Detoxification Program

What is Detoxification and what is it used for?

• Detoxification and cleansing are used to stimulate and support all the body's means of processing and eliminating hormones, chemicals, and other substances that we are exposed to on a daily basis. It is aiding the body in getting rid of unwanted substances. A poor ability to detoxify may contribute to illnesses like allergies, chemical sensitivity, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue; digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease; hormonal issues such as PMS and menopausal symptoms; or skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. But you need not suffer from any particular illness to do a detox/cleansing program. It is beneficial for almost anyone wanting to improve their health.
• It is not a question as to whether you've been exposed to toxins – the question is whether or not these exposures are significantly impacting your health. A detoxification or cleansing program is one way to help determine if this is the case.

The Body's Systems for Detoxification and Elimination

Skin: Your skin is your largest organ and as such is an important part of your body's detoxification process. Sweating is the main way to detoxify through the skin. This can be accomplished through exercise, sauna or fever treatments.

Kidneys: The kidneys function to filter the blood of the body's waste products. Drink plenty of fluids. This is especially important during the detox process, as you will be mobilizing potential toxins out of your tissues and into your bloodstream.

Lungs: Your lungs are responsible for filtering your blood of carbon dioxide and replenishing your blood with oxygen. Oxygen is an important to function of every cell in your body. Certain toxins are also removed through the lungs through expiration.

Liver: Your liver is your body's detoxification powerhouse. Among it's many duties, your liver helps to filter your blood through the phase I and II detoxification pathways. The detox nutrients required for this process are provided in the meal replacement drink. The suggested foods will further help this process.

Intestinal Tract/Colon: The surface area of your digestive tract equals that of a tennis court! Many processes of elimination occur here. An improperly functioning digestive tract is often the source of many of the body's ailments. For example, constipation can lead to the recycling of estrogens meant for excretion resulting in an increase of total estrogen in the body. But not only estrogen is reabsorbed therefore constipation must be avoided while doing a cleanse of this magnitude. Colon hydrotherapy can greatly improve the health of your colon and are recommended treatments while doing the detoxification program.

Lymphatic System: The work of the lymphatic system includes carrying cellular wastes back to the vascular circulation so that it can be properly excreted. Because fats are transported by this system from the gut this system can get sluggish and congested. Massage, vichy showers, body scrubs, hydrotherapy, exercise, and sauna are all good practices to decongest your lymphatic tissues. All hydrotherapy spa treatments including colonics are offered through the Oasis Natural Health Spa located in the Yellowstone Naturopathic Clinic.

"Toxicology textbooks list the first symptoms of chronic poisoning as low energy, fatigue, muscle weakness, inability to concentrate and intestinal complaints."

Jeffrey Bland, Ph.D., The 20-Day Rejuvenation Diet Program , pg.23.

Examples of our daily toxic exposures:

• Phthalates (chemicals used make plastic flexible) have been found to be elevated in young girls (aged 6 months to 8 years) with premature breast development – this chemical and its metabolites act like estrogen in the human body.
• In one study, 2 different pesticide metabolites were found in 19/20 and 20/20 samples of fetal meconium – a marker of in utero fetal exposure to these chemicals.
• US Children's Urine Studies showed that when the same pesticide metabolites were tested for in Seattle preschoolers, 99% were positive for at least one.
• Some people have genetic differences in their ability to detoxify. This means that different people may react differently to the same toxic exposure.
• If you do not have daily bowel movements and plenty of fiber in your diet, it is very likely that you will recycle toxins processed by your liver, even if it is processing them effectively – colonics can dramatically reduce this problem, as can fiber supplements such as psyllium with plenty of water to keep your digestion in motion.
• The Dirty Dozen: 12 most-contaminated fruits & vegetables (in this order) – strawberries, bell peppers, spinach, cherries (US), peaches, cantaloupe, celery, apples, apricots, green beans, grapes (Chile), and cucumbers.
• 12 least-contaminated fruits & vegetables (also in order) – avocados, corn, onion, sweet potato, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, grapes (US), bananas, plums, green onions, watermelon, and broccoli.
• Tuna from a can contains less mercury than fresh tuna – probably because smaller fish usually have less mercury. Great Lakes fish such as Walleye, bass, and perch all have more mercury than either kind of tuna – possibly even double the amount.

Customized Detox Program

Recommended for those suffering from multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS) and more debilitating chronic illness. Your naturopathic physician will design an individualized detox program based on your toxic exposures and current state of health. This program requires our customary first visit of 60 minutes and a second visit of 75 minutes. Specialized laboratory testing to assess your detoxification ability may be recommended.

Yellowstone Naturopathic Clinic
720 N. 30th St.
Billings, MT 59101
PHONE 406·259·5096/FAX 406·248·5655

ync@180com.net

Dispensary
406·254·9682

dispensary@yncnaturally.com