Not long ago, I wrote an article discussing the pros and cons of certain detox regimens. Sometimes, however, it’s not worth the effort because it can be detrimental to detox. To learn why it may not be worth the effort and may potentially do more harm than good, continue reading…
1) You’re (overly) toxic!
This may seem counter-intuitive, but I’m serious. If you’re already toxic, your body may not be able to handle the extra burden very well. Essentially, most of your toxic burden is “locked up” in your cells, not in your bloodstream. Those toxins may still be wreaking havoc in the cells, but to a “controlled” degree. They’re not going to be as harmful in the cells as if they were “stirred up” and released into your bloodstream all at once. In cases like this, it’s best to slowly clean up your diet and lifestyle before stirring up those toxins.
Several ways that would indicate you’re overly toxic include: chronic skin rashes, severe allergies/chemical sensitivities, unrelenting digestive disorders, and chronic fatigue. All of these issues can actually get worse if you embark on a detox when your body can’t handle it. Some doctors and patients feel that this means the detox is “working” and label it a “healing crisis.” It may be “working,” albeit to your detriment.
2) You have hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidsm results in a decreased metabolic rate in all the cells of your body. This of course includes the rate that your liver, GI tract, kidney and brain cells function. If your thyroid is under-functioning and you release an abundance of toxins via a “detox,” you’ll most likely make yourself worse because of an inability to process those toxins. Additionally, you’ll probably make your thyroid condition even worse.
3) You’re not planning on making long-term changes
Let’s get real here… How often do you clean your home? Is it once a year? Is it twice a year? I hope not. You probably clean your home regularly. The same regular “cleaning” should apply to your body. What I’m saying is that you should be eating cleanly and living a non-toxic life on a day-to-day basis. If you’re not, you should use a detox to help change your mindset and habits. If you plan on going back to your normal unhealthy regimen, why bother? It really won’t make a big difference in the long run.
Good luck on achieving the results you’re looking for!
Dr. Rob D’Aquila – NYC Chiropractor – Diplomate and Board-certified teacher of the International College of Applied Kinesiology