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Health and Science Editor
Name
Editor
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Profession
Question
What is the idea behind detox diets?
Answer
The purpose behind a detoxification diet is to allow the body a period of assisted and often intense detoxification to help clear blocks that can accumulate in our body's natural detoxification systems due to poor diet, pollution, poor food quality and other factors.
If we do not perform detoxes a few times a year, our body's natural detoxification systems become increasingly blocked and sluggish. Over time if we do not provide out body with regular detoxifcation, toxins can build up in the system and cause disease.
Name
Editor
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Profession
Question
Is detoxification a natural process usually performed by the body or does it need to be stimulated by taking herbs or medics?
Answer
Detoxification is a natural process performed by the body mostly via the skin, intestines and lungs. If the body is functioning perfectly it does not need help in the process of detoxification. However because of pollution, poor eating habits, decreased quality of food and many more reasons, our bodies are not functioning perfectly. We usually need some form of assistance so that we can fully detoxify our bodies.
Name
Editor
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Profession
Question
What is a detox diet?
Answer
Detox diets vary in character; however their purpose is always the same - to assist the body in cleansing out toxins and to help clear blockages and other problems that prevent the body's own detoxification systems from functioning well.
All detox diets have three common traits:
1. A basic formula for eating that eliminates as many toxins in the diet as possible for a period of time. During this time a person will consume only whole foods. In some cases the person will give up meat. In all cases the person performing the detox will give up caffeine, sugar, processed foods and other toxic foods.
2. Herbs or therapies that are intended to cleanse the body of toxins. These therapies could include fresh juices, herbal teas, colon irrigation, enemas, skin brushing and more.
3. Herbs or supplements intended to strengthen the body and to provide nutrients that may have been lost during the detoxification process or that the body may be deficient in.
Name
Editor
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Profession
Question
What are the hazards that these toxins might cause if not removed from the body?
Answer
Accumulation of toxins in the body is the root cause of many diseases. Our body's actually have a natural ability to fight off disease. Toxins in the body slow down that ability and many times can cause diseases themselves.
When we have the flu our body kills off the germs with a fever. When we get food poisoning our body reacts by eliminating everything from the system and so on...
However, toxins such as heavy metals cannot be removed from the body easily and naturally. A person with heavy metals in their body can experience a range of symptoms and diseases from fatigue to memory loss to cancer.
Some toxins can damage organs. Alcohol, for instance, can damage the liver. If a person consumes alcohol then, over time, their liver will not be able to function well and this can lead to a number of diseases including, of course, liver disease.
However, we should not wait until we have cancer or memory loss to think about removing toxins from the body. Some of the first signs that the body has become toxic can be frequent headaches, digestive problems, constipation, depression and anxiety.
Name
Editor
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Question
Are there precautions people should take with detox diets?
Answer
This is a very good question. Many people want to follow a detox program because they have heard it is good for their health. However, many of these people end up injuring themselves if they don't follow the proper procedure. The two most common mistakes I see are:
1. Detoxifying too quickly
2. Detoxifying too intensely
3. Stopping too soon
4. Detoxifying without supervision
1. If a person detoxifies too quickly it can be a shock to the system. Before embarking on a detoxification diet a person should always do a pre-cleanse diet first. This pre-cleanse diet is usually a diet that consists only of whole and natural foods and does not include fast food, caffeine, sugar and junk foods. A pre-cleanse should last anywhere from 10 days to 4 weeks, depending on the person.
2. If a person detoxifies too intensely it can also be a shock to the body. I had a client once who came to see me after she had been admitted to the hospital for a collapsed lung. She had been following a detox diet at the time but her diet had been so sparse and restrictive that her body could not handle the stress. She, of course, was confused as to why she ended up in the hospital when she was doing something so "healthy".
3. If a person is doing a detox and stops too soon then they may be stopping at the point where all the toxins have been released into the body (instead of holding on to the depths of the body organ they were stored in). Many people will stop at this point because once the toxins are released into the body and prepare for exit via the lung, skin and large intestines; a person can feel very ill. At this point people may stop the detox. However, they could actually feel worse later as these toxins will have to be reabsorbed by the body.
