Module 4 Organ Detox

ORGAN DETOX

What we are going to discuss next are advanced strategies and should be used under the guidance of an experienced health practitioner. 

Organs that participate in detoxifying the body are the liver, colon, kidneys, lungs, and skin. Cleansing these organs will help restore optimal function in the body. Before beginning any

detoxification program it is imperative to be certain that these organs are functioning adequately.

Although they are not organs, the lymph system and blood also participate in detoxifica-

tion. In many people, they are overloaded and in need of cleansing as well. This will improve both their detoxification efficiency and the health of the person. The lymphatic system in particular is vital to a healthy immune system and therefore should be a key component to a full body detox program. 

When doing a full body cleanse and detoxing specific organs, it is important to follow an order. 

One of the most important systems for removing toxins from the body is the GI tract. Toxins are found in undigested material or are released from the blood into the GI tract. They are then detoxified, eliminated from the body or reabsorbed back into the bloodstream. If toxins are reabsorbed they are sent to the liver for detoxification. 

The colon acts as both the collector and eliminator of waste from the body. If the colon is overworked and becomes sluggish, it will not function properly. Lifestyle factors such as poor diet, stress, lack of exercise affect function, as does the use of laxatives and infrequent bowel movements. This latter condition leads to the overgrowth of unfavourable strains of bacteria, fungi, and parasites. 

When advising clients with detoxification, the colon is the first place to begin. It is important to ensure the GI tract is first cleared and pathways and channels are functioning optimally. 

Cleansing the colon can be accomplished through various means: 

• Water: Many people are constipated or have irregular bowel habits because they do not consume enough liquids. Water keeps stool soft and flushes toxins. It is especially important to drink extra water during detoxification procedures.
• Fiber: also called roughage or bulk, absorbs water in the large intestine and makes stool softer, larger and more gentle to pass. Fiber helps relieve constipation. Fiber from food is soluble and best for your body. High fiber foods include raw vegetables, fruits, nuts & seeds, legumes, grains and bran. Peeled and cooked fruit and veg have less useful fiber than those consumed raw. If you are new to colon cleansing, this is a good place to start. 
• Clay & fiber: uses a mixture of psyllium husk and clay. Taken orally with lots of water, it moves through the GI tract and can remove years of accumulated caked on material. It is a safe, non-invasive method of cleansing the colon. The psyllium husk readily absorbs water and moisture and expands, filling the intestine. The clay works to absorb toxins and carry them out of the colon. 
• Enemas: flush the lower intestines. Coffee enemas are popular amongst alternative cancer protocols. They cleanse the colon while also stimulating the liver and gallbladder. After an enema it is advised to take some form of good bacteria- acidophilis, bifido bacterium to replenish the natural beneficial bacteria of the colon. The colon cleanses will remove both harmful and beneficial organisms from the gut.
• Herbs: Using an herbal formula to cleanse the colon is a gentler, yet effective method. There are commercial formulae available. One of my favorite than I have personally used over the years is Renew Life, Bowel Cleanse. It has many wonderful herbs in capsule format that thoroughly cleanse the colon. 

Do not exceed three colon cleanses per year, and wait at least two months between cleanses.

KIDNEYS: 

The health of all the other organs is dependent on the proper functioning of the kidneys. The kidneys are a filtration system that constantly filters toxins and waste materials from the blood. 

Toxins are released from tissues into the bloodstream, and the kidneys must filter them for removal from the body. But if the kidneys are not functioning optimally, they are unable to remove the toxins, which will be re-deposited in the tissues. 

Kidney health is impacted by dehydration, poor diet, lack of exercise, stress, and infections. 

Dehydration from the lack of sufficient water and fluids constitutes the most common

stress to the kidneys. 

