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Do You Need to Detox? |
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What is detox therapy? Simply stated, detox therapy is a cleansing of toxins from our bodies. The human body becomes polluted from both external (exogenous) and internal (endogenous) sources of toxins. There are basically five common means of external exposure to toxins. 1) Inhalation: from air pollution, first- or second-hand smoke, dental amalgam fillings, and mold. 2) Ingestion: from chemicals used on crops or in food stocks, in drinking water, and in medicine and drugs. 3) Injection: from vaccinations and other injections, and from tattoos. 4) Absorption: from chemicals used on fabrics and other surfaces, paints, plastics, pesticides and chemical fertilizers. 5) Irradiation: from medical x-rays, radon gas, cell phones, computer monitors and televisions, microwave ovens, radios, power grids, and bomb testing. As we can readily see, even those consciously pursuing healthy lifestyles are subject to many sources of toxins in their daily lives. In addition to external sources, there are also internal sources of toxins: from fermentation, purification and rancidity from ingested foods, dehydration, poor diet, stress, and emotional imbalance. Clearly “better living through chemistry” is not a pathway to health and wellness. Over 70,000 chemicals are commercially produced in the U.S. and thousands of new ones are introduced each year. The EPA has classified almost 65,000 of them as potentially, if not definitely, hazardous to human health. Over 3,000 chemicals are intentionally added to our food supply and over 700 are routinely found in our drinking water. Heavy metals are present in almost everyone and are a significant source of toxicity. Lead, mercury, copper, cadmium, and arsenic are collected throughout most of our bodies. Because of their molecular weight they are difficult to eliminate. Rising rates of Autism and Parkinson’s Disease have resulted from our continued and growing exposure to heavy metals. One major symptom of toxicity seems to be a breakdown of our immune system, which further complicates our body’s ability to naturally fight off or rid itself of toxins. Another major symptom is damage to our nervous systems and emotional well-being. The vast increase in chemicals in our environment, foods, and medicines has diminished our body’s ability to rid itself of toxins through normal means. Our bodies have become so loaded with toxins that the process of detoxification itself can often produce short-term discomfort. We may not be immediately rewarded with good health and radiant well-being as soon as we change our poor lifestyle habits. Poor health and illness are progressive; likewise good health and well-being are progressive and require weeks, months, and even years of effort. However, the rewards are well worth it. Removal of toxins and heavy metals from the body has a long and well understood history of documented use and success in improving one’s general wellness and restoring health. Our growing knowledge and understanding of health and wellness, symptoms and causes of toxicity, and detoxification coupled with new technologies now makes it possible and more convenient for us all to pursue a much improved state of health and wellness. Detox Breakthrough A recent breakthrough technology has shown significant benefits to detox therapy: Ionic Detox Footbaths. While our body’s natural mechanisms work to reduce the toxins in our bodies, they are often overwhelmed, leaving us feeling tired, sluggish, and unable to concentrate. This general feeling of malaise is due to an improper acid/alkaline pH balance and improper positive and negative ion balance in our body. This results in weakening our body’s natural immune system and consequently greater exposure to many forms of illness and poorer general health. Detox Footbaths, which can greatly aid in the reduction of toxins and heavy metals, are an especially important therapy for people recovering from illness, injury, or surgery. Have you ever noticed how much better you feel when walking on the beach with the surf lapping at your ankles? An ionic footbath can restore that same sensation of well-being and effectively aid in detoxification of our systems. The Detox Footbath Process A Detox Footbath involves filling a footbath tub with clean water and adding sea salt, which is high in mineral content. An array connected to an ionic detox cleanse unit is placed in the water. This results in positive and negatively charged ions being circulated through the body of the person experiencing the Detox Footbath. These ions circulate primarily via the lymphatic and circulatory systems, which bathe cells throughout the body, acting like magnets to attract the oppositely charged ions of toxins, heavy metals, and cellular waste. This process is painless and takes approximately 30 minutes. Some of the toxins are excreted through the approximately 2,000 pores in the feet during the detox therapy session. But most importantly, this process will result in a boost in the efficiency of the body’s natural excretory and toxin elimination functions for 24-48 hours after the session. The liver and kidney are marvelous natural filtration systems and work with the body’s natural excretory functions during the period following the detox therapy session to help eliminate collected toxins and heavy metals. You are likely to notice changes in the color of the urine and bowels of the individual treated following the detox session, which is evidence of the resulting increased efficiency of the body’s natural filtration and elimination functions. If you have never experienced a Detox Footbath, you will be amazed by the change in the color of the water during the session. What started out as clean water will change, and you will observe the water becoming very discolored indeed. This is in part due to ionization and the resulting oxidation of the minerals in the water. However, this is only part of the story. You will also notice mucus, foam, and flecks in the water and it may turn very dark during your first several sessions. After a number of sessions, or during a period of particular illness, you may notice the color of the water changing, which indicates varying states of toxicity in your body or a change in the detoxification of different parts of the body. An adult human body is between 50-65% water. What is most important to understand about how a Detox Footbath therapy session works is that the ionization and discoloration process you see going on in the footbath is similar to the process in the water content within your body. The mild electric current (positively and negatively charged ions) introduced in the footbath is passing throughout your body and having a similar collection and cleansing effect through the body’s natural filtration and elimination functions during the period following the detox therapy session. In addition to the toxin, heavy metal, and cellular waste elimination, the 24-48 hour boost in efficiency of these functions resulting from the detox therapy session provides most of the therapeutic benefit. For this reason, Detox Footbath sessions are not suggested more frequently than once every two or three days, to allow for the post-therapy session detoxification process to work through to completion. We do not want to overload the body’s natural filtration and elimination processes. Detox Footbaths have been shown to be beneficial in the following ways: 1) Enhancing and rejuvenating the immune system. 