By Dr. Jeffrey Donahue

We clean our houses, we clean our cars, but when was the last time you gave yourself a good deep cleanse from the inside out?

Toxins interfere with our body’s normal function by damaging cells, tissues and fluids.  They can disrupt normal endocrine rhythms and have been linked to premature aging, cardiac disease, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.  At the very least, toxins rob us of valuable energy, which can affect your daily creative abilities, intuition and drive.

A Thorough Cleaning
With any type of cleanse, you need to be careful.  Too fast or too much of a detox can put a person into a health crisis.  It’s better to move slowly and easily and seek the advice of your doctor before starting any new plan.

I advise my patients to begin with the digestive tract.  It is the key to help absorb essential nutrients to aid your body’s natural cleaning process.  A digestive tract in great working order protects our systems against excessive chemical absorption and efficiently transports wastes from the body.  If you are having digestive issues, talk with your medical professional prior to starting any cleanse.

Increase your fiber

, both soluble and insoluble, as this supports bowel function.  The American Dietetic Association recommends 25 to 40 grams per day.

Water is an essential component. The Institute of Medicine recommends 2 to 3.5 liters of water per day, which equals five to ten 12-ounce glasses.

Your food choices are critical for support.  As a general rule, reduce processed foods and sugar and add fresh organic vegetables (particularly greens) and fruits.  Some people advocate juicing veggies and fruits to concentrate their naturally occurring vitamins and phytonutrients.

Reduce or eliminate your exposure to irritants. New house paint and flooring can potentially create or exacerbate a health issue, as can molds and allergens.

Research the products you use for your personal and home care. Mercola.com is a great resource for this type of information.
Decrease the amount of time you spend in front of the computer or other electronic devices to reduce your electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation exposure.

Get plenty of sunshine.

Ten to 15 minutes of sunshine per day is a great way to naturally increase Vitamin D, which enhances the detoxification system.  If you can’t get as much sun, consider supplementing with D3, starting with 1000 International Units (IU).

Make sure you are participating in a regular exercise program.  Exercise increases circulation and aids organ system functionality.

Get plenty of sleep. Eight to 9 hours is generally ideal because the body does most of its detoxification during rest.

The goal is to engage in a cleanse that is easy on your body, but even the best of cleanses can be stressful at times.  The release of toxins from the body can sometimes show up as skin problems, digestive disturbances and flu-like symptoms.  If any of these symptoms worsen, consult with your health care professional.

Most importantly, I wouldn’t recommend a detox during a busy, hectic or stressful time.  Make sure you have enough time to take care of yourself as you proceed.  Be well.

Signs of Toxic Overload

• Fatigue
• Brain Fog
• Muscle Achiness
• Poor Immune Function
• Unusual Weight Gain or Loss
• Hormonal Imbalances