Whilst our bodies are equipped to cope with natural detoxification pathways, many can not maintain adequate detoxification processes at the speed required to effectively off set negative dietary and lifestyle choices of which we continue to burden our bodies with at an alarming rate leading to ill health and disease. This is evident in the increasing rate of non-communicable disease states such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes that are caused through poor dietary and lifestyle factors.
As our world continues to develop in agricultural practices so do the levels of environmental toxins. Environmental toxins accumulate through food chains and include things like heavy metals, the use of agricultural pesticides on our food sources, synthetic chemicals, genetically modified foods, hormone enhanced foods, food additives and preservatives all of which influence the nutritional quality of the food that we consume and place increasing burden on detoxification pathways.
Toxins can also be generated internally within the digestive tract through the over growth of ‘bad’ bacteria, opportunistic yeasts and parasites and through a lack of fermentable fibers and plant foods in our diet. These internally generated toxins are then absorbed into your bloodstream as a result of inflammation and impaired gut integrity, ultimately affecting your health and vitality.
Lifestyle factors also play a contributing role to toxic accumulation. Reduced physical activity, increased alcohol consumption and smoking also impair digestive functioning and deplete the body of its ability to absorb and receive adequate intake of nutrients required for health and leave us feeling fatigued and lethargic. Our metabolism and energy pathways slow down and we feel clogged and bloated as we then frequently turn to quick dietary fixes such as caffeine stimulants, soft drinks and energy drinks or high glycemic foods such as processed and refined sugars to combat the fatigue and to enable us to get through the day placing increased burden on our bodies and organ systems.
The process of detoxification involves dietary and lifestyle changes that reduce the intake of toxins and improve the clearance of toxins from the body by neutralizing these toxins through the liver and facilitating their removal via the gastrointestinal tract, urinary system and the skin. Think of it as an annual spring clean of the house that has years of accumulation. Initially the task can seem overwhelming or daunting but it is empowering once you make the decision to start.
A detox provides you an opportunity to consciously focus on your health for a period of time whether that is for two weeks or a more comprehensive program. It enables you to form new dietary and lifestyle habits that are more aligned to well being and to experience optimal health. Our aim is to empower you with the skills and knowledge necessary to undertake your detox but also to maintain a healthy diet for life.
Written by The Compounding Pharmacy Australia’s resident Herbalist Cassandra Hilton
Feel free to call us on 02 9960 3322 or come into store to make an appointment with Cassandra, so she can create a custom solution for your health.
Leave a comment