GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., May 9, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In response to what it perceives as an epidemic of fatigue and ill health among modern Americans, a Grand Rapids, Michigan chiropractic center includes detoxification cleansing among its list of services. Peak Performance Chiropractic, a provider of chiropractic adjustment, nutritional counseling, massage therapy and other rehabilitative techniques, employs the detox program as a natural complement to sensible nutrition and weight loss. According to Dr. Michael Kwast, a chiropractor at the clinic, detox has enjoyed a wave of popularity for its ability to flush harmful toxins out of bodily tissues.
"Our diet tends to be dominated by highly processed 'convenience foods' loaded with sugar, sodium and fat instead of the quality nutrients the body needs," explains Dr. Kwast. "This puts a strain on the digestive system and allows toxins to build up." The chiropractor adds that these toxins can cause or worsen feelings of fatigue, leading people to consume caffeine or even more sugar for quick energy even as they worsen their toxic overload. A combination of detoxification and weight loss can help the problem.
Emotional stress and environmental pollutants also contribute to the accumulation of toxins in the body, according to Dr. Kwast. "Our air and water often contain toxins. It's all too easy to breathe in carbon monoxide or other airborne pollutants, or to consume chlorine, trace metals and even pesticides in the water we drink or the foods we eat," he says. "Not drinking enough water, however, can also cause toxic stress." The doctor adds that emotional strains can have toxic side effects as well, saying, "The body and mind are connected, so when we face extreme mental or emotional pressures, our body fails to function at its peak efficiency, leading to more toxic accumulation."
It appears that the combination of physical, emotional and environmental stresses damages the body by raising its pH to harmful levels. "Our bodies are designed to operate at a certain pH level," explains Dr. Kwast. "The accumulation of toxins makes the body's pH more acidic, a condition known to be harmful to cells. The higher acidity reduces the amount of oxygen our cells receive -- and the cells then die."
Detoxification programs have grown popular in recent years for their claimed ability to help the body cleanse itself of these harmful substances. While the success of such programs can vary, Dr. Kwast says that his patients have seen good results from Peak Performance Chiropractic's detoxification cleanse diet on the clinic's clientele. "We implement the cleanse as part of a balanced wellness plan for our patients, not just as an aid to weight loss," says the chiropractor. "We want to address an existing toxic imbalance while also introducing better dietary and lifestyle habits. That's the best way to remain toxin-free."
Peak Performance Chiropractic provides holistic health services for patients in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area. It services include chiropractic adjustment, massage therapy, detoxification cleanses and lifestyle counseling.