Don't say "detoxification" in front of Dr. Brian Davies because this naturopathic physician thinks this modern day catchword is highly overused.

To reclaim good health, the first and most important step is improving the diet, said Dr. Davies of North Shore Naturopathic Clinic in a talk at Burnaby Public Library last November.

Digestive problems are a hidden epidemic, he said, which can contribute to seemingly unrelated symptoms such as fatigue, congestion, immunity problems, as well as skin and bowel conditions.

According to the doctor, over the past 50 years, three large factors have changed modern eating: invention of the fridge (so food can travel further and last longer but not necessarily fresher); hydrogenation of oils (creates "bad fats" or trans fats); and the refining of grains (which diminishes their nutritive value). These changes, combined with more toxins entering our body, have put stress on our stomach, and our liver.

Dr. Davies explained that the liver is the body's most important detoxification organ, and that during digestion, the "junk" of an unhealthy diet is left for this hardworking organ to filter. 

But if the liver is stressed--as it often is--that junk gets redistributed in the body rather than expelled, which is when symptoms start to appear.

The talk, hosted by Health Action Network Society, included discussion of Dr. Davies' healthy eating tips:
•        Avoid coffee, alcohol and tobacco.
•        Avoid "white" foods--sugar, flour and salt.
•        Use unrefined sea salt over table salt.
•        Eat locally and in season.
•        Eat leafy green vegetables regularly for their vitamin K.
•        Eat foods containing beneficial acidophilus bacteria (e.g. fresh yogurt) to inhibit yeast in the body.
•        In winter, eat more sodium-based foods; in summer, more potassium-based food is best.
•        For maximum nutrition and digestion, lightly steam (don't over-boil) veggies.
•        If you suspect you have a food allergy, get tested. Common allergens include dairy, soy, wheat, nuts, gluten grains, bananas, corn, citrus fruits, and nightshade vegetables.
•        Reduce your stress, as stress interferes with digestion.
•        If you're not in the sun regularly, take one capsule of cold or halibut liver oil for vitamin D daily.

Dr. Brian Davies, North Shore Naturopathic Clinic, follows the Eating Alive program by Jonn Matsen, ND.

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