This is a good time of year to think about taking better care of yourself in the new year. We look ahead to the new year and wonder how we could make it better for ourselves. Changing old patterns is one of the hardest things we can do but it it's like riding a bike. The more we practice the better we get. So forget about all those neglected resolutions of years gone by and start new again this year. Perhaps if you started off the year by feeling really good physically it would start more seeds of change. One way is a detoxification, or what I prefer to call a rejuvenation, program.
By following a cleansing program for one or two weeks right away this year you give your detoxification organs a rest, your energy improves and you lose a little weight. You also learn some new eating patterns that you may adopt permanently. Your liver, kidneys, intestines, and skin are your major organs of detoxification and we cleanse these with herbs such as burdock, cleavers, cascara, goldenseal and milk thistle. I also recommend a good non allergenic fiber such as psyllium or flax powder. Even though some of these herbs don't taste great, the hardest part of the program is changing your diet. I recommend a vegetarian diet during this program, that is also dairy and wheat free. This way the common food allergens are eliminated thus improving energy, and promoting better digestion and weight loss. This program is relatively easy as it is only two weeks in length whereas my other programs are up to three months.
If you have some of the following symptoms you may be experiencing a level of toxicity: headaches, frequent need to clear throat, sinus congestion, dark circles under the eyes, skipped heart beats, poor concentration, mood swings, lethargy, irritability, cravings, belching, gas, hearburn, bloating, water retention, frequent urination or hives. For a complete free questionnaire contact the office or see my web site www.drpincott.com. A simple two week cleansing program may eleviate most of these symptoms.
Why do we get so toxic? Why can't our detoxification organs do their job? It is not well known that basic nutrients are required for detoxification and 84% of humans are missing at least 17 of these nutrients. We are missing them because of soil depletion of nutrients and thus their absence in our food. Eating certified organic vegetables has been proven to provide us with more trace elements than non organic vegetables. Aside from these deficiencies, we also ingest many xenobiotics (toxic chemicals) in the form of medications, alcohols, ammonia, exhaust gasses, fungicides, heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, silver aluminum and nickel, herbicides, pesticides, solvents and petrochemicals, street drugs, and volatile chemicals from perfumes and house hold cleaners. This puts a tremendous load on our detoxification organs and by cleansing at least twice a year allows these organs to rejuvenate a little and work better for our benefit.
So consider starting your year off right by giving your body a tune up. At the very least you will remember what it feels like to feel lighter and more energetic!
Doctor Pincott has been a Naturopathic Physician for 14 years and is currently
practicing in Campbell River. She welcomes your questions and comments.
Return to Home