Naturopathic CEU

Naturopathy & Cleansing Your Body With a Detox – Naturopathic Continuing Education

Naturopathy

Naturopathic Medicine: What is it?

Naturopathy

The idea surrounding Naturopathy is that the naturopathic doctor aims to treat the person, not just the condition. It is the belief that mind, body, and spirit can be healed. They utilize different methods of natural remedies such as herb usage, massage, acupuncture, and exercise. This is stepping away from the treatment of conventional medicine, but not completely. Naturopathic doctors can help to treat multiple health conditions. These include: Allergies, headaches, infertility, obesity, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, chronic pain, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

 

What Is a Cleanse/Detox?

Detox

Cleansing/Detoxing is meant to remove the toxins from your body. They are also used for people who are trying to lose weight. People who are planning on cleansing or detoxing should prepare for diet changes. Fast food is not going to help clear out our impurities, as much as I wish it would. Some cleanses require fasting, some require a strict diet, and some you are only drinking liquids for the duration of the detox.

While on a detox, you should make sure that you are taking in plenty of water. These are also only recommended as a temporary “diet” and you should not continue to detox or cleanse for too long, as this would be unhealthy for your body.

 

Different Types of Foods That Can Cleanse Your Body Naturally

  • Artichokes
  • Beets
  • Broccoli
  • Fresh Fruits & Vegetables
  • Protein
  • Onions & Garlic

 

 

When You Should Avoid Detox/Cleanses

You should not partake in a detox if you have any medical conditions involving blood pressure, cholesterol, or heart issues. People with diabetes should definitely not try to detox with a cleanse.

Because cleanses are low in calorie intake, this can be especially unhealthy. The average calorie intake for the day should be around 2000 for women and 2500 for men.

 

Different Types of Cleanses

  • Juice Cleanses: This type of cleanse usually lasts between 3-10 days on average. It requires you to only drink fresh juice. Juices are said to be good for you because fruits and vegetables contain a lot of vitamins and minerals. Some juices also contain anti-inflammatory agents, which may help boost your immune system.
  • Smoothie Cleanse: If you’re on the go and don’t have time to stop, a smoothie is a great temporary option. Most people do not get their daily intake of nutrients, so what better way to get your nutrient intake in than a green veggie smoothie?! A cleansing smoothie can also help you if you are having trouble staying energized.

 

Detox/Cleanse Recipes & Ideas

Lemon Ginger Morning Detox Drink
Used for its inflammatory benefits and added liver support

  • Organic Lemons
  • Fresh Ginger
  • Raw Honey

Collagen Charcoal Beauty Elixir
Want beautiful, smoother skin? Take this cleanse before you go to bed. Because it’s mixed with lavender, it should you relax and send you right to sleep.

  • Lavender
  • Lemon
  • Collagen
  • Coconut Charcoal
  • Raw Honey

Apple Cider Turmeric Detox Drink
This can be used to boost your immune system and energy, can help soothe cold symptoms, and is good for your skin and for weight loss.

  • Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Lemon Juice
  • Turmeric
  • Hot or Warm Water
  • Maple Syrup or Honey
  • Cayenne Pepper powder

Broccoli Detox Smoothie
Good for weight loss. Broccoli offers nutrients such as fiber, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, iron, potassium, and is a source of protein.

  • Broccoli
  • Banana
  • Pineapple
  • Milk

 

Colon Cleanse

Colon Cleanse

A colon cleanse is beneficial for digestive health, along with helping with constipation or irregular bowel movements. With these new detoxes and cleanses, you can do these at home. While these are generally safe, you may experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and cramping.

Cleanses, such as the master cleanse, are a good way to cleanse your colon. During a master cleanse, you are to drink the “Master Cleanse Lemonade” 6-12 times a day. It consists of organic lemon juice, organic grade B maple syrup, ground cayenne pepper, and filtered water. This will be in combination with a nightly herbal laxative. This cleanse is low in calories, which could be extremely unhealthy so it’s recommended for no more than 6 days.   

 

Liver Cleanse

Liver Detox

Another important cleanse you can do is for your liver. Your liver is obviously a very vital organ that you need to live a healthy life. The purpose of a liver cleanse is to remove all the old bile that has been built up in there and improve liver function. Be warned that during a liver flush, people have been known to find multiple deposits of green bile in their toilets. If you happen to have worms, they will come out too. During the cleanse, there are foods and drinks that you should avoid, along with ones that are best for your cleanse. It is also important to drink a lot of water and only eating small quantities of food.

Avoid Foods & Drinks such as:

  • Animal Proteins
  • Dairy
  • Fried food and spicy foods
  • Coffee, Alcohol, & Tobacco
  • Processed foods
  • Cold/Frozen Drinks

Food/Drinks that are necessary:

  • Whole grains
  • Fruits & Vegetables
  • Cottage Cheese
  • Yogurt
  • Natural fruits and nuts
  • Water, tea, and herbal tea

 

Kidney Cleanse

Kidney Cleanse

Like your liver, your kidneys are a very vital part of your body. Your kidneys should be cleansed for overall health, but also because it can reduce bloating, prevent fatigue, prevent kidney infections, correct bladder problems, prevent kidney stones, correct hormonal imbalances, and protect your skin.

You can use certain foods to help cleanse your kidney such as:

  • Celeriac
  • Asparagus
  • Watermelon
  • Lemon Juice
  • Herbs & Spices

Along with foods, here are some detox drinks that will help flush your kidneys out:

  • Radish Kidney Detox
  • Radish
  • Purple Cabbage
  • Celery
  • Lemon
  • Ginger Root
  • Simple Carrot and Cucumber Juice
  • Carrots
  • Green Apples
  • Cucumber
  • Kidney Watermelon Flush
  • Watermelon
  • Lime

 

References:

2017. “Detoxes” and “Cleanses”. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

Lester, M. 2017. Naturopathy. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. 

2016. How a Naturopath Detoxes. My Body + Soul.

2018. How to Restore Your Health Through Naturopathic Detoxification. Health for Life Naturopathic Medicine.

Shah, S. 2016. The Naturopath Perspective on Body Cleansing and Detoxification. Nature’s Intentions Naturopathic Clinic. 

2015. How is Detoxification Done By Naturopaths? Nirvana Naturopathy & Retreat. 

Graves, R. 2005. Detoxification Principles. Optimal Health.

Bjarnadottir, A. 2019. Do Detox Diets and Cleanses Really Work? Healthline.

Wahlgren, K. 2019. Cleanse vs. Detox: What’s the difference? Beach Body.

LaMeaux, E.C. 5 Natural Detox Drink Recipes. GAIAM. 

Suazo, A. 11 Detox Drinks Recipes to Cleanse Your Body. BulletProof. 

Gunnars, K. 2018. How Many Calories Should You Eat Per Day to Lose Weight? Healthline.

Nall, R. 2018. What are the pros and cons of a juice cleanse? Medical News Today. 

Zelman, K. 2018. The Truth About Detox Diets. WebMD.

Wilson, D. 2018. How to Do a Natural Colon Cleanse at Home. Healthline.

Butler, N. 2016. The Master Cleanse Diet (Lemon Detox Diet). Healthline.

Matveikova, I. How to Detox Your Liver: A Complete Guide to Purifying the Body With Liver Flushing. Conscious Lifestyle. 

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