Do You Really Need A Detox?

A lot of people who do “over the counter” detox programs these days, for various reasons. While detoxifying the body is good for health reasons, it is important to first figure out if you really need one. Many off the shelves products are geared towards ridding you of candida or yeast, while others claim they get rid of any parasites, while others help with elimination of toxins. Which one do you need, do you need all three, should you start with one and see how you are feeling and then do the others? Which one will work the best? So before you go out and buy any over the counter detox products, please fill out the detoxification questionnaire below.

DETOXIFICATION QUESTIONNAIRE
No=0 Rare=1 Often=2
1. Do you feel tired, lethargic, and sluggish on waking and throughout the day? 0 1 2
2. Do you have difficulty concentrating or have slow or surreal thinking? 0 1 2
3. Do you feel depressed or have mood swings? 0 1 2
4. Do you get more than one or two colds per year? 0 1 2
5. Do you get post-nasal drip, congestion or “stuffed up” in your nose or sinuses on waking or during the day? 0 1 2
6. Do you have bad breath, a coated tongue or a bitter or metallic taste in your mouth? 0 12
7. Do you have strong body odour? 0 1 2
8. Do you have strong smelling / foul urine? 0 1 2
9. Do you have trouble sleeping or feel un-refreshed upon waking? 0 1 2
10. Do you have sore muscles or joints for no apparent reason? 0 1 2
11. Are your nails weak, soft or brittle? 0 1 2
12. Do you have dark circles under your eyes? 0 1 2
13. Do you have digestive disturbances such as bloating, gas or indigestion a couple hours after eating? 0 1 2
14. Do you have less than one bowel movement per day? 0 1 2
15. Do you feel anxious or stressed out? 0 1 2
16. Are you sensitive to odours, foods or chemicals? 0 1 2
17. Do you have allergies to various environmental and household products, dust and molds? 0 1 2
18. Do you have eczema, dry skin, and acne or skin rashes? 0 1 2
19. Do you gain weight easily? 0 1 2
20. Do you have food cravings – especially carbohydrate rich foods? 0 1 2
21. Do you have pain or discomfort under your right ribcage occasionally or after eating? 0 12
22. Does dietary fiber cause constipation? 0 1 2
23. Do you feel like you’re not as healthy as other people your age? 0 1 2

Total Score
1 – 23: You may be required to do a general gentle body cleanse.
23 and more: Time to do think about a body cleanse or a detoxification diet. Talk to your health care provider about your health issues and how you may improve your diet and lifestyle factors to improve your overall health.

Please note: There are many reasons why you may be experiencing certain symptoms mentioned in this questionnaire. It is important to understand why you are experiencing these symptoms before trying any quick fixes or store bought detoxes/ cleanses. Talk to your naturopathic doctor and determine what is root of the issue, and if its related to an overload of toxins, heavy metals, parasites, etc., ask to get tested to confirm it. A scientific approach is very important when you are dealing with your precious health.  More on detox..

*This Detox questionnaire is not intended diagnose you or suggest that you need to a cleanse.

By: Sushma Shah, Naturopathic Doctor, at the Nature’s Intentions Naturopathic Clinic.

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