Toxins, also known as ama in Ayurveda, are one of the major causes of disorder, discomfort and disease. Although everybody is susceptible to some level of toxins in their system, once this sludge becomes chronic and deep-rooted is when disruption begins to manifest. These toxins stem from numerous sources, varying from physical substances (i.e. poor food choices), to a deeper root of mental /emotional causes (i.e. stress, repressed emotions). Here are some common causes of toxins according to Ayurveda.
Common Causes of Toxins in the Body:
- Incompatible food combinations (see chart here)
- Overeating
- Poor digestion
- Unsuitable food for one’s body type (prakruti)
- Unsuitable food for the season (i.e. raw food in the winter)
- Consumption of allergenic foods (i.e. dairy, gluten, soy)
- Improper cleansing methods for one’s body type or season
- Improper fasting
- Improper post-cleanse measures
- Contaminated foods (i.e. leftovers; stale, molded or rotten food)
- Suppression of natural urges (gas, belch, urination, defecation)
- Eating late at night
- Eating before previous food is digested
- Repressed, unresolved emotions
- Mental tension and stress
- Emotional imbalances such as envy, impatience, fear, anger, rage, depression and greed
- Environmental pollution
- Parasites
Find out How to Perform a Kitchari Cleanse
Although the causes vary greatly and typically are not alone in their crimes, the signs and symptoms that follow are fairly universal. If you find yourself with a handful of these symptoms, then you may be in the need to change your diet choices, lifestyle choices or may even need to consider performing a gentle cleanse. The first step is to find out if toxins are indeed present, so here is a general list of signs and symptoms you may experience when toxins are attacking your system.
Signs and Symptoms of Toxins in the Body:
- Fatigue
- Feeling of heaviness
- Coating on the tongue (read more here)
- Chronic gas, belching or bloating
- Malaise
- Indigestion
- Lack of taste, lack of appetite
- Sexual debility
- Impotence
- Mental fog or confusion
- Dullness in the mind
- Feeling of uncleanliness
- Dryness in the mouth
- Dryness in the throat
- Increased salvation
- Excess thirst
- Foul smelling breath
- Foul smelling urine, feces or sweat
- General body ache
- General pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
If you show many symptoms of toxins taking over your system, then a fall cleanse may be helpful. Please be sure to proceed cautiously and intelligently, however, as an improper cleanse can leave you more debilitated then before you began. I recommend a gentle kitchari mono-diet cleanse, while taking some cleansing herbs to begin.
Find out How to Perform a Kitchari Cleanse
If you would like to schedule a consultation to create a cleanse specific just for you, please contact me to set up an appointment today.
