Dear Dr. Cutler,

A friend of mine has been on depression drugs for 20 years, and through the process of hair analysis has been found to have an overload of aluminum in her body. She has fully explored the mental health system only to experience increasing levels of anxiety and panic and now an almost zombie-like state. Since total detoxification is the one thing she has not done that could increase her a chances of getting better, could you please offer some suggestions on how she might achieve it?

—Hope B.

Dear Hope,

An online search should reveal live-in clinics in your area that offer total detoxification procedures, and you also may find a naturopathic doctor who knows a lot about this and can assist your friend.

But you can also help her achieve total detoxification on her own that would involve an overall lifestyle modification. This would involve body-cleansing techniques to remove dangerous pollutants from her mind and body and purge toxic emotions from her mind, as well as a gradual switch to a nutrient-rich, whole-foods diet with 50 percent of the food in its raw, natural form. These foods would include vegetables, fruits, grains, seeds, nuts, lentils and even unprocessed meats and raw dairy in smaller quantities.

Your friend’s healthy lifestyle changes would include at least eight to nine, 8-ounce glasses daily of pure, fresh water… a moderate and consistent exercise regimen… and practicing meditation, as well as minimizing and controlling stress through relaxation techniques. I would also recommend a “health coach”—perhaps you—for your friend who could aid and assist her with her new and exciting lifestyle changes.

By committing herself to this new lifestyle, she can feel healthier and happier with much less stress, anger and depression—all of which creates a burden on her body, mind and spirit.

All the best!

Michael Cutler, M.D.