Every single day we are bombarded with chemicals and substances that are potentially harmful to the body. They are in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and even in the food we eat.
The human body is designed to filter out and eliminate most toxins but eventually our organs can become overloaded with impurities, causing diseases and ailments. Learning how to detox your body inside and outside can help bring your body back to its optimal state.
Natural health practitioners recommend detoxifying the body to get rid of digestive problems and rejuvenate the body. Detox diets are controversial; in theory they seem great, but there is no scientific evidence to support claims that they are beneficial for the body.
Many people agree that natural detoxification can help cleanse the body and allow it to absorb nutrients more efficiently.
1 – Fasting to Detox Your Body
Fasting is a time-honored way to detoxify the body. For thousands of years, people have fasted for religious or dietary reasons. Fasting helps remove toxins because it causes the body to use up fat reserves to provide the energy that the body needs.
Chemicals and toxins stored in the fat are released and eventually filtered and eliminated by the kidneys, lungs, colon, liver and skin.
A strict fast eliminates all foods and liquid except water, but most people follow a juice fast, vegetable fast, or some other form of fasting.
A three-to-seven day fast is ideal for detoxification at home. Longer fasting periods should be done only under medical supervision.
A few days before starting your fast, eliminate foods such as sugars, saturated fats, alcohol and caffeine from your diet. This will make it easier to clean your body.
2 – Detox with Fiber-rich Foods
When undergoing a full body detox, it’s important to eat a healthy diet. Foods that are high in fiber promote regular bowel movement and are essential for keeping the colon clean. The fiber in food also attaches to fats, toxins and waste material and carries them away with a bowel movement.
Conventionally grown foods are typically laden with chemical fertilizers, pesticides and hormones. Whenever possible, consume organic foods to minimize exposure to toxic substances.
3 – Detoxify with Cleansing Herbs
Special cleansing supplements are being marketed to cleanse the colon, liver, or whole body. These cleansers often contain herbs and are available in capsule, powder or liquid form. Herbs have specific cleansing properties. It’s a good idea to learn what a particular herb is good for. Below are some of the most popular herbal cleansers for body detoxification:
- Colon cleansing herbs – Cascara sagrada, senna and psyllium husk are the most popular herbs for colon cleansing. Psyllium husks are rich in fiber that absorbs toxins and cleans the colon. Senna and cascara are powerful natural laxatives that promote bowel movement.
- Liver detox – Dandelion roots remove toxins from the liver as well as the kidneys and gall bladder. Milk thistle contains silymarin, an antioxidant that helps reduce the negative effects of alcohol, medications and chemicals. Rosemary, turmeric and barberry also promote liver health.
- Kidney detox – Couch grass, bearberry, parsley, nettle and corn silk have diuretic properties and aid in cleansing the kidneys and urinary tract.
Benefits of Body Detox
A body detox boosts the immune system and promotes regular bowel movement. It makes you feel more energized and helps reduce stress so you can perform your daily activities better.
