The term “detoxification” means helping your body eliminate waste and toxins to ensure that your organs are functioning to the best of their ability. The most prominent organs of elimination are the LIVER, KIDNEYS and COLON.

Reasons to DETOX:

• Bad breathe and/or white or yellow coated tongue
• Fluid retention/congested sinuses
• Weight loss resistance
• Skin issues such as acne, eczema, rosacea
• Constant fatigue
• Digestive disturbances- constipation, diarrhea, bloating, indigestion
• Moodiness
• My favourite reason- you LOVE yourself!!
• Start your new year right!

Whether you experience any of these symptoms or not, a DETOX is a great time to focus on the pleasure of taking care of yourself, cleaning up your diet, tuning into your needs and promoting good health and self care practices.

How long do I detox for?

I suggest cleansing for 21 days. If you think about how much time you spent “indulging” and possibly “neglecting” your body and mind, 21 days shouldn’t seem long at all.

It also takes 21 days to break a habit and create a new one. Most people who make positive changes on a cleanse feel so good that some practices become a way of life.

What do I do?

When I help people “cleanse”, I help them remove toxicity from their diets and environments. I try to make their 21 days as healthy as possible. Knowing and understanding that the mind and body cannot be disconnected and they effect each other, I typically recommend some exercises for “detoxing” the mind such as journaling, positive affirmations, meditation etc.

What do I eat?

I suggest that people firstly remove these 5 things:

1. White sugar/bread/cereal/pasta
2. Pop/Fruit Juices
3. Coffee
4. Dairy (cows milk and cheese)
5. Alcohol

What should my diet consist of:

1. Fresh fruit (dark red and blue fruits contain antioxidants and flavonoids)
2. Fresh vegetables (cruciferous veggies like broccoli, brussel sprouts and cabbage are great for detoxifying the liver)
3. Legumes (plant based protein with healthy amounts of fibre)
4. Lean protein ie. Fish, chicken, lamb
5. Superfoods like kale, acai berries, goji berries, cacoa powder, seaweed, chia, hemp.

**I will make a mention here that getting a Food Allergy Test can be a good starting point to determine which foods are best for you. An individualized eating plan can be created with your results. Call me to book your test.****

Environmental Toxicity:

Be aware of what you are putting on your skin. It will find its way into your body. Ensure that it is free of harsh chemicals and aim for it to be labeled organic. Avoid any GMO foods. Drink out of glass bottles and discard anything that is plastic. Household cleaning items should also be natural and free of chemicals as inhalation can cause disruption of hormones and in those sensitive to chemicals it can cause a rash or reaction.

Daily Practices:

Sleep: Ensure that you are getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night. This is super important as this is the time when your body heals, rests and renews itself.

Physical Activity: The body was meant to move. When we move, we gain more energy, help to balance our hormones and it even lifts our mood and motivation. Aim for 20 minutes of activity each day. If you have never exercised before, start with a walk each morning or night. If you are an avid exerciser, continue on your regime but be mindful that overdoing it (more than 2 hours daily) may be causing your body more stress.

Incorporate RELAXATION: I suggest doing yoga, taking a bath, meditating or trying acupuncture (I do this in my office for my patients) Why I suggest this is because people are way to busy completing their “TO DO” list that not enough time is spent relaxing and enjoying the precious moments of life. Additionally, “time outs” are great to check in with yourself, process your emotions, connect with your Spirit/Source/God and allow your body to relax.

MindSet:  Your thoughts are super powerful in creating your life and health. If you are a negative thinker, you may want to try for 21 days to keep a Positivity or Gratitude journal. Each day for 5 minutes (time yourself) write down all the things you are grateful for and all the positives in your life. There are many, trust me, you just have to be conscious about them and rewire your brain to look for them.

Do I need to take supplements?

Not all “DETOX” supplements are made for healthy detoxing. I have found a great cleanse that assists the liver, kidneys and colon to eliminate waste from the body. It does so in a gentle therapeutic way without the ill effects of a laxative which in my opinion is not therapeutic. It also contains support for your adrenal glands (the glands that respond to stress). It is a great 3 week detox kit that I carry in my office.

If you are interested in doing a detox for the new year, reach out!

Happy to help,

Dr. Jen Cisternino, ND

416-301-3477

[email protected]