bit confusing and overwhelming. Our experienced Naturopath will be able to advise you on the best program suited to your individual needs and requirements along with a specific diet plan which will ensure you are eating the right foods for your body to maximise the detoxification process.
Below are some simple diet changes you can make today to reduce your level of toxicity and help your body detoxify naturally.

Dietary Tips:

• Always look for fresh organic seasonal fruit and vegetables.
• Avoid processed, packaged foods as much as possible.
• Eliminate foods containing artificial colours, flavours, additives, flavour enhancers, preservatives and hydrogenated fats.
• Read the ingredients list to make sure the food doesn’t contain high amounts of saturated fats, gluten, or sugar.
• Try to eat as many green leafy veges as possible which are great for alkalising the blood and tissues. Garlic, ginger and onions also have potent cleansing properties.
• Cook your veges only by steaming, stewing, or stir-frying to retain their nutrients and enzymes-no frying, microwaving, pickled, tinned or frozen foods.
• Eat plenty of citrus fruits, apples, pears, watermelon, cherries, berries, papaya and black grapes which are the best internal cleansers for the body.
• Reduce or eliminate meat and if consumed only eat organic meats.
• Eat more fresh fish, legumes, pulses, beans and vegetarian meals which are more alkalising in the body. Any meat consumed must be organic and cooked only by grilling, steaming, stir frying, or poaching-absolutely no fried or barbequed meats.
• Reduce or eliminate dairy-substitute with alternatives such as organic, non GMO soy, rice, tofu, coconut or nut milks, butters, yoghurts or cheeses.
• Reduce grains as they are acid-forming and require a lot of enzymes to digest. * Choose millet, spelt, barley, rye, buckwheat, or brown rice instead. Try to eliminate wheat products completely which are very acidic and cause many allergic reactions.
• Eat only whole, organically grown grains and strictly avoid all white flour products such as bread, pasta, crackers, and pastry. Sprouted grains are fine as they become complete living foods full of essential nutrients and enzymes and alkalising once sprouted.
• Eat more raw, unsalted nuts and seeds which are excellent sources of vegetable protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals but make sure you soak them overnight to make them easier to digest and help release their nutrients, but avoid peanuts. Limit your intake of nuts and seeds whilst detoxing though as they are also acid-forming except for almonds.
• Only use organic cold pressed oils such as flaxseed, olive oil and coconut oil.
• Avoid smoking cigarettes, taking any recreational drugs, and limit alcohol consumption as they are highly toxic on the body and put extra strain on the liver and kidneys.
• Avoid carbonated drinks and reduce caffeine as much as possible, except for green tea which contains many antioxidants and helps boost metabolism.
• Drink plenty of pure water, fresh raw vege or fruit juices, herbal teas and clear broths which all help to flush out toxins and alkalise the blood and body tissues.

Parasites are finally being recognized as the main cause for many undiagnosed diseases. There are more than 130 different kinds of parasites that use the human body as their host. They range in size from microscopic to single and multi-celled worms.The symptoms that can occur through an infection with fungi or parasites are frequently identical to those of a bacterial or viral infection. Read more…