By Claire Georgiou, Reboot Naturopath, B.HSc ND
A detox is a time where certain foods and lifestyle factors are restricted or reduced significantly. The object of the Reboot program is to increase the total nutrients consumed considerably with as little effort required from the digestive system as possible, with a reduction in total calories consumed and an avoidance of all heavy and processed foods. Supplying the body with the extra nutrients it needs to improve and stimulate healing and regeneration while reducing the workload.
We know that the liver, the digestive system and other organ systems can often regenerate from a state of disease to healthy functioning tissue. For example, a lack of fresh vegetables and too many processed foods can cause a fatty liver, this can be reversed with improved nutrition and lifestyle. Detoxing is also about retraining our body and desires for healthier foods and reducing unhealthy food cravings.
Dietary restriction and fasting have been around for thousands of years, particularly for religious and cultural reasons. Natural detoxification is one of the body’s most normal and basic functions. Your liver and kidneys along with your bowel, lymphatic system and skin aid in the process of eliminating chemicals and waste via your sweat, urine and faeces. Detoxification includes neutralising and eliminating waste from the normal digestion of food, cell respiration, immune complexes, dead microbes and dead cells.
In this day and age we have an increased workload on our natural detoxification systems and they can become over-loaded from excess alcohol, environmental chemicals such as herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, fungicides, petrochemicals, hair dyes, paints, cleaning products, medications, car and industry air pollutants, perfumes, plastic chemicals such as BPA and phthalates, poor diet including excess animal protein, saturated fat, artificial sweeteners, additives, preservatives, excess refined carbohydrates, sugar, trans-fats, processed foods, and much more.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted the Fourth National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals. On average, the CDC’s report found 212 chemicals in people’s blood or urine, 75 of which had never before been measured in the U.S. population. It is known that many of the detected chemicals can be harmful to human health and capable of contributing to chronic disease and other health concerns.
When our body reaches its full detoxification capabilities from this extra workload we begin to store these toxic metabolites in our organs, tissues and fat cells. This may then cause or contribute towards fatigue, inflammatory diseases, immune dysfunction, poor weight control, heart disease and cancer.
Some environmental stressors are unavoidable but we can reduce our own personal exposure with our daily choices. We can also improve and support our body’s own healing and detoxification pathways with increased nutrition through juicing and a high volume of fruits and vegetables containing vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and anti-oxidants.
Unfortunately there is limited research on the effects of juice fasting, but there is scientific research behind the long-term benefits of intermittent fasting and calorie restriction. When you consume only fruit and vegetables, this is a type of fast with increased nutrition. Intermittent fasting appears to be supported by science. The benefits of calorie restriction are that it may ultimately reduce the risk of some diseases and even extend life. In traditional Chinese and Ayurveda medicine, fasting is part of a preventive healthcare regime and is practiced often.
Some animal studies indicate that coriander(cilantro) and garlic increase the elimination of certain heavy metals. These studies and many others like them, demonstrate that certain phytonutrients may help to increase the natural elimination of certain toxins and heavy metals.
The benefits after a detox and an increase in fruit and vegetable consumption may include more resilient skin and complexion, weight loss, less headaches, improved digestion, improved energy, improved mental clarity, reduction in immune disorders, improved mood, more willpower, less diseases and sicknesses throughout the year.
The Reboot program includes a high volume of fresh fruit and vegetable juice which is designed to feed your body with all of the nutrients that will aid, repair and give your body the energy and replenishment it needs during the detox. The quickest and most efficient way to deliver nutrients to the body is through liquids as this is a form that allows the absorption of nutrients most effectively ensuring minimal waste.
Detoxing or Rebooting involves a total indulgence of nutrients and giving your body what it needs, taking the time to look after yourself.