CLEANSING:

• Water: helps detoxify the kidneys, as well as diluting the urine, preventing concentrations of minerals and salts that can form stones. Drink the juice of a fresh lemon in a glass of warm water every morning, both during and after a kidney cleanse.
• Diet: significant impact on kidney health. Avoid acid-forming foods such as alcohol, caffeine and soft drinks, foods that are salty & sugary, fried foods and excessive protein. These adversely affect the filtering ability of the kidneys. Also avoid mucus-forming foods, including all dairy products. 
• Herbs: As with the colon cleansing, there are numerous herbs that can be used to detoxify the kidneys. My personal recommendations include dandelion tea, marshmallow root, and nettle teas (which also cleanses the blood). Garlic, ginger and turmeric are also helpful for the kidneys. 
• Exercise, saunas, hot baths: Exercise promotes the elimination of toxins through increased circulation and sweating. Saunas or hot baths increase sweating, causing excretion of toxins and excess fluid through the skin, thereby sparing the kidneys. Essential oils in the bath water will help relieve kidney stress. Some essential oil suggestions are: chamomile, eucalyptus, lemon, or sandalwood.

LIVER

Once the colon and urinary system have been detoxed, the liver can be cleansed. The liver is a major organ of digestion and assimilation. It detoxifies and eliminates xenobiotics (foreign chemicals), processes fats with the bile it produces, and metabolizes hormones produced by the body. It filters blood coming from the digestive tract before being circulated to the rest of the body.  The liver is the most important organ for the elimination of toxic wastes. This is where order is important. With the colon and kidneys detoxed, all the toxic waste and build up in the liver can easily be eliminated through the cleansed and opened channels. 

When there is an excess of toxins and waste materials in the body, the liver cannot metab-

olize and detoxify them all. The un-metabolized toxins throughout the body can lead to disease. Other organs involved in detoxification can help reduce the load for the liver. The health of these organs helps the liver retain its own health and ability to function.

CLEANSING

• Liver flushes work by stimulating the elimination of stored toxic wastes from the body, increasing bile flow, and improving overall liver function. There are different methods for liver flushes and should be performed under the care of a practitioner. 
• Coffee enemas: one of the best liver cleansers. Administered rectally, it helps detoxify the liver and emulsifies fat. Coffee enemas promote cleansing of the intestines and they are very effective at cleansing the liver and gallbladder. 
• Castor oil packs: Castor oil packs are extremely beneficial in cleansing the liver. A traditional remedy that strengthens the immune system and promotes detox of the liver. 
• Herbs: if you’re looking for a more gentle approach then herbs are a good entry point. Many herbs can clear congestion and boost the vitality of the liver. Milk thistle, dandelion, burdock root, peppermint and turmeric are some common liver strengthening herbs. Chanca piedra is a lesser known herb used for centuries by indigenous Amazonian tribes to stimulate the liver to purge itself of foreign and harmful toxins. There are many herbal blends and formulae on the market. Again Renew Life has a great product, as well as Gaia Herbs Liver Cleanse. 

LUNGS

Our lungs are taxed more and more with an increase in environmental exposures and pollution. 

-Breathing exercises are extremely helpful in lung detoxification, as is physical exercise which both promote detoxification and clearing of the lungs. 

- Diet: Drink 8 to 12 glasses of water, fresh juices, herbal teas, and broth daily. Avoid dairy and

dairy products, which can cause congestion. Chlorophyll rich foods such as chlorella, spirulina, and barley green will enhance lung cleansing, in addition to increasing oxygenation and helping to clear respiratory infections.

- Be conscious of the products that you use in your home. We often unknowingly expose ourselves to many toxins throughout the day- from cleaning products to toiletries to air fresheners. Be leary of anything with a strong scent. Therapeutic grade essential oils are a wonderful alternative for cleaning. A diffuser is an effective way to improve air quality. 

SKIN

Our skin is a mirror of what is happening inside our bodies. It is our largest organ of detoxification and absorption. When functioning optimally, the skin protects other organs, such as the heart, liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract, from overwork. When other detoxification organs are not functioning properly, the skin will compensate by releasing toxins through sweat, rashes, or abscesses. Stress, hormone imbalances, poor diet, and nutrient deficiencies all affect our skin's health.

CLEANSING:

• DIet: A proper diet can improve your skin and overall appearance. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables while eliminating sugar, fried foods, hydrogenated oils, and dairy products. Foods high in fibre will keep the colon clean, which in turn keeps the skin clean. 
• Water: As with the other organ cleanses, it is imperative to drink 8- 10 glasses of fresh, clean water to flush toxins through the kidneys. This prevents toxins from having to exit via the skin. Herbal teas also help the skin. 
• Saunas, sweating and exercise all work to promote detoxification of the skin and body. Dry brushing as well is important for a skin cleanse. It removes the top layer of old skin,

helping to remove mucus residues and uric acid crystals. Follow with a cleansing shower or bath with essential oils.

