Vegans Detox Their Body Throughout The Year Without Even Realizing

Keep in mind; we are moving dangerous toxins from where they’ve been stored—sometimes for years—in delicate organs and tissues. As toxins are pulled from fat and other tissues, they can enter the circulation and travel to other areas throughout the body, often triggering new reactions. This is often called a “detox crisis,” and can produce the symptoms I listed above, among others.

Fortunately, there are ways to avoid a detox crisis and still reap the benefits of a successful cleanse. We simply need to take a gradual approach—no rushing to get it done in a three-day cleanse. By taking it slowly and gently, we make the process easier on our bodies and commit to a more thorough cleanse—one that can replenish our energy and revitalize our health without bogging us down with discomfort and fatigue.

Why Detox
One of the most insidious byproducts of modern living is a toxic environment. We are exposed to heavy metals, agricultural chemicals, household cleaners, flame retardants and a variety of other toxins on a daily basis.

Over time, these poisons accumulate in our bodies. We don’t notice them, that much, but over time they become a serious problem. Toxins scramble hormones, disrupt critical cell communication, and mutate DNA. They can lead to pain, lethargy, joint issues, allergies, suppressed immunity, overactive immunity, and serious diseases like cancer.

One of the main consequences of toxins is that they contribute to chronic inflammation. In my practice, I always try to address inflammation early in the process, as it is linked to so many different conditions. Usually, after getting a thorough patient history and conducting some diagnostic tests, it becomes clear that inflammation is a critical underlying issue. Detoxification is one of the best ways to help control it.

Don’t Be Aggressive

Given all the problems generated by our toxic load, I can understand why people would want to hurry. But I must stress that there’s really no reward for doing it that way. Fast detoxes are often less comprehensive, and they can sometimes do more harm than good if toxins are dislodged from fat cells for example, and relocated to critical organs. 

So avoid any system that embraces sudden radical change. That might include aggressive herbal formulas, major dietary adjustments, even rapid weight loss programs. Basically anything that promises speedy results. 

We also need to think carefully about supporting our body’s innate detoxification systems. Drastic approaches, such as juice fasts, generally don’t provide enough nutrition to keep us at peak efficiency. 

Another popular approach is colonics. This is another example of impatience overriding good practice. Colonics are convenient; you can schedule an appointment, get the procedure done and move on with the rest of your day. But they’re also superficial, hitting the digestive tract but missing the lungs, joints, brain and other areas where toxins may be lurking. Can colonics be part of a comprehensive cleanse? Absolutely. But they really don’t do the job on their own. 

Getting Started
I recommend detox in two stages: start by clearing toxins from the gastrointestinal tract and circulatory system first, then add in a deeper cleanse of the organs. This reduces the risk of overloading the blood with toxins and precipitating a detox crisis. 

Start with diet, choosing lean, mostly plant-based, proteins. Sprouted andfermented foods are both easier to digest and nutrient-dense, and they offer natural detox benefits with an abundance of enzymes, and in the case of fermented foods, probiotics. Naturally, all foods should be organic, which will reduce exposure to antibiotics and pesticides.

Emphasize lots of green vegetables. These are rich in many nutrients and provide antioxidant support. Spinach, cucumber and other alkaline vegetables are great at helping the body release toxins. Cruciferous vegetables—kale, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage—are rich in compounds that promote detoxification, as well as balancing hormones.

Drink lots of water. Most people are chronically dehydrated to begin with and detoxification can worsen that problem. Don’t let it. The body needs lots of water to flush out toxins. Herbal teas and vegetable broths are also good choices.

Helpful Supplements
One of my favorite detoxification supplements is modified citrus pectin(MCP). Made from the pith of orange peels, MCP is known for its ability to bind with heavy metals and other toxins in the circulation. In addition, MCP has an affinity for galectin-3, an inflammatory protein that has been implicated in cancer, inflammation, fibrosis, cardiovascular disease and other degenerative conditions. MCP has no side effects and doesn’t reduce essential minerals in the body, so it makes a great detox and natural chelation supplement.

Medicinal mushrooms are also quite useful. I recommend reishi, cordyceps, agaricus, umbellatus, coriolus and maitake. Mushrooms have a unique ability to absorb toxins. When choosing a formula, make sure it has a comprehensive blend that is grown organically.”

To read the rest of the article, check it out on the original source over at Rodale Wellness.