According to the California Environmental Protection Agency, air pollution causes serious, and sometimes fatal, health problems including asthma, cancer, and neurological and reproductive disorders. Additionally, a study published in the European Journal of Pediatrics in April 2010 found that toxins in processed foods were associated with attention-deficit disorder. A naturopathic detoxification plan attempts to rid your body of these toxins safely and naturally.
Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine follows several core principles, with the first being do no harm. A naturopathic doctor will avoid prescribing harsh drugs with significant side effects. Such practitioners prefer non-invasive therapies that support the body's natural healing processes. The naturopathic doctor will also treat the whole person, taking into account interactions between lifestyle, mental and emotional health, genetics, and environmental factors.
Airborne Toxins
The first step in a naturopathic detox plan is to detoxify the air you breathe. Your naturopathic doctor can recommend a good air purifier for your home or office. It will remove airborne dust and allergens such as mold spores and pet dander. Eliminating toxins from the air you breathe will give your lungs a chance to recover from the airborne toxins you cannot eliminate, such as industrial pollution and vehicle exhaust.
Look for an air purifier with an indoor air quality rating of 14 or greater from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These are most often labeled as HEPA air purifiers.
Diet
Many processed foods contain artificial dyes, flavors, and preservatives made from petroleum byproducts. The first step in cleansing your body of these substances is to eat an all-natural organic diet. As your body digests the new whole foods, it will naturally eliminate the wastes and toxins accumulated in your body from your previous diet. Whole, organic foods provide your body with more vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients than heavily processed foods.
Colon Cleanse
Some naturopathic doctors recommend a colon cleanse while others do not. This practice is controversial because it can violate the first principle of naturopathy to do no harm. Some naturopathic doctors believe that this internal cleansing assists your body in properly digesting foods and removes blockages caused by an unhealthy diet.
Colon cleansing involves taking various types of laxatives in order to flush all solid wastes from your body. Your doctor may also administer salt water enemas to accelerate the effectiveness of the laxatives. Colon cleansing can result in extreme discomfort, diarrhea and dehydration. You should never perform a colon cleanse except under the supervision of your doctor.
Warning
If you choose to follow a detoxification plan, always do so under the supervision of your doctor. A naturopathic doctor will design a personalized detoxification plan that addresses your health concerns in a holistic way. With the exception of colon cleansing, a naturopathic approach to detoxification generally involves a variety of gradual lifestyle changes designed to improve your overall health. As your health improves, your body will naturally rid itself of toxins.
References
- California EPA Air Resources Board: Fact Sheet: Air Pollution and Health
- "European Journal of Pediatrics"; Effects of Food on Physical and Sleep Complaints in Children with ADHD; Lidy M. Pelsser, Klaas Frankena, Jan K. Buitelaar, and Nanda N. Rommelse; September 2010
- Alternatives in Health: About Naturopathy
- "The Naturopathic Way: How to Detox, Find Quality Nutrition, and Restore Your Acid-Alkaline Balance"; Christopher Vasey N.D.; 2009
- United States Environmental Protection Agency: Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home
