Safe Detox — What is Right for You?

The new year is a traditional time to renew our bodies and mind!

Some holiday activities, including overindulging in rich foods and beverages can cause our system to lose its natural balance. Bloating, weight gain, indigestion, and skin problems are common complaints following the holidays. They are also signs that our digestive system and organs are not working as they should and might need support or detoxification. Our bodies become “toxic” when we lose our ability to naturally flush out metabolic waste.

The liver plays a significant role in metabolization, and when overloaded, it has difficulty processing nutrients, detoxifying substances and breaking down fats. An inefficient, toxic or overloaded liver can stress our immune system and wreak havoc with our ability to maintain a healthy weight. The liver wraps the toxins and stores them away in our fat cells.

What is Detox therapy?

Detox therapy is a protocol of “clean diet” (i.e. no sugar, junk foods, alcohol, or diet drinks, etc…), nutritional supplements to support the liver and other organs, and exercise. This allows the body to dip into the fat deposits and remove the toxins. Detox therapy helps the liver and other organs systems do this more efficiently because it is not overloaded with the above-mentioned culprits.

What is “safe” detox?

There are a LOT of “detox” products and programs. Some are dangerous while others are not supported by scientific research. Generally speaking; safe detox helps the body to process and remove toxins gently and naturally.

What are the benefits of detox:

The goal, of course, is to achieve better health. Most people report having more energy, sleeping better, and improved levels of concentration.

How long should a detox regimen last?

There is a difference between a cleanse and detox. When we do a cleanse we are taking in more water and cleaning up the diet, putting healthier nutrients into our body. When we detox, we are actually dipping into the fat deposits to eliminate the stored toxins. And this takes at least two weeks. It’s best to get an evaluation from your trusted health care provider before starting a detox regimen.

Why support is suggested/needed with detox?

Healing discomforts can and often do occur during detox regimens. Common withdrawal and temporary symptoms of detoxification include headache, lightheadedness, diarrhea, cramps, bloating, body aches, fatigue, mood changes, and weakness.

Combining acupuncture with a safe detox protocol can help to start the year with better health and keep you on track with your New Year’s goals.

• Acupuncture strengthens the digestive system to prevent toxins from leaving the digestive tract in the first place.
• Acupuncture improves circulation to help the liver and other organs function more efficiently.
• Acupuncture also reduces the effects of emotional “toxins” and improves the production of endorphins and serotonin levels to promote a greater sense of well-being.
• Acupuncture can help you sleep better so the body can repair and restore itself more efficiently.
• Acupuncture can ease addictive cravings and reduce withdrawal symptoms from addictive substances.

Invitation to Informational event:

The Healing Point Acupuncture Clinic and Dr. Jennifer Potter, ND will host a “Healthy Start”gathering at the Healing Point Acupuncture Clinic to help you learn more about safe detox. We are offering three detox programs with the option of customizing them to best fit your needs and your goals. It’s a great way to start the New Year. A healthy year is a happy year!