At Ananda we offer two programs of detoxification.

Assess your needs here: detox survey 1, detox survey 2

A three week program of Self awareness through a disciplined approach to diet. Cleansing of the organs of detoxification is enhanced with nutrients. This is a helpful program for identifying our habits and areas of challenge. It begins a purification process that addresses some of the bacterial, parasitic, viral toxins as well as help to strengthen the liver, lymph, skin, lungs and GI tract. However, this program does not address metal, neuro, emotional, and individual persistent viral, bacterial, fungal, radiation and environmental toxins.

A second program works on a long term basis to slowly rid the body of its burden from toxins. Each individual is assessed to uncover their specific challenges. A protocol is determined working on a monthly basis to address fungus, environmental toxins, emotional toxins, diet, food combining, bacterial infection, parasitic infection, metal toxicity, childhood immunizations, virus infection, radiation, as well as other constrictions in the body that inhibit it from fully functioning. Toxic burden is the main underlying reason we have inflammation and dis-regulation that leads to dis-ease, If we can slowly and systematically relieve our bodies burden, we give our body the opportunity to rebuild, regenerate and support us energetically. This program takes commitment and the understanding that if there is metal toxicity that the average of 2 years is the norm for clearance.

Sources of Toxins: Pathogens (includes metals & chemicals) Parasites, Pesticides, Amalgams

If you would like to participate in either of these programs, contact Anne at 273-8364 or ananda@sportsgig.com

what is detoxification?
Toxins enter our bodies through the skin, respiratory tract or intestines and can come from the air we breath, the food we eat, mercury based vaccinations, mercury amalgam fillings, personal care products, cleaning products and lawn and garden products. Our thoughts, as well, have a profound effect on our bodily function. Detoxification is the removal of chemicals (and parasites, bacteria, virus, emotions, radiation, etc.) that the body cannot process or use for energy. Detoxification prepares the chemicals for excretion from the body.

where does the body detoxify?
The liver and the kidneys are the primary organs involved in detoxification.
Gastrointestinal - liver, gallbladder, colon and the whole GI tract
Urinary - kidneys, bladder, and urethra
Respiratory - lungs, bronchial tubes, throat, sinuses, and nose
Lymphatic - lymph channels and lymph nodes
Skin and dermal - sweat and sebaceous glands and tears

what does the body detoxify?
medications estrogens (including xenoestrogens)
food additives air pollutants
cigarette smoke free radicals (from exercise, metabolism)
alcohol endogenous toxins (hormones)
heavy metals (neurotoxic) antibiotics (cleared by the liver, they destroy good bacteria)
radiation (calcium chelates radioactive isotopes)

what increases my toxic load?
smoking, alcohol, poor intestinal health, frequent flying (1 flight=1 x-ray) ,
prolonged stress, medications, birth control pills, processed foods,
inadequate sleep, constipation, allergies, hormone replacement therapy,
overweight, lack of exercise, lawn & garden chemicals, synthetic personal care products...and busy, busy minds and lives.

what happens to toxins in the body?
First they pass through the GI tract where microbes and large foreign particles are screened and sent to the large intestine for excretion (if gut mucosa is healthy).
Those that pass through the intestinal wall are transported to the liver to Phase 1 detox.
Phase 1 detox breaks up the toxin to make it water soluble (by nature they are bound to fat).
The new substance is a highly reactive free radical that must be conjugated (Phase 2 detox) with either bile (for excretion in feces) or other substances (for excretion by urine).
If intestinal motility is low, some toxins will be reabsorbed through the large intestine wall and recirculate and store in the body- mainly in fat, the brain and the nervous system.
If kidney is dysfunctional, some molecules may filter back and be reabsorbed there as well.

Homeopathy and Vibropathic medicine detoxify in a different manner. Please refer here for additional information.

symptoms of impaired detoxification:
high free radical load and toxins induce cell damage, inability to clear toxins from tissues, suppress immunity, increase estrogen overload (polycystic ovaries, reproductive disorders), contibute to fatigue, inability to mobilize fat stores (hard to lose weight), increase inflammation which leads to other resonses such as inflammatory joint disease, neurological diseases, arteriosclerosis, weight gain, allergies, indigestion, belching, heartburn, hiccup after eating, sleepiness after eating, flatulence, craving for sweets, sleeplessness due to indigestion, congestion, nervousness.

