If you regularly experience sluggishness, fatigue, digestive distress, or just that general “blah” feeling, your body may be in need of detoxification support to restore you to a place of optimal health.
Type “detox” into a search engine and within a split second you’ll have millions of resources at your fingertips, many of which contradict each other and leave most people confused! Questions arise like, what exactly is a detox? Why is detoxification important for the body? Can a detox do more harm than good? Is there a difference between a cleanse and a detox?
These are important questions to consider. Let’s jump in and unpack The Wellness Way’s approach to detoxification.
What is Detoxification and Why is it Important?
Your body is designed for life and vitality. You have built-in detoxification and elimination systems and organs. The liver, intestines, colon, kidneys, bladder, lungs, and skin all support detoxification throughout the body. But the many toxins we encounter in life can have a significant impact on the various systems and organs, making them in need of support.
Your exposure to toxins begins in your mother’s uterus. Her toxins become your toxins. Add to that toxins found in vaccinations, prescription drugs, food, skincare products, the environment, cleaning products, paint, and so many more over the span of our lives…that’s why we need to detoxify. Our bodies can only handle so much before they can no longer naturally detox through the systems as they were intended. A detox will assist your body in expelling the toxins that are stored in your organs and tissues.
How Does a Detox Work?
The main purpose of a detox is to enhance the body’s detoxification pathways by inducing the release of toxins from the tissues and removing them from the body. A practitioner-guided detox will be tailored to your unique body and needs. An effective detox is a multi-faceted protocol built on key pillars like nutrition, supplements, exercise, stress reduction, and supportive therapies. These are designed to assist the body in detoxification and returning to restored health.
A true detox requires the supervision of a nutritionally proficient healthcare provider due to specific nutritional and supplemental protocols that may accompany each individual detox. No two people are the same, so a healthcare provider must be involved to answer questions and guide you every step of the way.
Signs Your Body May Need a Detox
When the organs of elimination (liver, intestines, kidneys, lungs, and skin) are burdened with excessive toxins, they will show signs of distress. Signs and symptoms may include:
- Rashes, pimples, or offensive body odor
- Frequent, painful, or urgent urination
- Gas, diarrhea, sluggish digestion, or constipation
- Congestion, coughing, or wheezing
Symptoms of toxic stress vary widely from person to person. From headaches to hypertension, each of us will show signs of stress differently, depending upon our genetic weaknesses and the nature of the toxins we are burdened with. Ignoring these signs will cause stressed organs to become diseased, resulting in a dramatic reduction in health, wellbeing, and longevity.
The Difference Between a Detox and a Cleanse
There is a distinct difference between a detox and a cleanse. Consider this analogy: picture a long hallway with Mr. Janitor sweeping and scrubbing after a busy day. This is what a cleanse does—it simply cleans the hallway. Now imagine that same hallway lined with doors. Each door gives entrance to a room. This time Mr. Janitor not only sweeps and scrubs the hallway, but he also opens the doors and sweeps and scrubs the rooms that line the hallway. This is what a detox accomplishes.
A cleanse may not require doctor supervision (which is why many people resort to cleanses), but they may inadvertently harm delicate systems. The GI tract, for example, is a delicate ecosystem comprised of many kinds of bacteria. When people unknowingly use a cleanse to clean out their colon, they don’t realize that they may be clearing out some good bacteria, altering the delicate ecosystem, and ultimately making themselves even more sick.
It is important to note that not everyone is ready for a detox. In some cases, other factors (such as hormonal imbalances, gut health, food allergies, or stress) need to be addressed prior to undergoing a detoxification protocol. Learn more about these factors here: 6 Reasons Not to Detox.
The Wellness Way Approach to Detoxification
At The Wellness Way, our doctors take a comprehensive approach to detoxification, looking at the body from a vitalistic standpoint. Each organ and system in the body affects one another, much like a Swiss watch. Based on an individual’s whole health picture, our doctors will tailor a detox protocol designed to boost the eliminative capacity of the liver, intestines, kidneys, lungs, and skin with a specialized diet and supportive customized nutritional therapies. This comprehensive approach prevents the unwanted side effects common to other fasting or detoxing protocols, and instead creates a powerful health recovery event.
We are here to support you on your journey to restored health! Find a Wellness Way clinic near you to learn more about how we may assist you in your pursuit of optimal wellness.