4. Detoxification is not easy. Even if it is done well, it can cause a number of stress reactions by the body that include high or low blood pressure, fainting, and more. A person doing a detox should always be supervised by a health care professional.
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Editor
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Question
How often do we need to detox?
Answer
It depends on a person's age, constitution, where a person lives, what their lifestyle is, what toxins they are exposed to daily (at work or school or home) and what that person's diet is like. The traditional standard is that everyone should do a detox at the change of every season. So a person could do one as winter changes into spring, spring into summer, summer into autumn and autumn into winter. At the very least a person should perform a detoxification diet once a year. At the very most a person can perform a short detox every month. However, a full detox should not be done more than four times a year.
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Editor
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Profession
Question
Can we consider Hijama a detoxification process?
Answer
Hijama is a process whereby the blood is drawn from the body via an incision made on the skin or via pressure from a glass placed over that area of the body. In both cases "old" blood is being released from the body and will be replaced with "new" blood that the body will manufacture. Of course, if your body is filled with toxins, the "new" blood that is being manufactured will be "dirty" as well. If you are planning on having a hijama treatment you should make sure you drink plenty of water and eat a healthy diet.
Another way one could consider hijma as part of the detoxification process is because it helps clear blockages in the system and it is these blockages that prevent our body's natural detoxification systems from working.
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Editor
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Profession
Question
What are some of the problems associated with detox diets?
Answer
Some things to be cautious of when doing a detox diet are:
1. Dehydration: Be sure to drink enough water.
2. Nutrient deficiencies: Be sure you are getting enough nutrients either through supplements, herbs or foods.
3. Flu-like symptoms: As the body detoxes people experience flu-like or ill feelings. These should be considered normal. However, if they last more than a day you should see a health care practitioner.
4. Slowing of metabolism: If a person participates in too many intense detoxification diets they can slow down their metabolism which could lead to weight gain and more health issues.
5. They are not suitable for the elderly or the invalid.
6. They can become addicting.
7. Some herbs and supplements can have side effects which need to be monitored closely.
Name
Editor
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Profession
Question
What is your take on colon cleansing?
Answer
Since colon cleansing is a relatively new technique there can be a problem finding someone who is skilled in this field. If you have a colon cleansing session with an inexperienced person it will be ineffective and could cause injury.
If a person is going to get a colon cleanse they also need to make sure they have done a pre-cleanse AND a detox first however many people will, instead, get a colon cleanse a few times a year and do nothing else.
This is largely ineffective and could be dangerous because people will believe they are cleansing when they really are not.
Having a colon cleanse before a pre-cleanse and a detox is like cleaning the sewer system near the house and hoping this will fix the clog problems in your kitchen sink.
Obviously this won't work because you need to fix the clog, clean the pipes and make sure everything has made it down to the sewer pipes first.
Name
Ann
- Norway
Profession
student
Question
I was told that I have a micro plasma in my body several years ago, it gives you symptoms of fybromylgia. What would be the best cleanse that I could do to try to help? I'm not sick but sometimes I have have a lot of pain. I watch what I eat, make sure I get the proper rest. I live a normal life except when the pain gets severe, and that make life difficult for me and others around me.
Answer
Mycoplasmas are a fungus like organism and tend to accumulate heavy metals. To detox this from your system you would need to follow a candida diet (no foods with yeasts or molds, no suagr, etc...) and make sure you are not being exposed to or ingesting any additional heavy metals (found in fish, and non-organic produce among other things).
After you have taken these two precautions you can follow a normal detox diet and take some juices or herbal teas to help rid your body of the mycoplasms and fungus.
Juices that can help are:
Raw potato (mixed with carrot or apple juice)
Apple
Lettuce
Celery
Herbs that can help are:
Chinese Herbs of:
Radix Isatidis
Radix Angelica
Dahuricae
Radix et Rhizoma Rhei
Fructus Kochiae
Western Herbs:
Wild Yam
Nettles
Hyssop
Thyme
(Among others)
Essential oils:
Thyme
Tea Tree
Rosemary
Oregano
Cloves
Insha'allah this was helpful.
