Your body has natural methods of detoxification. It acts as a housekeeper and eliminates waste materials and toxins through the colon, liver, kidneys, lungs, lymphatic system and the skin. It is impossible to protect your body completely from undesirable chemicals and toxins. You are constantly exposed to pollution, chemicals at work, and food preservatives. Over time, these will accumulate and cause various organ dysfunctions. Regular detoxification is therefore necessary.
Toxins cause build-up of free radicals that cause cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Toxins also activate the immune system leading to disorders such as allergy, asthma and skin manifestations. Other problems are infections, arthritis, coughing, fatigue and gastrointestinal disorders. You can prevent these diseases and increase your immune response against various disease-causing toxins through detoxification.
A popular and effective method of detoxification is through diet modification. Diuresis and bowel movement is improved by increasing water and dietary fibre intake. Oxidative stress is also prevented by increased intake of Vitamins A, C, E and glutathione, which has potent antioxidant activities. Herbal agents such as garlic, Echinacea, red clover and cayenne also induce detoxification.
Foods to avoid when doing detoxification are high fat foods and processed meat. Add acid forming foods such as meat, milk products, breads and refined sugar to increase body acidity and enhance mucus production. A more intense detoxification diet consists mainly of raw food, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, brown and unpolished rice and tea.
Fasting is the most traditional detoxification technique. It is often accompanied by meditation and relaxation techniques to prevent hunger pangs and binging. Another method of detoxification is colon cleansing. This involves a series of colon irrigation, intake of herbal laxative agents, and enemas.
The liver is the major detoxification organ. Supportive diet supplements that protect the liver are added to increase the efficacy of detoxification programs. These are: vitamins A, B, C, and E, minerals such as zinc, calcium, selenium and the amino acid L-cysteine.
Saunas, facials, skin treatments and massages are also forms of detoxification.
Early during detoxification, you will experience headaches, fatigue and diarrhoea. Do not be alarmed because these symptoms are only temporary. Later on, you will feel an improvement in your digestion and menstrual cycle. These are signs that your detoxification program is effective. However, when using herbaceous agents in detoxification, be vigilant in monitoring side effects such as hypersensitivity reactions. Before deciding on doing any intensive detoxification program, consult a physician who will assess your general health status. If you have any pre-existing conditions, it is smart to talk them over with your doctor because some detoxification techniques might not be suitable for you, or some detoxification herbs might interact with your current prescription.
Moreover, it is always recommended to have a healthy lifestyle that would support your regular detoxification regimen. Eat healthy, get sufficient rest, avoid stress, stop smoking and limit your alcohol consumption.
