Bariatric physician Maha Radamis reveals the secrets of a successful detoxifying programme to Passant El-Sawaf To begin correctly, we must start with getting rid of the bad habits first, and then begin a detoxifying programme," says Maha Radamis, a specialist in tropical medicine and a member of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians. She explains that the body can be seen as like a sponge, and it soaks up poisonous substances that harm us from the inside out as they build up over time in our system while we go about our daily lives. Preservatives in our food, chemicals in our water, and pollution from car exhaust that we have no choice but to breathe in are just three examples of such toxins, explains Radamis. However, there is a way to reverse some of this damage and prevent more harm and rid our bodies of these built-up toxins, and this is called a "body detox". A detox is a kind of inner body cleanse, Radamis adds, that will set you on a path to excellent health and help your body function optimally and prevent diseases caused by toxic build up. "You will also lose extra pounds, feel more energetic and rid yourself of aches and pains," assures Radamis. A headache or a feeling of nausea may be felt on the first day of the treatment as a result of getting rid of these harmful substances, but patients will feel much better later, she says. Radamis advises to start with lightening up the body's toxin load. "Gradually eliminate alcohol, coffee, cigarettes, refined sugars and saturated fats, all of which act as toxins in the body and are obstacles to your detoxifying process," she says. Unfortunately, she adds, not all toxins can be eliminated. For instance, most people cannot control exactly where they live and work. If you live in a crowded city with polluted air and water, for example, you will inevitably take in toxic chemicals. Nevertheless, everyone can still take steps to reduce their exposure to chemicals by getting a good water filter and using products with fewer chemical additives. Personal products, such as soaps, lotions and shampoo, can also contain harmful chemicals. Radamis advises buying the purest products you can for your personal use. Also try to use organic, fresh vegetables and fruit in your daily diet. "Taking these positive, gradual steps will help you detox your body and improve your overall health," Radamis says. She also warns about stress that triggers the body into releasing hormones into the system. While these hormones can provide the adrenaline rush to win a race or meet a deadline, in large amounts they create toxins and slow down detoxification enzymes in the liver, so it's a good idea to detox stressful life situations along with detoxifying your body. "Yoga and meditation are simple and effective ways to relieve stress by resetting your physical and mental reactions to the inevitable stress life brings," Radamis comments. There are many detoxification programmes, each depending on individual needs. Many programmes follow a seven-day schedule because, as Radamis explains, "it takes the body some time to clean the blood." Her programme involves fasting on liquids for two days, followed by a carefully-planned five-day diet to allow the digestive system to rest. On the third day, patients eat only fresh organic fruits every two hours to avoid dizziness. On the fourth day, they eat only vegetable soup, and on the fifth only fruit and vegetables. Radamis also advises supplements, herbs, 10 minutes of exercise in the morning and evening, and practices such as dry-skin brushing and hydrotherapy to enhance circulation. Everyone has the key to change his or her life for the better through such programmes, Radamis says, taking positive steps towards good health and a better life style that allow everyone to have a healthier body and mind. Take the key to open the door on a new life, Radamis concludes by saying. Some ways to help your body detoxify: - Eat plenty of fibre, including brown rice and organically- grown fresh fruit and vegetables. Beets, radishes, artichokes, cabbage and broccoli help the liver to detox, and chlorella and seaweed are also excellent detoxifying foods. - Cleanse and protect the liver by taking herbs, such as dandelion root, burdock and milk thistle, and drinking green tea. - Take vitamin C, which helps the body produce glutathione, a liver compound that drives away toxins. - Drink at least two quarts, nearly two litres, of water daily. Breathe deeply to allow oxygen to circulate more completely through your system. - Transform stress by emphasising positive emotions. Practice hydrotherapy by taking a very hot shower for five minutes, allowing the water to run over your back. Then follow with cold water for 30 seconds. - Do this three times and then get into bed for 30 minutes. Sweat in a sauna so your body can eliminate waste through perspiration. Dry-brush your skin, or try detoxifying patches or detox foot spas or foot baths to remove toxins through skin pores. Special brushes are available at natural product stores. "The most important way is exercise," says Radamis. "Yoga or rope jumping are good. 20 minutes every day." Everyone can also try the following: - Chew food well before swallowing and eat slowly. - Never eat in front of the TV. - Don't drink juices during meals, or before or after. - Cut out fried foods. - Avoid sweets. - Eat small amounts of food throughout the day rather than large amounts three times a day. - Avoid "white poisons", such as salt, white sugar and white flour. - Drink a lot of water.
