The Benefits of Natural Detox

by Dr. Anthony Salzarulo

Do You Feel Like This?

“I feel drained. I’m having so much trouble losing these extra pounds. I feel blah. My skin is breaking out. I feel bloated. I have trouble concentrating. My allergies are acting up. My muscles ache. I just don’t feel healthy.” Whenever I hear any of my clients speak of these ailments, I often ask, “Have you considered a detoxification program? My clients often tell me that they are hearing more and more about natural detoxification, and are curious to know more.

I Find It Helpful to Share the Following Facts

As a result of the industrial revolution and the post-World War II petrochemical revolution, toxins have accumulated in the human system faster than they can be eliminated. Today, people are exposed to chemicals in far greater concentrations than they were in previous generations. In 2003, The Environmental Working Group (EWG), in partnership with Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, released The Body Burden Study: The Pollution in People. The Study consisted of 9 individuals whose bodies were tested for 210 chemicals.

The Body Burden Study Found:

• Subjects contained an average of 91 industrial compounds, pollutants, and other chemicals in the blood and urine.
• 76 chemicals were directly linked to cancer.
• Participants had a total of 48 PCBs, which were banned in the U.S. in 1976.
• The people tested do not work with chemicals on the job, and do not live near an industrial facility.

The Body Burden Study clearly demonstrates how toxins in the environment (i.e. air, food, water and soil) wind up in our body. It is important to keep in mind that this was a test for 210 chemicals and the subjects contained an average of 91 chemicals. There are more than 80,000 chemicals in the United States environment and approximately 700 more are introduced each year People now carry within their bodies a modern-day chemical cocktail derived from industrial chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, food additives and heavy metals (e.g. lead), plus the residues of pharmaceuticals, alcohol, tobacco and caffeine. Also, when people consume foods such as meat, seafood, dairy products and poultry, they are ingesting all the chemicals and pesticides that have accumulated in that food chain. The result of the intake of these chemicals is what is called Bio-accumulation, which is a buildup of toxins in the body over time. Bio-accumulation seriously compromises our physiological and psychological health. These toxins have so overloaded the body’s systems and organs that they are no longer capable of detoxifying our bodies on their own. Over the last ten years, hundreds of studies have demonstrated the dangers to our health from toxic bio-accumulation. When our health has been compromised by an overload of toxins in the body, the only way to restore it is through a natural detoxification program.

Are there any signs that tell us when our body is in need of a detoxification program?

The analogy that I find is very useful to help answer this question is that of a fish tank. When the tank is not periodically cleaned and the filter not changed, because it is made of glass, it is easy to observe what happens. The water becomes cloudy or even murky, debris and waste product from the fish build up and the ecology of the tank begins to change. There is much more algae, the water becomes polluted with harmful bacteria and other toxins and the fish begin to weaken and will eventually show sign of ill health and disease. The same thing occurs with people. When our inner fluid becomes polluted and full of toxins, and we don’t address it by means of a natural detoxification program, our bodies also weaken and show signs of ill health and disease.

Some of the Main Symptoms

The following are some of the main signs that I have observed over the years; sluggishness, fatigue and lethargy (clear signs of a body full of toxins), persistent bloating and gas, excess weight (especially in the abdominal region), headaches, mood changes, feeling spacey or dizzy, joint pain and swelling, allergy symptoms, constipation, sinus congestion, food sensitivities, dull skin and skin break out. Remember that the skin is a secondary detoxification organ. When then primary detoxification organs, such as the liver and the colon, become overloaded – the skin will act to eliminate the toxins. One of the best things you can do for skin conditions, such as acne and psoriasis, is to implement a natural detoxification program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do your programs require invasive testing (i.e. blood tests)?

A. Invasive testing is often very expensive and confusing. I find that written self-tests are one of the most useful and accurate methods of determining toxin related health problems. They also serve as a wonderful tool for monitoring your health progress.

Q: I have a very busy schedule. Would a detoxification program interrupt my life?

A. Generally speaking, there are two types of detoxification programs. The first types are the programs that require the participants to either fast or eat an extremely limited diet and will usually last between 5-7 days. The participants will usually need to be sequestered during the detoxification process (i.e. remain at a healing center or destination spa), where daily enemas or colonics are usually required to help the body with the rapid expulsion of toxins. The other type of detoxification program is completed over a longer period of time, usually 30 days, and is designed for those that have busy lives. This is the type of program I use in my practice. The natural detoxification programs that I use in my practice are safe, gentle, and at the same time highly effective. They allow the body to release toxins in a more gradual and gentle way. They include inspiring changes in diet and lifestyle, and allow the participants to eat as much as they need to. I understand the need to continue to live your life while participating in a detoxification program. Most of my clients work full or part-time, are students, raising children, or a combination of all of these things, and find that this type of detoxification program works best for them.

Q: What kind of results can I expect from a detoxification cleanse?

A: A good detoxification cleanse takes a tremendous burden off of the body. Your body will get a break from spending so much energy managing the overload of internal toxic sludge. Therefore you will feel much lighter and have more energy. When I look at the skin of my clients that complete my detoxification program, I see a different person sitting opposite me. Their skin has a much more radiant glow. Excess weight is shed and they have more energy. I also very often observe a vast improvement in chronic conditions such as; allergies, headaches, digestive disturbances and chronic pain. The body is now able to recalibrate. Our bodies want to be vibrant and healthy, they just need some help from time to time.

Q: Should a detoxification program target certain organs, for example the liver?

A: Generally speaking, it is best to begin with a 7 point herbal cleanse because the body possesses 7 channels of detoxification and elimination. These channels are bowel, blood, skin, kidneys, lymphatic system, lungs, and liver. My detoxification programs contain herbs to support all of the 7 channels. Although, there are times when I may start with a Candida detoxification program first, for example, when the Candida self-test score is very high (see Candida self test).

Q: Are there any other practices you recommend to facilitate the natural detoxification process?

A: Yes.

• Sauna and aerobic type exercise helps rid the body of toxins by means of sweating
• I also recommend a simple detoxification bath
• Massage, rebounding (mini trampoline) and body brushing are great for the lymphatic system
• Tongue Scraping helps remove toxins from the mouth.

  These are all great practices to continue through your life, and will continue to keep the detoxification process alive on a day-to day basis.

In Summary

A detoxification cleanse is a wonderful process that you will have fun with. Some people have this impression that it is a very heavy and arduous process. My experience, and that of many of my clients, is that a natural detoxification program is something to look forward to.

There is a rejuvenating transition, a stepping into something new, a clearing and a vibrant awakening. After each natural detoxification cleanse, chronic conditions often lessen or disappear and your health is taken to a new level. Dr. Salzarulo will design an individualized program for you, based on principles he has seen work time after time. And at a pace that fits into your busy life!

Please Click Here To Take The Cleansing & Detoxification Self Test.

About the Author 

Dr. Salzarulo is a Holistic Doctor who has been in practice for more than 25 years, treating, inspiring, teaching and coaching people to empower and heal themselves. He is available for both in-person and telephone consultations.

Click here to contact Dr. Salzarulo.