Name
Editor
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Profession
Question
Can you give us an idea of some of the different herbs used for detoxification?
Answer
This is a good question because many people will purchase herbal "formulas" for detoxification. However, a detoxification diet is a very personal process. Each time I plan a detox for a client I first do an assessment of their body to determine what organ or organ system needs to be focused on. Some clients have very toxic livers; others have sluggish kidneys, colons or lymphatic systems. For a detox to be effective it needs to target the areas that the person has the most trouble with.
Here are some ideas below:
Blood
Alfalfa
Dandelion
Liver and Gallblader
Dandelion
Licorice Root
Cascara Sagrada
Milk Thistle
Lungs
Licorice Root
Comfry
Mullein
Garlic
Kidney
Marshamallow
Dandelion
Parsley
Lymph System
Dandelion
Garlic
Colon
Cascara Sagrada
Black Walnut Hulls
Psyllium Seed
Garlic
Aloe
There are so many more useful herbs for detoxification as well, so don't let this list stop you from seeking out different or additional herbs. Almost all herbal teas have at least some slight detoxifying property.
I enjoy listening to your counseling questions. Is there an easy way to detoxify with herbs alone. You gave me once a formula with apples and potato mixed in a juicer. I wanted to know - can I detoxify with herbs instead? I have very blemished skin and brown spots.
Answer
You can use herbs or juices that gently detoxify the body on a more frequent basis instead of using them with a detox or cleanse only. When used over time these herbs and juices can gently and slowly detoxify the body and keep it healthy. These herbs will not harm you when taken properly, however they will not completely detoxify your system - you still need to perform a regular detox at least one per year. You should consult with a health care practitioner to decide which herbs are good for you to take. The apple-potato combination is good for most people.
Insha'allah this was helpful
Kristie Karima Burns, MH, ND
www.TheHebnMuslim.com
Name
Jasmine
- United States
Profession
Question
Salam karima,
Im very involved in the detox diet. What are the steps that need to be taken. What can/cant i eat or drink.
Essentially, what do i need to do. :)
Thanks
Answer
If you see some of the earlier questions I have outlined the main steps of a detox diet. However, I have not talked a lot about what you cannot eat. Detox diets vary from complete "juice fasts" (where you only drink vegetable and fruit juices for days) to whole food diets that include some meats. Other detox diets are completely vegan or vegetarian.
However, the list of things you cannot eat on a detox is very similar between them all.
Basically, the point of the diet is to rid your body of toxins. Because of this you need to make sure you do not put any additional toxins into your body. Some common toxic foods are: fast foods, sugar, caffeine, sodas, canned foods, junk foods, candy, cakes, foods with additives and preservatives, and non-organic milk, milk products and produce.
Name
Houda
- Australia
Profession
Question
Salam to you!!!!
In the last 6 months i have been eating alot of processed foods because i simply dont have time to cook. Alot of take away foods like McDonalds etc. Ive gained alot of weight.
So ive started a new regime where i cant eat anything except for fruit after 4pm. its not really helping.
I hear about being doing the detoxification program? What does that consist of ? Im interested in cleansing my body.
Thanks
Answer
Since you have been on a very unhealthy diet you should start with a simple detox. One of my favorite pre-cleanse and detox diets consists of eating only plain, neutral and whole foods for three weeks, and adding herbs for the last week.
Because your diet has consisted of a lot of take away food and you say you have gained weight I am guessing it is your liver and colon that need the most detoxification.
This is what I would suggest:
For three weeks:
Eat only:
Brown Rice
Vegetables
Two small servings of fish or chicken breast each day
Green leafy vegetables
No fruits
Plain low-fat yogurt
You are not allowed: caffeine, sugar, oils, sugar, junk food or other toxic foods. Use salt only in moderation. You may use any spices you want to make the vegetable combinations you choose more flavorful. However, do not use hot spices like ginger, cinnamon or red pepper.
On the second week start by taking one cup of herbal tea each day. On the third week take three cups of herbal tea each day.
