Detox is at the heart of naturopathic philosophy. As the primary organ involved in detoxifying and purifying our blood, a sluggish liver can burden your entire system and dramatically reduce healing time. This is because the liver processes our hormones, wastes (byproducts from food, chemicals, nutrients and heavy metals) and drugs (recreational & pharmaceutical). A detox program will often not only involve the liver, but the entire gastrointestinal system.

Insufficient liver and gastrointestinal tract function can be the underlying cause of many patient symptoms. If the liver is not working efficiently you may experience fatigue, nausea, headaches, migraines, blotchy skin, facial flushing (heat rising), PMS, flatus, abdominal bloating, allergies. You may find that your symptoms are worse in the morning on rising, as the liver works hard trying to excrete and recycle the body’s wastes overnight.

 Benefits of detox:

• Improved immunity Improved digestion
• Improved sleep patterns
• Increased energy
• Improved skin health
• Increased self esteem and improved mood
• Weight loss

How long will it take:

Detox programs, comprised of three stages, will take between four and six weeks to complete. This will depend on your body’s ability to cope with detox, how ‘toxic’ you are, your preparation and motivation. Many quick detox programs are being offered today, but these do not prepare the body for the full effects of detox, thus have higher rates of side effects and are of less benefit.

Once you have completed one full detox program, you will gain the best benefits by maintaining ongoing healthy eating choices and participating in a smaller maintenance detox program once or twice a year.

Side effects of detox:

During the first few weeks some people experience side effects. This is the result of your liver working harder to eliminate the toxins in your system. Side effects should not linger for more than a few days, but if you have any concerns, consult your practitioner. The more prepared you are – the less chance you will experience these unwanted symptoms. *A detox should not lead to side effects. If it does, you are detoxing too quickly and need to notify your practitioner.

Side effects you may experience are:

• Initial worsening of symptoms
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Increased fatigue/apathy

Do not attempt a detox if you are:

• Pregnant
• Taking prescribed pharmaceutical medications (without first consulting your health professional)
• Under 12 years of age
• Elderly

See your practitioner before you begin a detox program if:

• You are taking any pharmaceutical medications. A detox changes the way your liver handles the absorption and excretion of medications. It is therefore advised that you see your health practitioner prior to starting a detox, as well as throughout the program to monitor how your body is processing your medication.
• Your health practitioner will give you encouragement and have diagnostic tools equipped at monitoring and motivating you through each stage of the program.

Feeling motivated?

To begin your detox program it is best to see your naturopath, as they can prescribe to you any herbal or nutritional supplements to support the organs you will be detoxing. This is important to reduce the potential for side effects. You will also be assessed as to whether detox will benefit you. You may need to do some preparation before beginning the program. This may include an initial bowel detox to ensure you are not going to recycle the wastes produced by the increased detoxifacation process of the liver.

An overview of a detoxification program (adjusted to individual requirements):

• Patient history – medication, lifestyle, and primary health concerns
• Health assessment
• Heamaview (when required)
• Allergy/diet assessment
• Discussion about detox and how it will benefit you and your condition
• Urinary sample (not always) to assess parasitic/toxic load
• Prescription of specific nutrients/herbs/diet so you can begin your program.
• Each patient is re-assessed at various intervals for encouragement, support and to determine when it is right to move onto the next step of the program.