The average American is exposed to 20 pesticides daily, not to mention herbicides, fertilizers, and hundreds of other chemicals found in our food, water and air. Detoxifying your body is more than just a good idea, it is a neccessity! 

With over 600 known functions the liver is the star player of our detoxification system. Good nutrition is essential to healthy detoxification. In fact, the liver needs certain nutrients to function optimally. Most Americans are nutrient deficient to some degree. This can lead to suboptimal liver function. Therefore, following a detox regimen which does not supply adequate nutrition misses the mark.

While fasting has a spiritual aspect to it and it may allow the digestive system to rest, it is not the optimal way of detoxing. There are several important considerations in detoxifying the body. `What are we trying to remove from the system?' and `where are the toxins located?'. Some areas of our body may need specific support to detox properly. We may need to focus on a particular system such as the lymphatics, the kidney or connective tissue. Other times our focus may be on a specific chemical such as mercury or heavy metals. In either case, we must be specific in our approach. Herbs and homeopathics are the best methods for orienting detoxification therapy more specifically.

Before we start detoxifying the body we must make sure the drainage pathways are open. By `drainage pathways' we are referring to the liver/ galbaldder (bile flow), intestines (colon), kidneys, lymphatics, and skin. If we free up toxins without supporting the pathways whereby these toxins are drained from the body we wind up with a `toxic ping-pong effect'. That is, a toxin being freed from where it resides but not being able to be fully excreted (removed) from the body. So it just moves from one tissue or area into another. This is often why people feel so ill when they detox.

For a whole body detox we start  by making sure the colon is functioning well. If garbage is not moving out of the body well  there will be a back-up which will interfere with the rest of our detox. A fiber supplement may be necessary to help sweep the intestinal wall of the accumulated debri. Psillium works here but may make the user dependent upon it. It acts as an irritant which could be problematic for those with irritable bowel. I like Yerba Prima Daily Fiber Caps.

Some researchers have found a high daily dose of vitamin C or magnesium can help improve bowel function. High quality organic Noni  has been shown to upregulate (improve the function of) the colon. Proper exercise to activate the abdominal muscles is essential, as is adequate water intake. A mild solution of sea salt in water first thing in the morning may also be effective but again, can be too irritating for some. A small amount of betonite clay may be helpful here as well. Some people suggest it is not a food and therefore should not be eaten. But for short term therapeutic use, it has been shown to draw out toxins from tissue. It's `cooling' nature may reduce inflammation. Organic Aloe may also be helpful for inflammatory conditions.

Of course, we need to support the liver in its many stages of detoxification. Herbs such as milk thistle, dandelion root and jerusalem artichoke are key benefactors to the liver. They aid bile flow which is critical to proper liver functioning. Milk thistle is also the strongest hepato-protectant (liver protector) known.

We must also support the kidneys ability to detoxify. Herbs such as stinging nettle are helpful here. We must drink plenty of water.  Many people are walking around in a state of subclinical (no symptoms) dehydration. Next we support cleansing the blood and lymph. Two of the best herbs here are red clover and burdock root.

I also recommend several homeopathics to support detoxification.

Proper protein intake is also important. The detox system and immune system require adequate protein intake to function optimally.

While undenatured whey protein may actually provide a better source of protein for the body, rice protein is less problematic for some people. Nutirients such as B-vitamins, sulfur, methionine and others are also required to support the detoxification pathways  especially if the liver is overly-burdened, as most of ours are.

The Detox Diet - Personally, I need to be physically able to work and think clearly during a detox. Who can plan to be out of commission for 3-5 days, as some authors suggest, feeling lousy? Proper diet and nutrition eliminates this. I recommend a detox diet of organic and healthy foods. Limited..yes. But you never go hungry!  Breakfasts consist of oatmeal, organic fruit and a protein detox shake such as Clearvite (Apex energetics), Ultrabalance (Metagenics) or OptiCleanse (Xymogen). These products support the detox process while providing adequate protein so blood sugar levels don't go crazy. If you need to maintain blood sugar levels more carefully you may snack on organic raw nuts between meals, or use another dose of the detox protein drinks. Some nuts have hidden molds so make sure you have a reliable source. Do not use salted roasted nuts.

For Lunch and Dinner eat brown rice with steamed veggies. Organic tofu is fine. Organic chicken or high quality fish is also acceptable. Eat only organic fruits.

No Wheat, No Gluten, No Dairy, No fried or processed foods. No refined flour or sugar. No coffee. No alcohol. No red meats or processed foods.

Purified water with a little fresh lemon is recommended throughout the day. You may substitute Rice Dream vanilla drink for milk. It tastes reasonably well. Or you may use Silk soymilk as an alternative to cow's milk. Teeccino Java is a brewed alternative to coffee with a good coffee flavor. Use Silk soy creamer instead of cream.

It's not a bad diet. You don't have to go hungry and you don't feel bad. In fact, usually by the third day or so, you'll have more energy and may be sleeping better. Typically patients loss anywhere from 4 to 12 pounds on a 10 day detox. The idea is to substitute foods that burden your liver with healthy food choices. With a little creativity your detox experience can be exceptional.

Drink plenty of purified water. Get to bed early. Take a hot bath or sauna if desired. Don't exercise strenuously during your detox although brisk walking, Qi Gong, or Tai Chi is recommended. Lymphatic massage may be desirable a few days into your detox. And, last but not least, get in touch with your spiritual side. Pray and meditate. Observe nature closely and reflect on our connectedness with the natural world around us. Get adequate sunshine daily. Surround yourself with good music (relaxing and melodic). Practice deep abdominal breathing . Get in touch with your inner child.    Enjoy the process!