Please release me, let me go …

Pure Know How looks at ways to reduce the toxins going on or into our bodies; today we want to highlight the ways to remove them.

Detoxification is a natural and ongoing process in our bodies.
We constantly bring in nutrients and fresh substances eliminating out by-products and waste.
Toxins enter our body daily through our food, water, everyday products and our environment.
Toxins are eliminated through our major organs:

Liver - main factory for breaking down, neutralizing, detoxifying and removing chemicals, bacteria, waste via blood system.
Kidneys - filters water-soluble toxins and mineral wastes from blood through urine.
Bowels - eliminates unused solid waste. We know … too much information!
Skin - open pores release toxins through sweating and exfoliating.
Lungs - removes volatile gases when we breathe out.

When the body is unable to break down and eliminate toxic overload these toxins accumulate in body tissues - mainly fat cells and vital organs.
Toxic overload may manifest itself as illness with symptoms, such as; headaches, joint pain, fatigue, irritability, depression, mental confusion, digestive disturbances, and allergic reactions such as hives, runny nose, sneezing and coughing and even an exacerbation of PMS symptoms (blame in on the toxins!).1
Toxic Nation: A Report on Pollution in Canadians reveals that toxic chemicals, such as DDT, PCBs, stain repellants, flame retardants, mercury and lead, were found in a sample of Canadians across the country.2
Statistics Canada is including bio-monitoring in an upcoming national health survey to measure chemicals present in a sample of Canadians.

Minimize the amount of toxins you take into your system.
You know the basics - be aware of the chemicals in food, everyday personal care, household products and pesticides.

Eat more vegetables, fruits and whole grains as they are easier for body to digest and less refined, processed foods.
Drink plenty of filtered water.
Exercise to bring more oxygen into system and use sweat to move toxins out of body. Regular is key.
Stimulate the skins' renewal process by exfoliating using a towel, dry brush, or body scrub.
De-stress to neutralize effects of "crazy busy" and thus reduce strain on body natural detox functions.

Detoxing lets some of this toxin burden go and reduces stress on the liver and digestive system:

Some people like to follow a detox or cleansing program, preferably one that offers supervision.
Before trying any detox method, check with a reputable health care professional.

Patti tries to have a formal "detox program" 2 times a year - in the fall and spring - usually under the guidance of her naturopathic doctor. Is it difficult? Can be. But it gets easier each time, as new foods are discovered (love those mung beans), healthier choices available (green tea at every coffee shop) and finding other tools to assist in detoxing (like infra-red sauna).
Tamey - well cleansing is really a new concept for her. She does use the dry brush before every shower and is considering The Natural Makeover Diet see below - stay tuned.
We already mentioned this book a few e-bulletins back but The Natural Makeover Diet outlines a 5 day cleanse that is pretty simple. Patti just completed it (after a long weekend of great indulgence) and found it a great way to reduce bloating, clean the pipes and get back on a healthier eating track.
And remember: "better out … than in"!

P.S. For anyone new to Pure Know How, check out our Passé section.