Detoxifying the Body

In today's world, many dangerous chemicals are poured into our foods and into the environment, and our bodies have become a dumping ground for toxic chemicals like acrylamide, sodium nitrate, phytic acid, and hydrogenated oils. Some people have chemicals in their tissues that were never intended for the human body - such as rocket fuel, mercury, lead and others. We know very little about the effects these burdens have on the human body.

A recent CBC news article reported that the U.S. standard for lead in the blood of children, at 10 micrograms per deciliter, is associated with a five point drop in IQ. During this study, a total of 194 children were tracked from six months to six years of age, after which the children had their IQs tested.

The study measured the concentrations of lead in the children's bloodstreams at six months, 12 months, 24 months, and three, four, five, and six years of age. Researchers found that the higher the lead concentration in the bloodstream, the lower the children's IQs. Considering the high volume of Chinese toys recalled for lead (and other toxic) contamination, including children's jewelry, pacifiers, and paint brushes, more needs to be done to limit our exposure to toxic chemicals.

What can you do if your bloodstream has become a toxic waste dump? One answer is a detoxification period to help eliminate nutritional problems and help the body replace damaged cells and eliminate internal build-up of toxins. For fat-soluble toxins or heavy metals, natural chelating agents, like chlorella and cilantro, provide one way to help cleanse the body.

Another great way to detoxify the body is through fasting. Though there are many ways to fast, one popular approach is by eating only vegetables and fruit.. The intent is to give your digestive system and metabolism a rest, while the rest of the body heals itself.