Detox
Information on general detoxification and full body detoxification.
Select a Topic
- What is Detox?
- What Kinds of Toxins Affect Us?
- How Can Toxins Harm Us?
- Natural Detoxification Programs for Your Health
- More Information on Detox
What is Detox?
Detox, or detoxification, refers to assisting the body in removing toxins stored in its tissues.
The human body is designed to rid itself naturally of toxins on a daily basis. It is well-equipped to eliminate toxins under normal conditions. Unfortunately, modern lifestyles can overload the body’s natural detox capabilities.
Poor diet, processed foods, lack of physical activity, nicotine and excess alcohol or drugs can cause toxins to build up. If this burden becomes more than the body’s natural detox system can handle, the toxins accumulate.
A full body detox is designed to give the body’s natural systems a little boost. Some people decide to do a detox diet to lose weight. Others want to give their digestive system, liver and kidneys a break.
People who decide to detoxify their bodies believe the process will help them feel healthier, lighter and have more energy.
What Kinds of Toxins Affect Us?
Toxins are anything that can harm the body.
Our bodies are designed to naturally release these poisonous substances in urine, stools and sweat. If an excess of these harmful substances builds up in the body, it can increase the chance of illnesses like cancer, heart disease, arthritis and more. These lifestyle conditions are becoming more and more common.
Toxins are either created externally and absorbed into the body’s tissues, or they are created internally.
External Toxins
External toxins include both environmental and ingested toxins.
Environmental Toxins
Toxins in the environment surround us daily. Air pollution, car fumes, factory emissions and cleaning chemicals are just a few toxins found in the average city. Water sources may be contaminated. Employees can be exposed to chemicals at work through carpeting, new plastics and aerosols.
Personal care products we use every day contain chemicals and ingredients made from petroleum and other toxic substances. Sadly, exposure to environmental toxins can begin even before birth.
Ingested Toxins
Even so-called healthy food can contain artificial hormones, insecticides and other chemicals. These toxins destroy food’s vitamins and essential nutrition. Alcohol, cigarette smoke, medication, drugs and mercury fillings are also examples of toxin sources. By limiting alcohol, refraining from smoking and cutting down on unnecessary medications, we can help the body reduce toxic build-up.
Internal Toxins
Toxins can be generated within the body fromviral, bacterial or fungal infections that impact on the immune system. Too much stress can contribute to toxic build-up in the body. Our bodies also generate autogenous toxins as a byproduct of our own metabolism. These are completely natural but still contribute to the body’s toxic load.
How Can Toxins Harm Us?
When harmful toxins build up in the body they affect body function, especially the liver. The liver is the second largest organ in the body and is often considered the most important. When the liver isn’t functioning properly, you eventually begin to experience symptoms such as fatigue, skin problems, headaches, allergies, depressed immune systems, obesity, sluggish digestive systems, respiratory ailments and many other health problems.
Natural Detox Programs for Your Health
Although modern lifestyles and habits can lead to overload in the body, it’s not too late to turn over a new leaf. A full body detoxification process, specific to your needs, can kick-start a return to good health. You can revitalize your organ systems, support your nervous system, and promote cell renewal.
Beginning a Detox Program
Detoxification really begins in the mind. A decision to wipe the slate clean is the first step toward renewed health. By introducing supplements, herbs and other substances that will support your body’s ability to process excess toxins, you can restore balance and harmony. Detox can be especially helpful for people suffering from depression, PTSD and chemical dependency.
More Information on Detox
Healthy Detox Tips
- First step, go shopping. Replace the unhealthy foods in your kitchen with healthy, nutritious and organic foods that are free from the toxins you’re trying to get rid of. Stock up before you start your detox, so you don’t have to run out to the grocery store and face temptation.
- Prepare emotionally and mentally. Even natural detoxification isn’t always easy, so preparation is key. Understand that you may get detox symptoms like headaches or food cravings. Keep in mind that these are good signs that mean it’s working.
- Clear your social calendar. This is the perfect time to make some space for “me time.” Relax, reflect and rejuvenate as you indulge in activities that are good for you and your health.
- Adopt healthy lifestyle habits to include in your long-term lifestyle. Establish regular sleep patterns, stop smoking, drink 8 glasses of water a day and get used to the idea of eating healthier.
- Start each morning with a glass of warm water with lemon juice. Soak two slices of lemon in hot water and allow to cool. This is a surprisingly refreshing morning drink. It gets the digestive system going and supports the liver’s production of bile (one of the major fat burners in the body).
- Massage or dry brush skin to stimulate the lymphatic system and help move toxins out of the body. The lymph system carries metabolic waste products and toxins away from the cells. Stimulating this system helps the body’s natural waste removal process.
- Avoid meal-time mania. While detoxing, make meal times relaxing and serene. Take time to enjoy your food and appreciate the tastes. Chewing food properly helps with nutrient absorption and cuts the risk of digestion problems.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes each day. It doesn’t have to be rigorous exercise. Even walking 30 minutes each day supports the lymphatic system in releasing unwanted toxins from the body. For maximum benefit, exercise until you sweat. Sweating releases toxins through the skin.
Detox Options and Cautions
As the negative impact of toxins became known, a flood of detox diets and methods hit the market. All promised to cleanse the body of unhealthy impurities. Some products focused on the idea of weight loss from expelling unwanted toxins.
Unfortunately, some misguided people tried detox “starvation diets” to lose weight without eliminating long term unhealthy or overindulgent lifestyles. Some people chose unsafe detox methods without considering harmful side-effects or essential nutritional needs.
When exploring detox options, chose one that gently assists the body without causing any harm during the process. Detox is not a good quick fix weight loss plan, and yo-yo dieting has been linked to weight gain. A reputable detox program assists you in beginning a healthier lifestyle and eating plan that is conducive to healthy weight loss.
Detox Drops™ for Cleansing Support is an herbal supplement formula that supports the body’s natural ability to remove toxins and waste by-products for healthy liver function.
Foods that Support Liver Function and Detoxification
A diet that focuses on fruits, citrus fruits, vegetables and spices can help detoxify the liver. Consult a nutritionist for advice before starting a natural liver detox, since your individual needs may vary.Foods to focus on include:- Apples
- Citrus fruits
- Avocados
- Tomatoes
- Spinach and other leafy greens
- Carrots
- Beets
- Asparagus
- Broccoli, cabbage, radishes and other cruciferous vegetables
- Nuts
- Turmeric
- Garlic
