Feeling sluggish or out of sync? Having skin problems,
aches and pains, or digestive problems? Straying from your
healthier habits lately? It might be time for a detox.
Practiced for centuries by many cultures around the world —
including ayurvedic and Chinese medicine systems —
detoxification is about resting, cleansing and nourishing
the body from the inside out. By removing and eliminating
toxins, then feeding your body with healthy nutrients,
detoxifying can help protect you from disease and renew
your ability to maintain optimum health.
How Does Detoxification Work?
Basically, detoxification means cleaning the blood. It does
this mainly by removing impurities from the blood in the
liver, where toxins are processed for elimination. The body
also eliminates toxins through the kidneys, intestines,
lungs, lymph and skin. However, when this system is
compromised, impurities aren't properly filtered and every
cell in the body is adversely affected.
A detox program can help the body's natural cleaning
process by:
1) Resting the organs through fasting;
2) Stimulating the liver to drive toxins from the body;
3) Promoting elimination through the intestines, kidneys
and skin;
4) Improving circulation of the blood; and
5) Refueling the body with healthy nutrients.
How Do You Know if You Need to Detoxify?
Bennett suggests that everyone should detox at least once a
year. A short detoxifying program is generally safe; in
fact, scientific studies show that a detox is beneficial
for health. However, Bennett cautions against detoxifying
for nursing mothers, children, and patients with chronic
degenerative diseases, cancer or tuberculosis. Consult your
health care practitioner if you have questions about
whether detoxing is right for you.
Where Do You Begin?
First, lighten up your toxin load. Eliminate alcohol,
coffee, cigarettes, refined sugars and saturated fats, all
of which act as toxins in the body and are obstacles to
your healing process. Also, minimize use of chemical-based
household cleaners and personal health care products
(cleansers, shampoos, deodorants and toothpastes), and
substitute natural alternatives.
Another deterrent to good health is stress, which triggers
your body to release stress hormones into your system.
While these hormones can provide the "adrenaline rush" to
win a race or meet a deadline, in large amounts they create
toxins and slow down detoxification enzymes in the liver.
So it's a good idea to detox stressful life situations
along with detoxifying your body.
Which detox program is best for you?
There are many detoxification programs, depending on your
individual needs. Many programs follow a 7-day schedule.
Some even recommend two or more weeks. Be aware that you
may have some withdrawal symptoms such as headaches. So
drink plenty of water and that if you want to you can lie
down until the headache subsides. Rest is the best remedy.
Other popular detoxing programs include:
Cleansing supplement packages, which generally contain
fiber, vitamins, herbs and minerals. There are several safe
products on the market, with easy-to-follow instructions.
A routine of drinking only water one day each week — an
ancient practice of many cultures
10 Ways to Help Your Body Detoxify
After a detoxification program, you can cleanse your body
daily through diet, supplements and lifestyle practices.
1. Eat plenty of fiber, including brown rice and
organically-grown fresh fruits and vegetables. Beets,
radishes, artichokes, cabbage, broccoli, spirulina,
chlorella, and seaweed are excellent detoxifying foods.
2. Cleanse and protect the liver by taking herbs such as
dandelion root, burdock and milk thistle, and drinking
green tea.
3. Take vitamin C, which helps the body produce
glutathione, a liver compound that drives away toxins.
4. Drink at least 2 quarts of water daily.
5. Breathe deeply to allow oxygen to circulate more
completely through your system.
6. Transform stress by emphasizing positive emotions.
7. Practice hydrotherapy by taking a very hot shower for
five minutes, allowing the water to run on your back.
Follow with cold water for 30 seconds. Do this three times,
and then get into bed for 30 minutes.
8. Sweat in a sauna so your body can eliminate wastes
through perspiration.
9. Dry-brush your skin or try detoxifying patches or foot
baths to remove toxins through your pores. Special brushes
are available at natural products stores.
10. Exercise, walking, yoga, qigong or similar for
detoxifying or cleansing, as well as many other exercises
with specific health benefits.
Are there any side effects?
There are some possible side effects when detoxing. But
believe it or not some people don't suffer anything. I
remember my first detox where I suffered with headaches for
two days. Then I had severe body aches and pains and also
I was extremely tired. But once I got through those days I
was fine. The first three or four days are the worst. But
hang in as it does get better and you will be so proud of
yourself. As I was suffering severely with Candida and
also had two small children to take care of, I can say it
was not easy but I was determined to go through it.
Detoxing symptoms commonly include headaches, lower back
pain, dry mouth, bad breath, skin rashes, nausea, body
odor, fatigue, abdominal gas and rumblings, mucous
discharge, anxiety, boredom, joint and muscular aches and
pains, cold feet and hands, sleeplessness and more. But
remember not everyone suffers like this.
After Detox
My first detox I did for approximately 6 weeks. In a
perfect world I would have continued to live the same
lifestyle I did for the 6 weeks. But I live in the real
world and found it was just not possible. I do eat a very
healthy diet and detox at least twice a year. Exercising
regularly helps as well.
----------------------------------------------------
Dixie Davey is dedicated to helping others live a healthy
lifestyle without medication. Take a look at
http://alkalize-and-detoxify.com to download your course of
free alkaline receipes and more. Also check out
http://www.DixieDavey.com
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