You could take:
Milk Thistle
Burdock
Shizandra
Dandelion
Turmeric
Yellow Dock
Choose just one or two herbs from the list above. You can prepare them as a tea or syrup or you can purchase them as tinctures. Do not use capsules of herbs for detox purposes.
Insha'allah this was helpful. If you would like a more detailed consultation you can visit www.TheHerbnMuslim.com
Blessings & Health,
Kristie Karima Burns, MH, ND
Name
Gine
- Austria
Profession
Question
I know this is off topic, but what would you suggest for weight loss? A healthy alternative?
Answer
This is actually not off-topic. People who need assistance with weight loss often need assistance because their body is not digesting, metabolizing or eliminating their food properly. A good detox session a few times a year can keep all of your organ systems functioning optimally so you are able to digest, assimilate, and metabolize your food properly. The most common systems to focus on during a detox aimed at weight loss (keep in mind that the weight loss is not happening just during the detox, you are actually helping your body to be able to lose weight more efficiently in the future as well) are:
Liver and Gallbladder
Colon
You can use some of the herbs I suggested in previous conversations for the liver or colon. These herbs combined with a detox program should help you get off to a good start.
Name
hajaat
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Profession
Question
how to detox our body from daily stress and to hv better skin specially if we suffer from acne and oily skin and hair
Answer
To design a detox specifically for stress and skin you should follow the basic detox diet formula I gave in an earlier question; however you should not use the herbs for liver detoxification but use one or more of the following herbs:
Burdock Root
Red Clover
Milk Thistle
Oatstraw
You should also make sure you do daily skin brushing and hair washing. To "brush" your skin use a loufa or rough washcloth when you take a shower. Scrub your skin gently but vigorously once a day. This will help your skin detoxify. During the time you should also refrain from wearing or applying ANY skin care products or make-up at all.
Name
khadija
- Mauritius
Profession
Question
Can u tell me if reiki is a way of detox ?
Can u tell me how to practice reiki in islam ?
Answer
Reiki can help open energy, emotional and spiritual blockages in the system which can, in turn, release toxins and ease the detoxification process. Reiki is especially well suited as a supplemental healing tool when detoxing from stress or emotional distress.
Reiki is not related to any religion so there is no reason why a Muslim cannot practice or use Reiki as a healing method. However, there are hundreds of kinds of Reiki and different Reiki masters use different methods. You should choose a practitioner who channels their energy using Islamic or universal prayers.
Name
Lily
- Belgium
Profession
Question
Is Aloe vera a good way of detox if taken first in the morning ?
How about honey and Cider Vinegar ? does it detox the body if taken daily for about one month ?
Answer
Aloe, honey and cider vinegar are all good to take on a daily basis. However, without a proper detox diet, skin brushing and plenty of water, these herbs and foods will not provide any intense detoxification on their own. Aloe will help cleanse the colon and digestive tract and honey and apple cider vinegar will help balance the digestive system. Of course, both have numerous other benefits as well. However, to be able to function in their full detoxification capabilities they need to be used in conjunction with a detoxification diet plan.
Name
adila
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Profession
Question
Salaam sister Karima
thnx for ur wonderful work
Please advice me how to help myself im a social worker who do much counseling with adolescent and i often sufer from burn out ....
i think i don't hv know how to detox myself
i do practice mountain hiking weekly
how to help myself so i may better help other
May Allah bless u
Answer
You are perceptive to recognize that it is not just our physical bodies that need detoxing, but also our emotional self. Both of these systems are integrated, so when you focus on detoxifying one system, the other one will also benefit. However, you can have a more intense and productive detoxification experience if you work on detoxifying the mind and body together. One person who asked a question earlier mentioned Reiki. This is a very good detoxification tool for emotions, the mind, and stress. Other energy healing techniques such as IET are also good for this. Stretching along with hiking will benefit you more than hiking alone. Gentle stretching for 15 minutes a day will help detoxify your body from stress. You can also supplement your detoxification program with essential oils. Essential oils can be used in a diffuser, in a bath or in a body lotion or hand lotion. Useful oils for stress are:
Lavender
Ylang-Ylang
Chamomile Roman
Bergamot
Rose (a favorite of The Prophet SAWS)
Geranium
Sandalwood
