Celebration Recovery

Everyday ways to detoxify your body for better health Detoxification should be an essential part of everyone’s health plan. While our bodies are able to neutralize and eliminate toxins on their own, our systems can become overwhelmed by the amount of toxins we’re exposed to. We get overloaded by toxins in our environment through our food, water and air. When toxins build up in our body, they cause damage to our tissues and serve as an obstacle for the body to function optimally. Unable to effectively deal with the toxic overload, toxins accumulate in the liver and tissues of the body, spill off into our blood stream and are sequestered and stored in our fat tissue (which includes our brain and breast tissue). When they circulate in our body they act as free radicals, cause oxidative stress and make it difficult for our organs and systems to function properly. Organ and system dysfunction contributes to many of the health issues that are common in our culture today and this makes it difficult for our body to heal itself when challenges arise. I recommend that my patients do a detox of some kind soon after we start working together. There are a couple of reasons for this. First of all, it allows me to understand what portion of an individual’s health issues are due to more superficial causes such as toxic overload. Secondly, it removes some of the toxic burden and makes everything else I do with my patients more effective. Often, I find that simply doing a detox can give the body the kick-start it needs to heal. Detoxification programs come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There are smoothie detoxes, fasting detoxes, herbal detoxes, homeopathic detoxes, nutrient detoxes, and detoxes using liquids such as teas and soups. Depending on the patient and their health history, I will recommend something simple to start and as the patient becomes more experienced with detoxing, I’ll recommend something deeper and more challenging for them. Detoxes can vary in length lasting from one day to one month or longer depending on the individual. For patients who have never done a detox before, usually 5-12 days is enough. Some people prefer to do a slower, longer detox over 30 days. While others incorporate a day of detoxification every week. Every detox program should incorporate diet changes. From simple changes such as cutting out sugar or coffee, to a full elimination/hypoallergenic diet, there are many options. Some people will also incorporate fasting into their detox protocol. I usually only suggest this for people after they have some experience detoxing. One of the issues that happens during a detox is that people try to do too much the first time around and they end up getting sick. It’s important not to overdo it, especially the first time. If your body has lots of accumulated toxins it will need to release and eliminate them slowly and safely. This is why it’s a good idea to consult a Naturopathic Doctor before you do a detox for the first time. A naturopath can help to determine your overall toxic burden and design a personalized program that fits your needs so that you don’t overdo it and get sick. It is essential that your body is eliminating toxins as they are being released. The body typically eliminates toxins in two phases. In phase one, toxins are transformed into “intermediary metabolites” which are then passed through phase two to be neutralized and eliminated. If your body isn’t able to detoxify and eliminate effectively, these substances can cause damage. That why it’s so important to ensure that your bowels are functioning well throughout any detox program. Adding in extra fibre like psyllium, along with drinking at least 2 litres of water and herbal teas every day should ensure that you eliminate effectively and stay hydrated. In addition to following a detox protocol on a regular basis (I recommend 2-4 times a year) there are lots of ways to support your body’s daily effort to detoxify. Here is a list of 10 suggestions to support daily detoxification and reduce the accumulation of systemic toxins. 10 Ways to Detox Daily Reduce your exposure by choosing less toxic foods and products. Drink water with lemon every morning. Take chlorophyll and spirulina. Include foods to support the detoxification pathways of the body: cruciferous vegetables, lemon, leafy greens, beets, artichokes, radish, garlic, onions, berries, green tea, and whole grain foods. Dry skin brushing. Nasal irrigation (such as a neti pot). Reduce stress. Sleep for at least 8 hours every night. Breath deeply. Think positively. The final important guideline to effective detoxification is replenishing the good bacteria in your gut. Probiotics like acidophilus and bifidus are essential for proper bowel function and elimination of toxins. Once you finish cleansing your system, taking a probiotic will ensure better digestive function and support healthy detoxification in your body on an ongoing basis. Incorporating regular detoxification practices into your health plan will ensure that you have energy and vitality to feel great and live your best life possible. Health and happiness! Dr. Cheryl Cooper Dr. Cheryl Cooper B.Sc., ND Dr. Cheryl Cooper is a Naturopathic Doctor and the owner and CEO of Vitallife Integrative Medicine based in Ottawa. She has 20 years of experience in the health and wellness industry, specializing in hormone balancing, women’s health, detoxification, stress management and sleep issues. Dr. Cooper uses a holistic approach to helping patients, involving educating and empowering patients to take control of their health. Recently moved to her hometown of Canmore, Alberta, she now practices out of Inner Balance Spa in Calgary. Vitallife Integrative Medicine @doc_cheryl