• Massage therapy increases circulation of the lymphatic system. When combined with essential oils they help to detoxify, nourish, tone, soothe, and support skin function. 

LYMPH & BLOOD

The lymph system and the blood are not organs, but play an important role in detox. In many people, they are overloaded and are not functioning efficiently, which affects both the health of the person and detox capabilities. Cleansing methods for the lymph and blood can be very helpful. Lymph circulation plays an important role in detoxification as it carries waste excreted by cells to the bloodstream, where it is detoxified and eliminated. 

Breathing, muscular contraction, and movement supply the pumping force for the lymph system. If we do not exercise and breathe deeply, lymph does not circulate properly in our bodies. 

CLEANSING

-Diet: Poor diet adversely affects the immune system and the lymphatic system. Sugar and

alcohol inhibit white blood cell activity. To strengthen immune response, eat foods that are high in essential fatty acids, such as salmon, fresh tuna, and sea vegetables. It is also important to eat adequate amounts of protein and fresh fruits and vegetables.

-Herbs: Echinacea and astragalus are deep lymph-cleansing herbs. Echinacea also reduces lymphatic congestion and swelling.

- Exercise: Regular exercise is critical for lymph flow in the body. Deep breathing and stretching also increase lymphatic flow.

- Massage: Massage and lymphatic drainage are helpful in encouraging circulation. Acupuncture and acupressure can also be useful.

BLOOD

Essential for life and performs many important functions for the body: supplies oxygen to all of the cells of the body, transports hormones,  vitamins, minerals, protein, and other nutrients. It also removes waste materials, including dietary and environmental toxins and dead cells. If toxins build up in the blood, a person's health suffers, and disease can result. Blood

toxicity plays a role in many immune deficiency diseases. The body has a detoxification system for continuously purifying the blood, but it can become overloaded with a high toxic burden.

CLEANSING

• You guessed it, more water!! Water throughout the day to hydrates and alkalizes the body. Mild herb teas, such as sarsaparilla and pau d'arco, can improve body chemistry and enhance blood cleansing. Liquid chlorophyll works in a similar manner and can be added to water without adding flavour.
• Diet: Diet is very important in cleansing the blood. A juice diet for three days, can help tremendously to clean the blood. Not recommended if you have a degenerative disease. 

After the fast, eat only whole, natural foods, including as much organic food as possible,

Canned, frozen, and processed foods should be avoided, as should any foods with additives, food colouring, and preservatives. Sugars, sodas, artificial sweeteners, and fried foods weaken the blood and are best eliminated.

• Exercise: Aerobic exercise increases the level of oxygen in the blood, which assists with blood cleansing.
• Massage therapy will increase circulation, and detoxification baths using epsom salts and/or essential oils also help cleanse the blood. Frankincense, lemon and rosemary are all wonderful oils for assisting with detoxification. 

So in summary with organ detoxification: as you may have noticed there is a lot of overlap between strategies and therapies. There is a reason why we began with WATER and BREATH in module 1 as these are extremely important for health and healing. It is also important to approach a full body detox in a specific order. Beginning with the colon and kidneys clears the channels for more in depth cleansing of the liver, gallbladder, blood and lymphatic system. Again, I cannot stress enough that it is best to work with an experienced practitioner well versed in detoxification methods. They will understand the principles and safe, effective cleansing practices while managing side effects.

Before we wrap up, I just wanted to illuminate other practices and protocols. Often these require working with a naturopathic physician who can legally administer treatments. The purpose is to educate you about the many, many therapies that exist. Our current medical system leads us to believe that chemo, RT and surgery and to a lesser extent immunotherapies, are our only options. In many cases, these treatments are indicated but we can employ different strategies and therapies in conjunction or in preparation so that we can strengthen the immune system and body. This can reduce toxic side effects and increase the success of conventional treatments.