wrote by Stephanie Oswald Certified Health Coach (IIN, graduated 2014) and in training to become an Registered Holistic Nutritionist.
Our bodies naturally produce waste products and we're designed to properly filter and dispose of them. However, health issues arise from the increasing volume of toxins we are encountering in our daily lives. Our bodies become overburdened and tired from the constant battle.
Some of the various ways we encounter toxins are; through our diet, especially from eating conventional produce containing pesticides or eating to excess, chemical cleaning and hygiene products, pharmaceutical and recreational drug use and environmental pollution.
The Value of Detoxification
Toxins are substances that create irritation or have harmful effects in the body, undermining our health and stressing our organ function (1). When our detoxification organs become overburdened, removal is inhibited allowing toxins to re-circulate through the body and even store in our fatty tissue. This overflow negatively impacts our immune system, the health and functions of our organs and can even promote the development of illness. Doing a good cleanse program a couple times a year and adding in daily detoxification habits can help you keep your body clear to function optimally.
Land Art Total Detox promotes detoxification of the Biliary, Hepatic, Intestinal and Urinary systems by releasing stored toxins, improving elimination and supporting detoxification organ function. Completing a detox can increase energy levels, improve digestion, clear skin and improve mental clarity (1).
The 8 Key Herbs in Total Detox:
Dandelion Root is a diuretic herb allowing the liver and kidneys to remove toxins more quickly, with the added benefit of replacing potassium lost through increased urine production (6, 8). It also enhances the flow of bile benefitting the liver and gallbladder.
Milk Thistle is an antioxidant and anti inflammatory herb that supports the detoxification and repair of the liver (2, 1, 8). Milk thistle boosts glutathione production, which plays a crucial role in liver detoxification. It also promotes healthy digestive function by helping with enzyme formation, increasing bile production and soothing the mucous membranes in the gut.
Sacred Bark Treeis a natural laxative that aids in the removal of toxins during the cleanse (6, 8). It has also been shown to strengthen peristalsis in the large intestine to help prevent constipation in the future. It also increases production of bile from the gallbladder.
Burdock Root is an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant rich herb that acts as a digestive aid and diuretic. It has been found to detoxify the blood, promote circulation, assist in lymphatic system drainage and improve liver function (1, 5).
Boldo Leaf has many beneficial effects that aid in detoxification. It supports liver and urinary detoxification, encourages the release of bile, is anti-parasitic and supports digestion. It also increases intestinal transit time, giving the digestive tract more time to digest and break down food.
Aloe Vera is high in antioxidants (vitamins A, C and E) which play a crucial role in neutralizing free radicals. The polysaccharides in aloe vera have a calming effect on the digestive system and help support the replication of healthy cells in our digestive tract. Aloe also helps the immune system fight viral, bacterial and fungal infections. it has also been found to combat overgrowth of candida yeast and increase good bacteria in the gut.
Artichoke Leaf Improves liver and gallbladder function, stimulates bile production from the liver and gallbladder and is a diuretic.
Indian Rhubarb Root is anti inflammatory and acts as a laxative to support elimination during cleansing (1).
During the Cleanse
Start slow with 1 Tbsp. daily for 3-4 days, move up to 2 Tbsp. per day for the remainder of the cleanse (until you finish the bottle). During the cleanse eat a light diet consisting of lots of fiber rich vegetables, greens and fruits and reduce your intake of stimulants (coffee, sugar, alcohol) and refined, processed foods. It is very important that you drink lots of filtered water during the cleanse period to aid the body flushing toxins. Ensuring proper elimination is crucial, you must be having healthy regular bowel movements to ensure those toxins that have been dug up are removed and do not circulate throughout the body.
Detox Symptoms
Some people experience some detoxification symptoms such as, headaches, fatigue, irritability, mucous congestion or aches and pains during the first few days of any detoxification program (1). It is normal to experience one of more of these symptoms as your body removes built up toxins. You can cut back on your dose (½ tbsp) and build up slower to lessen symptoms if they are severe.
Post Cleanse Maintenance
After you finish your cleanse it is beneficial to add some healthy, naturally detoxifying habits into your daily life. Some easy habits to aid in detoxification are; starting the day with a large glass of water with fresh lemon juice, consuming liquid chlorophyll, eating an abundance of cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale, cauliflower and cabbage and increasing your consumption of pure filtered water.
Land Art Total Detox effectively helps me relieve the burden of heavy toxins in my body, helping me to live a lighter life.
Get 15% off on all detox products during January 2018, use code DETOX2018
Resources:
1.Dr. Hass, MD. “Staying Healthy with Nutrition.”, Pg. 741-767; 2006 edition
2.Dr. Axe, “Milk Thistle Benefits: Detox the Liver & Boost Glutathione”, https://draxe.com/natural-remedies-category/milk-thistle/
3.Bijak M., “Silybin, a Major Bioactive Component of Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum L. Gaernt.)&mdashChemistry, Bioavailability, and Metabolism”, http://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/22/11/1942/htm
4.Cirillo C. and Capasso R, “Constipation and Botanical Medicines: An Overview” http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.5410/abstract;jsessionid=A23C62EBD1EDAEEF0DCE5755A5A6A254.f02t01
5. Chan Y, Cheng L, Wu J, Chan E, Kwan Y, Lee S, Leung G, Yu P, Chan S. « A review of the pharmacological effects of Arctium lappa (burdock) », 2011
6.Dr. Axe, “Dandelion tea for liver detox, healthy skin and stomach.” https://draxe.com/dandelion-tea/
7.Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J. “Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. 1st ed”., Newton, MA: 2000. 10-12
8.Dr. Murray M, “The pill book guide to natural medicines”., New York, NY: 2002