One key to successfully losing weight and increasing the chances of keeping it off is to start with a detoxification. Chlorophyll-rich foods like parsley and cilantro and gelatinous-rich foods, like seaweeds, aloe vera and chia seeds that form a gel when wet, are considered to be great detoxification foods.
 
Gelatinous fibres move into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, absorbing and binding debris and toxins. Bile salts, which are produced by the liver, are also absorbed and passed out of the GI tract along with fat soluble toxins that the liver tries to eliminate. Without these gelatinous fibres, there is a tendency to reabsorb much of the toxins back into the body’s system. As a result, the liver attempts to remove them by continually putting them into bile salts and then discarding them into the small intestine to be eliminated from the body. The problem is that they get reabsorbed, continuing the vicious cycle.

Cilantro and coriander have the ability to bind with heavy metals and remove them from the system. This can be particularly beneficial for people who are exposed to excess magnesium through fish or dental fillings. Parsley is another good cleansing food as it cleanses the blood supply with its high chlorophyll content. It even gives you fresh breath. There are numerous other benefits to taking chlorophyll, which is found in leafy green plants, however cooking destroys much of the chlorophyll available in these sources. Including it in a health regime in a supplement form is a good idea.
 
Eating enough of these detoxifying foods can be a daunting task for many. This is why using well researched supplements and detoxification kits can help simplify the process. Bioclinic Naturals has a few products that can help with this such as: Clear-HM (contains organic spirulina), (weight loss) and the 7-Day ReduceXS Total Body Cleansing Program. Clear-HM provides advanced heavy metal detoxification support while supplying nutrients which increase glutathione levels. It also improves antioxidant status and protects against cellular and hepatic damage. The 7-Day ReduceXS is designed to restore intestinal integrity, reduce gut permeability, to support and enhance hepatic detoxification pathways, and to improve bowel transit time and the elimination of toxins. Lastly, PGX promotes healthy weight loss by reducing post-meal blood glucose levels and it also lowers total and LDL-cholesterol levels. This is achieved by forming a gel matrix which slows gastric emptying.
 
One additional note to anyone considering undertaking a detoxification program, it is important to drink a lot of water to properly support the body’s elimination of toxins.

Afterword

If you liked the information presented in this series of articles and would like to learn more about this topic, I suggest you watch the documentary: “Hungry for Change: Your Health is in Your Hands”. 
 
References: 

• Hungry for Change: Your Health is in Your Hands. Dir. James & Laurentine. 2012.
• Bioclinic Naturals. Insulin Resistance and Weight Management. 2012. 05 04 2012.
• Intestinal Rejuvenation and Detoxification. 2012. 05 04 2012. 

Ryan Lewis, B.Sc.

Ryan is in his third year at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM). He received his undergraduate education in biology from Concordia University, located in Montreal, Quebec. His hobbies include soccer and martial arts. Ryan is also interested in rheumatology, pain management, nutrition, self-improvement and motivating others to reach higher potentials. One of his major goals is to be able to empower others with the knowledge and confidence they need to take control of their health.

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