Time for a Detox
August/September 2008

“Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” – 2 Corinthians 7:1 (NIV)

One of the most popular movements in health and wellness today is the concept of “detox.” In fact, this spring, Oprah Winfrey completed her own 21-day detoxification program in an effort to rid her body of accumulated toxins and harmful substances, and in the process, she brought renewed national interest to the idea.

During her 21 days of physical cleansing, she completely avoided all animal products, caffeine, alcohol, bread (and gluten) and refined sugar. At first-glance, this may not seem like that big of a deal. However, the program that Oprah followed was based on a book called Quantum Wellness by author and new age spiritual counselor Kathy Freston.

The book goes beyond a physical detox and states that readers will take on the “energy” of the food they eat and encourages them to engage in a non-religious meditation that connects them to their “inner light.”
 
The good news is that, as Christians, we don’t have to foray into new age practices to reap the benefits of detoxification. Our Creator left us wonderful and detailed instruction in Genesis, Leviticus and Deuteronomy concerning what He has designed for the foods we should and should not eat. But what does that biblical detox look like?

The word “detoxify” means to remove a harmful substance or to set free from a dependence or addiction. The truth is that many of our eating habits are driven by our emotions, stress or how we feel. And much of the food we eat has harmful antibiotics, hormones, preservatives and pesticides.

Most of us eat so much processed food that abstaining from them while eating fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, lean meats and fish, and drinking plenty of water can be very beneficial. In many cases, natural or organic options improve the nutrient value of food and greatly reduce contaminants.

There are 5 main objectives of an effective detox program:
1. Stabilize insulin and blood sugar levels.
2. Enhance digestion.
3. Reduce inflammation.
4. Balance hormones.
5. Reduce infection.

All of these objectives are good and would be beneficial to your health. And, if done properly, the detox will provide these benefits over time:
1. Increased energy.
2. Improved digestion.
3. Reduced aches and pains.
4. Fewer headaches.
5. Improved sleep.

I believe that the apostle Paul was a pioneer of the detox concept. He promoted purity as a way of life—mind, body and spirit. He knew that pursuing purity would result in a healthy life.  Paul pushes us to be holy. He encourages us to turn from sin, and he asks us to make decisions that bring life to our body and spirit.

So, here are five steps to get you back on track as you follow God’s plan for health:
1. Eat only what God designed for food. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and fish, nuts and seeds are all meant for our good health.
2. Fast from harmful foods or foods that you eat for emotional reasons or have become addicted to.
3. Eat foods as they were created, before they are heavily processed and altered. The more a food is processed, the less nutritional value it will have.
4. Examine your heart. Ask God to reveal sin that is contaminating your life and then confess it. Once sin is exposed, its grip can be broken.
5. Take every thought captive. Eliminate television, movies, music or anything else that is contaminating the way you think.

This month, let’s purify ourselves from everything that contaminates. It’s time for a biblical detox!  

Want more? Catch Jimmy Page’s 90-second “Fit Life Today” podcasts, now available at www.fcapodcasting.com

Medical Disclaimer: All information in this article is of a general nature and is furnished for your knowledge and understanding only. This information is not to be taken as medical or other health advice pertaining to your specific health and medical condition. Always consult a physician or health professional before beginning any exercise or nutrition program.