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Spring Cleaning

Choosing a detox program that's right for you

by DIANE SELKIRK

When most of us think of spring cleaning, messy closets and dust bunnies come to mind. But local health care practitioners tend to think of something else: detoxification.

Detoxification is based on the belief that we need to rid our bodies of accumulated toxins, a concept that can be traced back to ancient Indian cultures. Practitioners claim that detoxing results in fewer headaches, improved complexion, increased energy, clearer thinking, and decreased bloating, and that it may even prevent serious health issues. While most health professionals discourage people from using detox for weight loss, some say it can be a great way to kick-start a weight loss program.
Today, most regimes recommend restricting the intake of certain foods, increasing water consumption, and taking proprietary herbal preparations. Very little research on detoxification programs exists, but certain aspects are undeniably good for you. Fruits and vegetables are low in calories and packed with vitamins, fibre, and antioxidants. Eating fewer calories, less sugar, and fewer processed foods is something many of us ought to do anyway. And replacing caffeine and alcohol with water isn’t such a bad idea, either.

Once you’ve decided it’s time for a spring cleaning, what’s next? Alternative health store shelves are stocked with a dizzying range of detox programs. There are gentle cleanses, daily detoxes, liver detoxes, mini cleanses, and more. But choosing the right detox doesn’t have to be guesswork; the city is full of experts who can help you to find the program best suited to your needs.
Detoxes should be pursued with caution. If you have chronic health concerns or take medication, consult your doctor first. Detoxing is not recommended for children, pregnant or breast feeding women, or individuals with diabetes.

Choices Market
Jillian Martin, consultant at Choices Market (2627 W. 16th Ave. and other locations, choicesmarket.com) says this is a great time for detoxification because “your liver is most active in the spring.” She has two recommendations for first-timers. ReCleanse Herbal Cleanse ($19.99) is a basic seven-day kit that targets the entire body; it comes with a comprehensive meal plan.

Renew Life First Cleanse ($21.99) is a two-week program that should be combined with a fibre and fish oil supplement. The menu program is not as specific as others, which some people prefer. Both programs consist of herbal capsules, taken morning and night. “You might feel a bit flu-like for the first few days, but it’s okay; that’s just your body getting rid of toxins,” Martin says.

Finlandia
Harlan Lahti, founder of Finlandia Natural Pharmacy (1111 W. Broadway, finlandiapharmacy.com), says detoxes are effective because they help you “cut back to the healthy basics.” He recommends those new to detox start very slowly and suggests diet change, increased activity, and increased water consumption.

When it comes to kits, Lahti likes the Sambu three-day cleanses ($57.99): “They are very gentle, for a first time.” But he encour-ages people to get a consultation and choose a program that matches their lifestyle. Finlandia has an infrared detox sauna for skin purification ($25 for a 30-minute session, including showers, or $200 for a 10-session package). “The skin is a great organ for eliminating waste, and the sauna is a gentle way to get this to happen,” he explains.

Wise Health Centre
For people with chronic health conditions or long-term stress and fatigue, Dr. Dain Guo, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner at the Wise Health Centre (49 E. Broadway, wisehealthcentre.ca), suggests a broader detox program. Using a combination of massage, acupuncture, and Chinese herbs, TCM gently stimulates the body to rid itself of toxins.

Guo explains that benefits vary from individual to individual, but most find they feel less stressed, begin to sleep better, and have more energy. “Over the first few visits, I see people become healthier and happier-looking. After a few weeks, they look younger; it’s quite remarkable,” she says. Consultations are free; an introductory treatment session is $40.

Vitality Clinic
Naturopathic physician Dr. Heidi Rootes (827 Hamilton St., vitalityclinic.ca) says most of her patients are ultimately there for a detox: “People who are overloaded with toxins will find their bodies don’t function properly.”

Many chronic conditions can be traced back to an overloaded system, she says. “Toxins are usually fat-soluble and are, therefore, stored in fatty parts of the body. These areas include the brain and the endocrine organs.” Rootes recommends a gentle, holistic detox program for people just starting out, which includes diet and lifestyle adjustment, herbs, and homeopathic support. A one-hour initial consultation and treatment plan is $150.

Diane Selkirk is a Vancouver freelancer who hopes that her spring cleaning will result in both fewer dust bunnies and increased energy.