Introduction To Detoxification And Why You Should Detox Your Body

Detox is a very popular technique that helps you address your unhealthy diet and lifestyle. Although most people believe it is a modern idea, it is in fact based on ancient practices found in many cultures around the world. The decision to detox may be because you want to lose weight, or get fit. But many people start in response to the fact that they are feeling sluggish, lack energy, have recurrent infections or have difficulty coping with stress. Waking up in the morning with bad breath, a coated tongue, dry skin and feeling generally unwell is usually a good time to start your detox regime.

Most people are reluctant to start such a regime purely because they believe it is going to be very hard. Giving up anything that you find pleasurable is not easy. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Detox is a simple, two stage process of cleansing, followed by nutritional balance. There is no need to follow a harsh regime of fasting and self denial.

In fact it may well be harmful to your health if you try and release the toxins too quickly from your body. You don’t want to faint in the store just because you have only eaten one grape in two days. Be careful, take it easy and you’ll find that it will be a gentle process that will make you feel better each day. Detoxifying your body is meant to be a good thing, remember that and you will be fine.

Most people regard detox as an occasional health boosting program. Ideally it should be a way of life. Detox helps rid your body of potentially harmful chemicals, as well as improving the function of important organs such as the liver, kidneys, intestinal tract and skin.

It is especially important for those of us under stress, have dry skin, low immunity and a tendency towards allergies.

What most people forget is that we live in a toxic world. Every day we are bombarded by chemicals either from our diets, lifestyle and even the environment around us. And of course the medication that we take and our own metabolism.

We all know that our diets need improving, whether this is by giving up junk foods, eating more fruit and veg, or just cutting out too much salt and of course smoking. Even exercising twice a week helps your body eliminate waste. But its so much easier just to jump in your car, especially when the weather is cold, and head to work to sit on your backside for eight hours a day. Putting it that way doesn’t sound good does it?

It is estimated that every year in our Western society alone, adults are exposed to over 6 kg or 13 lb of food additives, colorings, flavorings, preservatives, waxes and agrochemicals. What are agrochemicals? Anything from fertilizers, growth enhancers pesticides and herbicide residues. Phew! That’s a lot of toxin. But it gets worse. We are also surrounded by atmospheric pollutants such as chlorofluorocarbons, acid rain, industrial gases and of course the most common, exhaust fumes.

And if that wasn’t bad enough we also have to put up with toxic metals, including lead, aluminium and cadmium. And don’t forget the mercury! Even our fillings in teeth are mercury based. Nice!

Even when you are exposed to cigarette smoke, including other people lighting up, you are exposed to around 4,000 chemicals. Most of them carcinogenic! Unfiltered drinking water from your tap contains traces of almost 1,000 chemicals too! And if that’s not enough, 10,000 artificial chemicals are added to our food to improve its growth, storage length and appearance.

The Liver

The liver is the most important internal organ for detoxifying the body. While it has amazing powers of regeneration, it can’t take on too many chemicals bombarding it constantly. Its enzyme functions are continuously bombarded by a poor, rich or fatty diet. And alcohol is one of the worse things that you will find that attacks the liver.

When the liver becomes too overloaded, the symptoms will be noticeable in the form of flatulence, bloating and lack of energy.

The Skin

The skin is the largest detox organ and has important eliminatory functions. So many people these days suffer from inflammatory skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and other minor skin infections. You may not notice your skin becoming dry or having small patches of eczema, but when you start to detoxify your body, the skin will be one of the first to improve. In fact once you get going, you will notice your skin will be so healthy it will glow.

The Intestinal Tract

The intestinal tract also has an important elimination function. There are many bowel disorders, but the most common is irritable bowel symptom. Others include dysbiosis (abnormal bacterial balance) and constipation.

Detox brings a number of desirable benefits. Improved health and immunity, mental clarity and extra energy and vitality. Skin will become clearer, your bowels will be more regular, and liver and kidney function will become more efficient. Stress will be lowered, and your body will start to act and feel much healthier.

Detox involves starting a long term program to rid your body of toxins. If you wish you can fast for a day or two at the beginning, but this isn’t obligatory, if it makes you feel as though you are starting out in the right way, fine but for some people it isn’t advisable. In fact it can cause the free radicals to swiftly rush around your body because of stress caused by lack of food too incorporated to quickly. It is best to avoid a water only diet and instead go for a juice fast.

Another good idea is to just eat a simple diet of organic fruit, vegetables and wholegrain cereal. This is the best time to take Vitamin Supplements and herbal drinks to help your body adjust. I will be covering Vitamins and herbal drinks in the next part of How To Detox Your Body.