Detoxification is a powerful aid for recovery from PTSD, depression and addictions. Detoxification refers to a cleansing or purification process. It involves the transformation and elimination of bodily waste: toxins that impair physical organ function and affect mental well-being and cognitive function.
"Trauma is toxic beyond the metaphor often used to describe “toxic relationships; stress creates inflammation and metabolic byproducts that cannot be as easily excreted."
Many people are exposed to chemical and biological toxins in the course of trauma, for example, war, natural disasters, and genocide or have used toxic substances such as alcohol. These toxins affect all aspect of physical and mental health including brain function.
Poor quality nutrition also contributes to the buildup of toxins in the body as a natural byproduct of daily life which suggests everyone can benefit from engaging in detoxification strategies. Everyone can benefit from activities that support detoxification. Detoxification is an essential part of a prevention and treatment program for recovery of mental health, including PTSD, depression, and addictions. Every culture includes a variety of detoxification methods in their traditional medicine repertoire.
The liver and the skin are the major organs of detoxification in the body. The liver is the human body’s largest organ, and a primary organ of detoxification.Whether one is detoxifying from pharmaceuticals, drugs or alcohol, or undertaking detoxification strategies to enhance health, the process is similar.
The Liver is the center for detoxification in the body and undergoes two interrelated processes, phase 1 and phase 2 detoxification. During phase 1, the liver makes fat-soluble toxins water-soluble by activating the Cytochrome P-450 enzymes. These enzymes attach to toxins and prepare them for phase 2 detoxification, where they are then excreted by the kidneys. Symptoms of liver and gall bladder congestion include nausea, morning headaches, bloodshot eyes, skin problems, constipation, light colored or poorly formed stools, pain in the upper shoulders or under the rib cage.
Purge-and-cleanse systems traditionally include the use of clays, plant and animal-derived oils, sweat lodges and saunas, water therapies, induced-regurgitation, and enemas to detoxify the body and reestablish metabolic balance.The use of sweats and enemas and cleansing teas are found throughout the world cultures.
Foods that Help the Liver Detox and aid Alcohol Recovery: Foods are important as both a cause of toxins and in supporting the elimination of toxins. The cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts enhance the liver's P-450 enzymes, and sulphur-containing onions and garlic, both raw and cooked, should be used daily.
Bread and yeast based products can cause toxicity especially for those sensitive to alcohol. Yeast ferments sugar into alcohol and endogenous alcohol production is high after eating foods rich in carbohydrates). Yeasts convert the alcohol (ethanol) into acetaldehyde affecting levels of gut flora and leading to chronic candidiasis. The acetaldehyde toxins can also cause leaky gut which is implicated in allergies and autoimmune illnesses.
Seaweed is one of the most important detoxifying foods because they bind toxins in the intestinal tract. Adding seaweed is to soups or bean dishes or as a snack is healthy for the thyroid and also as part of detoxifying. Alginates from the brown seaweeds bind toxic metals and radioactive isotopes in the digestive tract.
If you are questioning any of this information, it is a great idea to discuss what you have learned with your health care provider. They can help you decipher what would and wouldn't be good for you to try on your quest to health, recovery, and happiness.
Categories: Mental Health Rehabilitation Health and Nutrition
