Is Your Detox Really A Detox?
By Graeme Bradshaw B.Sc., N.D., Dip Hom.
In recent years detox has become popular, but is your detox able to remove modern day pollutants? As the founder of the Integrated Medicine Institute in Hong Kong, I’d like to speak about genuine detoxification.
- Living in the post-industrial age, our body is exposed to up to 80,000 different kinds of chemicals that it was not designed to handle. They are in the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, the hygiene and cleaning products we use and the building materials that surround us. These give off fumes of chemicals which we breathe in and absorb daily.
- According to US studies, we have approximately 400 man made chemicals stored in fat cells, the liver and other organs of our bodies. Many of the pollutants affecting us are termed “persistent,” since it can take up to 10 years to remove half the amount of a single exposure! Some of these are very toxic, and even in small amounts are carcinogens, while others are hormone disrupting or neuro-toxic, which affect your brain and mood.
- Our body is masterfully designed to self regulate and heal. It eliminates and detoxifies everyday. However, prolonged toxic exposure, unhealthy eating and poor lifestyle habits burden the body and compromise its normal elimination capacities. This depletes our vitality.
- Many detox programs and classical fasts primarily focus on bowel cleansing and so these potentially harmful toxins stored throughout the body are not removed.
- To ensure genuine detoxification, the liver especially needs to be supported. Specially designed functional foods have been developed, which help biochemical detoxification in the liver. Certain nutrients, particularly amino acids, are essential for supporting the liver in achieving the safe removal of poisons. Additionally, the nutritional support in these products enhances metabolic rate, and muscle mass is maintained, whilst classical fasts decrease metabolic rate and cause some muscle loss.
- These detoxification functional foods are taken in the form of meal replacement drinks, along with herbal formulas that stimulate the elimination of toxins from the body. Ideally, they are combined with traditional cleansing therapies (e.g. sauna and colonic irrigation or other bowel cleansing therapies) in an intensive 7 to 10-day detox program.
- The result of an effective detox program includes:
- Reduced levels of heavy metal toxicity
- Removal of industrial pollutants from your body
- Improved energy levels and feeling rejuvenated
- Improved digestion and elimination
- Healthier skin and more youthful appearance
- Weight loss
- Reduced fluid retention
- Reduction in common symptoms such as headaches, aches and pains in the muscles and joints
- Improved mental clarity, memory and mood
- Improved sleep patterns and calmness
- Lowered blood levels of triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and uric acid
Living in the modern world, genuine detoxification could very well be the missing link in helping you achieve optimal health and vitality. IMI, based in Hong Kong, offers effective detox programs for groups or individuals. Contact tej@imi.com.hk (tel: 2523-7121) or for more information on detoxification check www.imi.com.hk.
By Graeme Bradshaw B.Sc., N.D., Dip Hom. Founder of the Integrated Medicine Institute (IMI) in Hong Kong, Graeme is a highly respected homeopathic and naturopathic physician. With over 25 years in practice, he has helped thousands of people improve their health and well-being. With extensive experience conducting detoxification programs at his private clinic and internationally, Graeme designed the Holistic Detox Retreat, the Pure Detox and 10-Day Detox for Busy People.