You might have heard of ‘detox diets’ and thought they were just another fad. But in reality, detoxification of the body is a key tool in functional medicine and can deliver enormous and wide-ranging health benefits. A detoxification – or detox for short – is a process of helping the body to eliminate toxins than have built up over time. We are all exposed to toxins on a daily basis, but some people are exposed more than others and the damage that toxins do to the body’s cells often goes unseen until it is critical. Detoxification is a natural process which the body is constantly doing, but a functional medicine specialist can help devise a plan which can give this process a temporary boost for increased health benefits.
Why does functional medicine use detoxification?
Let’s be clear: detoxification is not just about losing weight. Yes, weight loss is one potential benefit of detoxification. However, that is often not the reason why it is recommended by functional medicine specialists. Detoxification can boost energy levels and assist in removing crashes that come from consuming too much sugar, caffeine, saturated fat and trans fat.
It can also help enhance liver function and improve digestion, through cleansing the liver and the colon. When your organs are free of toxins and functioning as they should, your immune system will be better off given you will be able to better absorb nutrients like Vitamin C. Your body’s largest organ – your skin – can also benefit from detoxification and you may experience clearer, smoother skin at the end of the process. Detoxification can also assist in reducing inflammation. Inflammation is something you want to avoid or significantly limit, given it is associated with a range of diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, high blood pressure, inflammatory bowel disease, Type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer.
What exactly is a functional medicine detoxification?
A functional medicine approach to detoxification centres around a diet plan which minimises your intake of harmful toxins. Eating fresh and healthy fruit and vegetables is key, with all processed foods to be avoided. Some variety in the fresh food is also important, because various nutrients are needed to fuel detoxification pathways and support the liver.
However, there are also other, more holistic ways to limit toxins that are not related to what you eat. These can include drinking only purified water, not consuming alcohol, trying to minimise stress and even using natural cosmetics and shampoos. A functional medicine specialist may also recommend specific supplements for you to take which can help maximise the impact of your detoxification. Certain activities and other lifestyle changes can also help give your detoxification a major kick along.
How to get started with a functional medicine detoxification
If you are interested in doing a detoxification in search of serious health benefits, contact Melbourne-based functional medicine specialist Luke Clarke today.Luke has helped many patients give their bodies a major detoxification boost, through taking a holistic functional medicine approach to the process.
For a free 10 minute consultation, contact Luke today by calling 03 8820 0010.