Introducing Digest Relief by Organikawith Ginger and Activated Charcoal Ditch the digestive pain! Digestion issues can vary from an upset stomach, to lack of appetite, nausea, digestive spasms, and indigestion. Those that experience digestive issues know it can be extremely uncomfortable, and let’s face it, who has time for that? Luckily, there is relief and a natural way to combat digestion issues carefully, effectively, and efficiently. Let’s be honest, we all need this from time to time. Digest Relief to the rescue. Organika has created Digest Relief which combines Ginger and Activated Charcoal. This formula is the sigh of relief your digestive tract will breathe and will love you for. It helps to alleviate the pain and discomfort that comes along with any digestive issues. The product is made free of preservatives, artificial sweeteners, colours or flavours, so there is nothing but goodness in a bottle. Let’s break it down. Organika's® Digest Relief™ Ginger with Activated Charcoal is formulated with 25mg of Ginger 20:1 Extract and contains 250mg of Activated Charcoal. Why Ginger and Activated Charcoal? Ginger has long been used in both traditional and alternative medicine as a digestive aid and to reduce nausea. It also has amazing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, hence why you may also see it being used for the cold and flu. The main active compound in ginger, gingerol, helps to empty the stomach and this helps to alleviate indigestion and any stomach discomfort. Activated Charcoal has recently been popularized in masks and beauty products, but did you know that it’s been used in traditional medicine for acute remedies related to digestion? First off, the charcoal is “activated” with oxygen which expands the charcoal so we can get to the carbon inside. To this, the nasty toxins bind to the charcoal, then get absorbed and get carried out of the body. The result is a toxin-free, clean, and healthy system. So, it makes sense that activated charcoal is great for indigestion, flatulence, bloating, and you guessed it... detox! Don’t Let Digestion Get You Down Again Beat your digestive issues, feel your best and get back to doing what you love daily. Digest Relief comes in convenient V-caps, so you can consume with water, for fast absorption and release. Suggested Use: Pair with Probiotic + Prebiotic Powder which feeds the healthy bacteria in the gut. Clean and alleviate your digestive system with Digest Relief, while Probiotics + Prebiotics take care of the gut ongoing. Shop New Digest Relief

Benefits, tips and tricks to keep you hydrated to the max! We know hydration is key to good health. It doesn’t always mean it’s easy to meet the daily requirements. If you struggle with meeting your recommended 2L of water intake daily, you're not alone. In fact, past reports suggest that most Canadians are not drinking enough and are dehydrated as a result. Yikes! Before we solve this problem together, let’s review why it’s important to meet your H₂O needs. Basic benefits to hydration They don’t call it the “drink of life” for no reason. Water quite literally aids crucial functions in the body to maintain health. Specifically, water is needed to: move nutrients through the body to where they need to be help remove waste and toxins OUT of the body keep blood pressure normal by helping blood flow smoothly protect and provide cushioning for joints and organs maintain a normal body temperature. When you don’t drink enough water (and about 45% of Canadians do not), that’s when dehydration symptoms kick in. Dehydration can show up in so many ways, but common symptoms are dry mouth and lips, lacklustre or dry skin, headaches, dizziness, dark yellow or strong-smelling urine, low blood pressure or an increased heart rate. The important thing to avoid is being dehydrated often. Long-term dehydration can have serious negative health effects. PRO TIP: once you're thirsty, you're already dehydrated... but you can reverse it easily. 5 tips to avoid dehydration A common mistake is trying to get in all of your daily water intake at once, in fact it’s not recommended to do that. It’s much better to aim to drink fluids often and throughout the day. 5 tried and tested tips 1. Avoid soft drinks and limit caffeineCaffeine and soft drinks have the opposite effect and cause dehydration. Drinks with caffeine should be limited to 3 cups per day. 2. Carry a water bottle with youWhether you're travelling, going to and from work, or just heading out for some leisure, carry a water bottle. You are more likely to meet your goals when water is by your side throughout the day. 3. Enjoy other fluids that help with hydrationOther fluids such as milk (dairy or non-dairy), fortified soy beverages, 100% vegetable or fruit juices, herbal teas and broths can all count towards your goal. Just ensure to choose water, when possible, but it’s ok to mix it up! 4. Flavour your waterWater doesn’t have to be boring. Add lemon, lime, oranges, cucumbers, mint or berries to create some flavour! Our community loves our Effervess (which adds vitamin C and collagen to your water... even on-the-go). 5. Drink more water when in hot weather or during activityAs you sweat, you lose both electrolytes and water. During these times, it’s a good idea to increase your water intake to prevent heat stroke or dizzy spells. Achieve your hydration goals with ease Making it even easier, Organika has lots of water enhancers to meet your goals, making water fun while providing additional benefits. One of the best ways to hydrate is to throw some electrolytes into the mix.Taking a scoop of Electrolyte - Wild Raspberry or Electrolytes + Enhanced Collagen™* boosts your water with thirst-quenching flavours, but also provides added vitamins and minerals to replenish nutrients lost with sweat or during sickness. PRO TIP: if you love soda, Electrolytes + Enhanced Collagen™ is a PERFECT replacement to curb those cravings. Electrolytes + Enhanced Collagen™ *Electrolytes + Enhanced Collagen™ won Best New Product Award in 2022! Make the most of your water – you can add an Effervess tablet and watch it fizz, instantly turning your water into a sparkling beverage. Effervess replenishes your water with hydrolyzed marine collagen and vitamin C to give you some added skin benefits. SHOP Effervess You can also amplify your water without the collagen with Instant C, D, Zinc Immunity Effervescent. Get important immune boosting nutrients and flavour your water to meet your hydration goals. SHOP Instant C, D, Zinc Immunity Effervescent With so many winning options, you can stay hydrated to the max!