This is part two in a short guest post series. See part one here.In many people, their own gastrointestinal system contributes to the pollution of the body. The purpose of the GI system is to digest and absorb the nutrients and to eliminate the undigested portions of food along with waste products, harmful microorganisms and toxins.
Many people do not have perfectly healthy bowels, as evidenced by various gastro-intestinal problems, such as heartburn, indigestion, bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea and so on. In fact, more drugs are sold to treat GI symptoms than for any other organ.
There are many reasons why most people have unhealthy GI tract. We do not eat the right foods, we do not get enough physical activity, fresh air or sunshine. Alcohol, antibiotics, painkillers and other medications - all these disrupt normal bowel function. Plus, as we get older, the stomach, pancreas and small intestine produce less digestive enzymes. This leads to decreased digestion and absorption of nutrients and increased accumulation of undigested food material and putrefied fecal matter in the intestine.
This creates a condition known as dysbiosis – a decline in good bacteria and an increase in pathogenic micro-organisms, such as parasites, viruses and yeasts, especially Candida albicans. In turn, this leads to leaky gut syndrome – a condition that allows many toxic substances that were intended to be eliminated to get into the blood stream and pollute the body.
The bottom line is that everybody has extra toxins in his or her body that need to be eliminated. This is the purpose of the detoxification program.
There are literally dozens of different detoxification programs on the market today, but most of them do not address the real needs of the body. The vast majority of them are glorified laxatives that make you have more frequent and bulkier bowel movements. They generally do not support the liver or the kidneys nor do they improve the health of the GI tract.
Since we are exposed to toxins every day of our lives, it is important to understand that detoxification activities should be a part of your daily routine. The way I approach detoxification is by doing a little bit every day and doing a lot once or a few times a year.
First, try to minimize the amount of toxins getting inside your body. Avoid using plastic utensils, plastic bottles, etc. Do not use medications, either over the counter or prescription, unless your life depends on it. Do not eat junk food that is highly processed and filled with preservatives, flavoring agents, and artificial colors.
Eat a variety of foods, both of plant and animal origin. Make sure to get enough fiber to keep your bowels clean and moving. Eat food that is as close to its natural state as possible. Use garlic to fight bad bacteria in the intestine and eat fermented foods that supply good bacteria. I am talking about yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, etc. It is okay to take probiotic supplements, but I prefer getting them from food.
At least once a year I recommend to all my patients a 3-week purification program from Standard Process. 
It uses special supplements that specifically support the liver and the kidneys, and help clean the intestine at the same time.
It uses special supplements that specifically support the liver and the kidneys, and help clean the intestine at the same time. You want your body to be as clean as possible for better health. Protect it from all the toxins that are constantly assaulting it from inside and from outside.
This is a guest post by Dr. Michael Teplitsky, author of Nutrition and Your Health. His book is a great guide to the basics of real food eating, including why saturated fat and cholesterol are healthy, which supplements are the best and more. I think this is a great resource, plus coming from a doctor it could be a great way to get those stubborn relatives into real food, too! You can read my interview with Dr. Teplitsky at this post and find out more about his book here.This post is part of Real Food Wednesday hosted by Kelly the Kitchen Kop!
And don't forget to try these probiotic recipes:
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