The EcoTox Detoxification
Program
review by Katherine Duff
7-Day Detox Miracle
by Peter Bennett, ND, Stephen Barrie, ND
with Sara Faye
Prima Publishing, P.O. Box 1260BK, Rocklin, California 95677 USA; 916-632-4400
Softcover, 1999, $15.95 US $23.50 Canada, 300 pp.
During the last fifty years we have seen the addition
of tens of thousands of chemicals to every aspect of our environment.
The fact is, we are all now living in an atmosphere that has never existed
in the history of this planet. To meet those toxic challenges, it would
seem reasonable our bodies' detoxification systems could use some assistance.
In that effort, 7-Day Detox Miracle by Peter Bennett, ND, Stephen
Barrie, ND, with Sara Faye, is a book for our times.
The authors seek remedy for our overloaded detoxification
systems through their EcoTox Detoxification Program, a program centered
around supporting the body's own mechanisms for managing and eliminating
toxins, while addressing the whole person and the connections between
mind, body and spirit as well.
The book begins with an introduction to the principles
of detoxification medicine, a therapy that has been practiced since
ancient times and is a part of many healthcare systems around the world.
Detoxification is a non-invasive process of cleansing, nourishing and
resting the body from the inside out with the intention of decreasing
the impact of xenobiotics (chemicals and molecules foreign to biological
systems) at the cell level. By cleaning the blood of toxins, the body
can then heal itself. To understand the vital components of detoxification,
the authors offer these Six Steps of Detoxification in order of importance:
1. Remove the obstacles to health
2. Improve circulation
3. Enhance elimination
4. Repair the gastrointestinal system
5. Stimulate the liver
6. Transform stress
Understanding these steps is essential for achieving
the best outcome when attempting detoxification, and this is where this
book excels. In describing each of these steps the authors get straight
to the point, using clear and concise language that makes even the discussion
of the complex mechanisms of the liver and the effects of toxins on
cell function accessible to most readers. Even if one were to skip the
detoxofication program, these discussions alone make this book worthwhile
reading. As an example, we learn that there are many substances that
can inhibit the processing of toxins by the liver, including such commonly
used drugs as antidepressants and antihistamines and the spices tumeric
and clove.
A body in need of detoxification has been years in the
making. Standard medical tests that are designed to detect acute illnesses
will not reveal when a person is suffering toxic stress but there are
obvious physical signs. The authors advise a daily checkup and provide
easy-to-follow guidelines for an evaluation of one's mental, emotional
and energy status, skin, tongue, eyes, digestion, joints, abdominal
muscle tone, posture and nails for signs of toxic stress. Another way
to detect toxicity is through laboratory testing. The tests for heavy
metals through hair and urine analysis, functional liver detoxification
profile, oxidative stress testing, intestinal permeability testing and
more are available, but relatively new and may not be easy to locate.
In this case the authors advise seeking the assistance of a physician
knowledgeable about detoxification medicine, such as a naturopathic
doctor.
The EcoTox Detoxification Program consists of three
modules. The first focuses on diet, the second on nutritional supplements
and the third on improving circulation through hydrotherapy and exercise.
Each module has a variety of choices so the plan one adopts can be tailor-made.
The diet is a seven-day plan that starts with a two-day liquid fast
and continues to day seven with a menu plan of recommended foods, such
as rice and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Supplementation is meant to address the higher nutritional
needs a person will experience during detoxification but this does not
necessarily mean high doses of supplements. The authors recommend a
baseline supplementation program that should be complemented using their
strategy groups. Here the authors have identified key functions,
such as "protect body tissues" and "assist in breakdown of toxins,"
and paired a strategy group from which one would select at least one
supplement to aid in those functions.
The final module is Circulation Therapy which involves
increasing circulation and metabolic rate using four methods: hydrotherapy,
dry skin brushing, exercise and mind and breath training. Hydrotherapy,
which could be the most challenging part of the program, consists of
using hot and cold water to increase blood flow to various parts of
the body and should be used at least once a day during the Program.
There are several methods to accomplish hydrotherapy and the instructions
are included for using the shower, bath, sauna and wet sheet methods.
The term "Detox Miracle" in the book's title probably
refers to the improved state of health one should experience after using
the Program. For me though, the miracle is in the elegance of our bodies'
systems to keep us alive and functioning. The growing toxic exposures
of our modern world are assaults on those systems, and if pushed to
the limit, could lead us into a chronic disease state. Bennett and Barrie
have given us tools to keep healthy, and they have educated us to respect
the importance of making wiser choices to avoid toxic stresses in the
first place. This is a book you will want to share with loved ones.