Natural Health Care

Detoxification Cautions

Although detoxification is a natural way of restoring vitality, sharp thinking, clear skin and strong immune system, there are inherent dangers that one should note. For thousands of years, toxins in the blood and liver are flushed using detoxification programs. By eliminating the impurities in the system caused by the environment, poor diet or excessive drinking/drug use, detoxification helps the body to protect itself from disease and boost overall health.

Detoxification programs are considered a medical program; therefore, a doctor should be consulted beforehand. From eating organic fruits or herbal cleansing mixtures to irrigating the colon, detoxification programs can vary greatly in the approach. Certain people should not use these programs because of certain side effects.

Children and Elderly

Since children/teens are still growing, a detoxification program that involves fasting may deprive them much needed nutrients. If the person suffers from an eating disorder, a detoxification diet should not be used since they can be addictive. The elderly may have an inadequate immune system that cannot handle a stringent program; those with diabetes or low blood sugar are prime examples.

Pregnant/Nursing Women

At this time when women need the most nutrition to support themselves and a baby, detoxification programs would be counterproductive. Depleting the body of nutrients or taking herbs should not be done during pregnancy or nursing.

Prescription Medicine

Medical advice should be sought if one is on prescription medicine. Since some medicine can be stored in the fat cells, detoxifying the body could release residual medicines into the blood. However, the program can strengthen the body's metabolizing of medicine, but a doctor will know best about your particular situation.

Headaches

Headaches may result from fasting or taking herbal mixtures used during detoxification.

Fatigue

The fasting involved will not provide the normal levels of protein and other nutrients, which in turn will cause energy loss possibly to the point of fatigue.

Nausea

Dehydration could result if the herbal mixtures along with fasting should cause vomiting.

Bowel

Sudden change in food intake, such as fasting, can lead to diarrhea and stomach cramps. As with vomiting, diarrhea can cause dehydration.

Death

Intensive programs have been known to trigger heart attacks; however, those were connected to other underlying health problems such as undiagnosed heart problems and drug use.

Infection

Using colon irrigation can lead to serious problems as the up to 15 gallons of water and herbal mixture are introduced into the colon. There is risk of puncturing the bowel and introducing infection into the intestinal tract. Research indicates that rinsing the colon in such a manner is neither helpful nor safe.

Loss of Nutrients

Experts are concerned about fasting programs that require foregoing solid food for up to a whole week. The idea is to flush toxins from the fat cells, but experts in the medical field say the same can be accomplished with a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Fasting only deprives the body of much need vitamins and minerals.

Common Herbs And Some Specific Uses

Garlic

Garlic is one of the few herbs that have universal recognition and uses. It stimulates the activity of the digestive organs. It is used to emulsify the cholesterol and loosen it from the arterial walls. Proven useful in asthma and whooping cough, it is also valuable in intestinal infections and effective in reducing high blood pressure.

Gentian Root

An excellent tonic and blood purifier. Treats the liver, worms, fever and colds. It is also very effective for snake bites due to it’s equality with quinine.

Ginger

Useful in all painful spasms of the bowels and stomach. Taken hot, it is excellent for suppressed menstruation. A catalyst from the pelvic area down.

Ginseng

The root is used. Excellent for low blood pressure. Increases the capillary circulation of the brain and also helps with nervous exhaustion. Useful for chest troubles, colds stomach and lungs.