2) Assisting in shortening the recovery time from injuries, surgery, and illness. 3) Relieving pain and joint stiffness due to arthritis. 4) Removing heavy metals from the body. 5) Improving sleep patterns. 6) Removing blood clot materials. 7) Improving kidney and liver function, which are a part of the body’s natural toxin elimination system. Detox Footbaths should not be used by people with pace makers, those with organ transplants, or by expectant or nursing mothers. An important part of Detox Footbath therapy is to make certain that you are properly hydrated. The use of drinks enriched with colloidal minerals and electrolytes is encouraged during and after sessions. Detox Therapy is an essential component of a path to improved health and wellness. Other Detox Methods An individualized detox program should be designed in consultation with a trusted health care practitioner such as your doctor, chiropractor, or naturopath. The most effective program for you will depend upon the condition of your natural elimination systems and overall health. In addition to Detox Foot Baths, there are several other components that a good detox program should include. Diet A typical detoxification program is likely to include an improved diet consisting of whole foods, organic fruits and vegetables, grains, lots of water, and limited amounts of lean (non-organ or cured) meats or proteins. Salt and sugar are normally not allowed. You should also avoid alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine. This protocol is a way to rest and rebalance your system. Exercise Your health care practitioner will likely suggest two forms of exercise that are particularly beneficial in detox therapies. The first is aerobic exercise, which improves detoxification by encouraging perspiration, increasing circulation, breaking down fat, and stimulating the lymphatic system. A typical aerobic exercise regimen prescribed for detox therapy includes 30-90 minute sessions, 3 to 5 times per week. The second regimen prescribed is likely to be Eastern exercise such as Yoga, Tai Chi, or Qi Gong. These aid the detox process by stretching the muscles, releasing toxins, teaching proper breathing, and stimulating the lymphatic system. A 20-minute Eastern exercise session three times per week is thought to be an important component of a comprehensive detox therapy and wellness program. Stress Reduction Stress reduction is also an important component for a sound detoxification program. While sometimes ignored by many, stress reduction is essential to allow the body to balance itself. It also helps the remaining components of the detox program to be maximally effective. Top stress fighters include the following strategies: 1) Manage your time better by trying to plan ahead more carefully and thoroughly. 2) Cut down on caffeine and alcohol. Instead, try ginger or peppermint teas which boost energy and mental clarity. 3) Practice yoga or gentle stretching exercises every day. 4) Take an adequate supply of natural B Vitamins. Good food sources of B Vitamins are cereal, whole grain bread, milk, lean meat, yogurt, eggs, and bananas. 5) Schedule regular tension release sessions using meditation or other forms of relaxation techniques. 6) Eat some carbohydrates for lunch -- 1 to 2 ounces of bread, whole grain rice, pasta, or potato. 7) Get aerobic exercise on a regular basis. 8) Try Aromatherapy -- it can be a helpful stress reducer. 9) Supplement your adrenal glands: 500 to 1000 mg of ginseng daily is a commonly recommended method. 10) Get a good night's sleep! Keep a regular bedtime and be sure to relax prior to attempting to sleep. (Tryptophan or melatonin supplements can aid deep sleep.) Hygiene The importance of keeping clean cannot be overemphasized. Most germs enter the body through the nose or eyes when we touch our face, so wash your hands thoroughly and regularly. Saunas The human immune system works better at slightly higher temperatures than normal. Humans have recognized this for centuries. This is also one of the reasons the body temperature rises when we are fighting infections. Therefore, saunas greatly aid in detoxification. Nutritional Supplements Take appropriate and recommended supplements. A host of nutrients can help repair some of the damage experienced before and during detoxification. A good multivitamin with mineral supplements is a good idea for most. Be sure to consult a healthcare professional to make certain that the supplements you take are best for your own personal health and do not conflict or interfere with any medications you may be taking. Our body’s natural functions used to eliminate toxins have become overwhelmed. Clearly the rise in immunological diseases and emotional disorders along with a general decline in wellness in our society are likely “canaries in the coal mine,” warning us of increasing levels of toxins in our bodies. Wellness is an interactive process of becoming aware and practicing healthy choices to create a balanced and more successful lifestyle. Regardless of your current state, it is possible to work towards optimizing your health and achieve greater well-being. Micheal Londo is the founder of Body Balance System, LLC, a leading supplier of Detox Footbath units for both professional practitioners and for home use by health conscious consumers. The BBS Professional Renovati Cleanse System is the state of the art in detox systems, featuring the BBS exclusive “Triple Safety System or TSS™” technology. All Body Balance products come with a 3 to 5 year no question warranty and a 30-day money back guarantee. For more information call (877) 296-2228 or visit www.bodybalancesystemonline.com.  Natural Quit Smoking Program
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