REMEDIES: A Prescription for Drug Detoxification (HERBS, HEALTH, RECIPES)

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A Prescription for Drug Detoxification

by author Simone Gabbay, RNCP

 

If you’ve ever taken prescription drugs or are currently taking them,

it’s time to detoxify!

 

Prescription drugs load the body with toxins. They deplete nutrients,

disrupt metabolism and have the potential to cause addiction. These side

effects are often " treated " with yet more drugs, setting the stage for

multiple chemical dependencies. Children as young as age three are put

on this roller coaster with behaviour-modifying drugs such as Ritalin

and Prozac, which is now marketed in a mint-flavoured liquid, easily

administered to those too young to swallow tablets. (Sadly, they are

also too young to recognize that they are being infused with a

potentially dangerous psychiatric drug!)

 

Chemicals are unnatural to the body. The kidneys, bowels, lungs and skin

support the liver in its efforts to eliminate toxins, but they too can

become overwhelmed and unable to cope.

 

Nutritional Deficiencies

 

The first step is to correct any nutritional imbalances which may exist

as a side effect of prescription medication. Nutritional deficiencies

can interfere with the body’s efforts to detoxify. Antibiotic drugs, for

instance, wipe out the healthy microflora in the intestinal tract, which

is essential for the proper synthesis and absorption of nutrients in the

small intestine. To avoid an overgrowth of undesirable yeast organisms,

such as candida albicans, which produce more toxins in the body, it’s

important to take a probiotic supplement containing both lactobacillus

acidophilus and bifidobacterium bifidum with each meal for a minimum of

two weeks (ideally longer) following a course of antibiotics.

 

Most prescription drugs rob the body of B vitamins, especially folic

acid. Calcium and potassium are depleted by antacids, anti-fungal drugs

and anti-inflammatory medication (corticosteroids). The resulting

nutritional imbalances can cause digestive and metabolic problems and

contribute to the toxic effect which medications have on the body.

 

Never fear. There is a way to detoxify the body and restore nutritional

balance at the same time. Nothing works quicker and better than fasting

(or should we say feasting?) on the freshly pressed juices of vegetables

and fruits for several days.

 

Liver Support

 

The liver is the major organ responsible for detoxifying the body from

the fallout of prescription drugs. It works continuously to break down

remnants of toxic substances from medications, but an overload of toxins

can leave the liver overworked and exhausted, causing symptoms such as

fatigue, hormone imbalances and lowered immune response.

 

Bitter herbs support liver function and promote the cleansing process.

These include dandelion, milk thistle, red clover and artichoke.

Combinations of bitters are available in health food stores.

 

Chlorophyll, nature’s powerful detoxifier, supports detoxification

efforts. As well, it helps to activate enzymes, build blood and promote

tissue regeneration. Chlorophyll is available in liquid form or in

convenient tablets and capsules. Green food concentrates, such as those

made from barley grass, wheat grass and blue/green algae, also supply B

vitamins and other nutrients required for optimal liver function.

Vitamin C, taken in amounts of 1,000 to 6,000 mg a day, has excellent

detoxifying action.

 

Castor oil packs applied abdominally over the liver area two or three

times a week help to draw toxins from the liver and promote lymphatic

drainage. Prepare a bed or other flat surface where you can lie down

comfortably. Fold a cotton flannel cloth into several thicknesses, then

soak in castor oil. Place over the liver area and cover with plastic

sheeting. Put a towel over this to prevent soiling. Put a hot water

bottle or electric heating pad on top. Heat helps to drive the oil

through the skin into the tissues. Leave on for an hour and relax. The

oil can easily be washed off with a mixture of water and baking soda.

The flannel cloth can be stored in a plastic bag and reused several times.

 

Vigorous exercise also promotes detoxification. Bouncing up and down on

a rebounder is particularly effective for stimulating lymphatic action.

It’s a safe exercise for people of all ages. Alternating hot and cold

showers, baths or water gushes stimulate circulation and promote

detoxification via the internal organs and the skin.

 

The detoxification process will take patience and persistence. But it

will leave you feeling so healthy you will never need prescription drugs

again!

 

Toxic Side-Effects

 

Death is one of many potential side effects of prescription drugs. And

it’s not a rare occurrence. The results of a study published in the

Journal of the American Medical Association in April 1998 indicate that

adverse drug reactions are a major cause of death among hospitalized

patients. These reactions occur despite the fact that the drugs are

administered correctly!

 

 

Simone Gabbay is a registered nutritional consultant in Toronto. She is

the author of Nourishing the Body Temple.

 

Source: alive #221, March 2001

 

http://www.alive.com/488a2a2.php?subject_bread_cramb=336

 

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