A Clean Slate

Why a detoxification and cleanse program is an integral part of a healthy skin regimen:

Last week, I conducted a new patient interview, and with palpable frustration my patient said “ I don’t understand, I eat so well, but still feel like crap. I am always tired, feel like I am dragging my feet, and no matter what the hell I do, I CANNOT lose weight”. I can’t even count the number of times a patient has uttered these words. This patient, like most people, assumes that if you have a clean and healthy diet, it is a guarantee that you will feel good and have energy to get through the day. I believe that it is very important to eat well, but unfortunately in the world we live in that is often not enough.

We live in a toxic environment and our bodies are overwhelmed and bombarded by toxins everyday. Toxins enter the body through the digestive tract, by food additives, contaminated soil (heavy metals; especially cadmium), and soft drinks etc.. The average American consumes 15 lbs. of additives and 200 lbs. of sugar per year. The U.S. allows over 10,000 chemical additives to our food supply. Another way that toxins enter the body is through the skin. Skin penetration is achieved through everyday grooming products, like perfumes, hairsprays etc.. The lungs is also a route that toxins can find their way into the body( exhaust, toxic fumes , second hand smoke etc.). If you live and work in New York City like I do, you can imagine what our bodies have to manage, day in and day out. The body has three options when dealing with toxins: It buries them in body fat, deposits them in tissues, or removes them. Our organs of detoxification (LIVER, blood, skin, kidneys, colon, AND LUNGS) are working 24/7 to clear the body of toxins. Unfortunately, our bodies weren’t designed to handle the exponential amount of toxic elements that modern day life has gifted us. Many people are in a state of toxic overload. Our bodies can only handle so much before inflammation and disease appear.

A cleanse is the perfect way to safely detoxify the body. Not all cleanses achieve this goal safely, gently, and effectively. A cleanse that claims to detoxify the body in under three weeks is usually too good to be true. The key factor in an effective and safe cleanse is that it supports phase 2 Liver detoxification. Phase 2 liver detoxification is essential for the actual removal of toxins from the body. Many cleanses only support Phase 1 Liver detoxification, which is when toxins are packaged and moved to other parts of the body. The problem with simply having phase 1 liver detoxification is that toxins are moved to other parts of the body, but not eliminated from the body. It is like redecorating with the same old furniture. Things may appear different or feel different, but they are simply rearranged. Toxins or xenobiotics are generally fat soluble, meaning they are stored in fat cells of the body. Phase 2 liver detoxification allows for the conversion of the most harmful toxins into a water soluble form, so they can be eliminated effectively.

The skin is the largest organ of the body and is a mirror into what is going on internally. We have all had the dreaded hangover and seen first hand how our skin reacts. If the body is functioning sub-optimally, the skin will reveal this with inflammation and problematic skin conditions. The right cleanse will stop the chronic inflammatory process. This is why most people look fresher, younger, and less inflamed during and after they complete a detoxification/cleanse protocol. I have done my share of research and have found the Standard Process Purification Program meets the goals to safely, gently, and effectively detoxify the body. What I like about this program is that it lasts for three weeks ( this time frame is great for changing habits), is not based on deprivation( you are given parameters on eating certain foods and are still eating a good amount), is a phytonutrient, whole food based program with nothing synthetic or processed, and IT SUPPORTS BOTH PHASES OF DETOXIFICATION. It has been peer reviewed in a journal, and the conclusive results showed an average weight loss of 9-15 lbs. for men, 6-9 lbs. for women and a significant reduction in cholesterol lipid profiles.

If you decide to do a cleanse/detoxification program it is a great idea to use it as an opportunity to get rid of all things in your life that do not serve you anymore. As you clear away the old, toxic energy, you are making room for healthy, positive, and bright new energies to take their place. Some of the practices I do when going through a detox is get body work (acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, facials- as this helps support the detoxification process), do yoga, meditate, journal, and use it as a time for reflection. The connection between the mind, body, and spirit is so apparent as you go through this process. Many people experience emotional releases during a detox, which can be challenging, but aid the person in moving them to a more grounded space. I have had many epiphanies while going through the detox process. As you clear the body of toxins, the mind, and spirit develop a greater sense of clarity.

If you would like to find out more information about the Standard Process Purification Program, I will be hosting a free lecture on April 12, 2010 at 7 P.M.. It will be in my office at 1133 Broadway (at 26th st), Suite 1023.

Happy Spring cleaning and cleansing!!!!

Dr. Lou

(Dr. Lou Granirer is a Nutrition Response testing practitioner, Chiropractor, and Energy healer.)