www.womanthismonth.com January 2017 42 LIFESTYLE | wellbeing The word detox is tossed around quite a lot these days; but do we actually know the how and why of it? Bahrain-based naturopath and iridologist Dejana Subsol sheds some light on the matter. To ‘detox’ is to shed the load of toxins, or poisonous substances, that our bodies are laden with. According to the specialist, disease or imbalance originates from two sources; toxicity or deficiency. Detoxification of the body is therefore crucial to optimum health. “The ancients knew this thousands of years ago and fasting was used as a primary detoxification tool to regain and maintain health in all different cultures and religions throughout this planet. Look at animals in the wild; as soon as they are ill they will sleep, fast and only drink water – and recover!” says Dejana. She goes on to add that in today’s world we are bombarded with toxins, mainly from our food, water, the air, furniture, paints and body products. “Toxins, particularly in food, come from pesticides, additives, colourants, taste enhancers and GMOs [genetically modified organisms],” she says. “They are damaging to the lining of our intestine and result in a condition we call a ‘leaky gut’ or a porous intestine. We therefore find ourselves being poisoned from the inside as well [auto-intoxication]. Research in the last decade has shown that this lining of our intestine is where all the nutrients pass into our blood system, along with the beneficial bacteria that surround it. It is a true factory of enzymes, neurotransmitters, immune cells, vitamins and minerals. This is the core of our health, our immune system and our emotional well-being. A leaky gut is directly related to a whole range of conditions starting from digestive problems, concentration and behavioural problems in children, autism, allergies and asthma to autoimmune diseases, to cite just a few.” This is why it’s paramount to consciously know what you are ingesting. All processed food has some kind of synthetic, toxic substance that can prove dangerous in the long run. The majority of food we eat is loaded with pesticides and has travelled halfway around the world to reach us. Unfortunately, even the best locally sourced, organic foods are deficient in nutrients, thanks to soil depletion. However, fresh, responsibly grown produce still is the most reliable source of nutrients for living beings. So how do we go about ridding ourselves of toxins? Dejana believes it’s important to first recognise your body’s needs and what should be given priority – toxicity or deficiency. She The brink of a brand-new year is a good time to reward your body with a clean start. If stubborn weight, frequent ills and mental fog seem part of daily life, Behnaz Sanjana suggests you start now. REBOOT AND REBALANCE When done right, detoxing can have a host of physical and mental benefits, including weight loss, enhanced immunity, prevention of chronic ailments, delayed ageing, restoration of mental and emotional clarity and a boost in energy. Protect your family from the toxicity of household plastics and cleaning products. Plastic containers leach carcinogens while bleach, ammonia and other chemical cleaners can cause serious health problems.
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