Some sources of toxins: Metals 1, Metals 2, Parasites, Pesticides

what does detoxification have to do with sugar metabolism?
Sugar metabolism is regulated by hormones, insulin, glucagon and glucocorticoids.
Toxicity induces inflammation and a stress response, activating glucocorticoid hormones from the adrenal glands.
Glucocorticoids tell the pancreas to stop taking sugar out of the blood to stop digestive action so the body can respond to the stress. As the adrenals constantly are drained, glucocorticoids are depleted and blood sugar drops abnormally, inducing hypoglycemia. Chronic hypoglycemia leads to improper blood sugar regulation and intermittent states of hyperglycemia which leads to Type II diabetes. Liver cell damage leads to impaired processing of stored glucose in liver tissue inducing higher insulin response to pull more sugar out of the blood for energy. (The liver and muscles store glycogen to be used under stress and when we exercise...if it is not there, it pulls it out of the blood).

ways to detoxify:
Fasting: Eliminates new toxins, does not enhance clearance of existing stored toxins
Fat Flushing: mobilizes fat stores but severely increases toxic load. Will not increase liver function to clear.(example: Atkins Diet). Detox Pills: Increases liver activity but not intestinal activity. If there is a gut motility issue, toxins can be reabsorbed. Biochemical Detox: Increases liver detox capacity and intestinal motility. (Enhances release by sauna, exercise, massage and Yoga). Heavy Metal Detox: Chelates toxic metals out of the body. Proper use of biochemical detox is advised in addition to clear out the metals. Common overloads: mercury, aluminum and cadmium. We use homeopathics which are gentle on the system. Sauna: Eliminates toxins through the skin at 105 degrees
Exercise: Eliminates toxins through the skin (sweat helps to clear, as do lungs). Massage & Yoga: Increases lymphatic drainage and clearance. Homeopathics: for miasms, parasites, emotions, virus, bacteria, metals, fungus

at the ananda center we use a biochemical detoxification program combined with homeopathics. why is is this preferable?
It ensures that mobilized toxins are able to be cleared by the liver as key nutrients involved in both Phase 1 and Phase 2 pathways are included. It regulates intestinal motility to avoid any reabsorption of toxins. It provides macronutrient balance (protein, carb and fat) to keep the glycolytic metabolic pathway active (the blood sugar metabolism balanced). It ensures that a personal profile of parasites, chemical and metal toxins, bacteria, miasms, radiation, emotions and virus are addressed.

Components of an effective Detoxification Program:
Elimination Diet which varies over the course of the program to eliminate toxic and allergenic/inflammatory foods.
Gradual ingestion of detox formula 1-3 times per day dependent on level of toxicity over course of program.
Liver and gut support nutrients
Probiotics to build gut integrity for effective absorption and elimination function - Anti-oxidants to elliminate free radical damage,

Homeopathics for individual challenges
Exercise - Sauna & Massage are optional
Gradual reintroduction of clean foods

what are the possible side effects during detox?
headaches - Metallic or sour taste in mouth - increased bowel function
fatigue - nausea (uncommon) - increased urination

some bodies need building up BEFORE they can detox...otherwise "crashing" occurs which is a strong indicator that the body is just not well enough to help itself. Nutrient support for a strong base is essential in these individuals. If there are strong gut issues...this is a possible indication of the need to build up before detoxification can begin.

contraindications and precautions with detoxification:
diabetes, autoimmune disease, prescription medications (can enhance or downregulate), pregnancy, children under 12, lactating mothers. Instead, we will tailor a program that will increase strength and stability in the body.

ongoing maintenance:
reduced intake of toxic substances - a clean diet, a clean home & garden, attention to personal care,
regular exercise (critical), maintenance of liver and intestinal support (keep the gut clean), and attention to stress (reaction).

For most individuals, a good multi-vitamin, probiotics, fish oil and anti-oxidants are an essential part of a wellness program.