It is time for a body detox when your mind is completely drained, your body aches, and your energy levels are very low.
Many people excuse themselves from detoxing with claims that it is too difficult and it has no real benefits. However, a look at the side effects: clearer skin, mental alertness, revitalized energy levels, improved immune system functions, weight loss and overall feeling of good health say otherwise. These side effects are benefits that make undergoing a detoxification program worth it.
Detoxification means cleansing the blood by eliminating impurities from the blood in the liver, through kidneys, lungs, intestines, lymph and skin.
The goal is to reduce the number of toxins in your body. It is important to try to cut down or cut out the following: alcohol, coffee, cigarettes, foods with saturated fats and refined sugars (soda, sauces, and condiments like ketchup). These slow the healing and development process as they are perceived as toxins by your body.
It is also necessary to reduce the use of household cleaners that are chemical-based and personal health care products such as deodorants, toothpaste, shampoos, toothpaste and cleansers. The daily use of these products means these chemical are present inside us. They are never fully eliminated until a person goes through the process of detoxification.
Detoxifying the body can be accomplished in many ways. The method chosen is a personal decision based on what suits your preference and lifestyle. To be safe, any form of fasting or detoxing beyond three to four days should only be attempted after consulting with your physician. Medical assessment and careful monitoring is required for longer fasts to assure current and continued good health.
Detox Methods
Juice fasting
Drink only the juice from fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apple, pineapple, watermelon, cantaloupe, cranberry, carrot, cabbage, spinach and celery. Avoid all citrus fruit juices. This is a highly effective method to discharge toxins. It also provides ample amounts of nutrients and enzymes, which make the cleansing process easier by lessening the intensity of it.
The main benefit of juice fasting is quick weight loss. A person may drop 30-40 lbs on a 30-day juice fast. A person gains self-confidence and feels light and clean with a juice fast. The duration of a juice fast is normally 1-3 days.
Water fasting
Nothing but water is consumed on a water fast. Water allows the digestive tract and organs to take a complete rest as it eliminates built up toxins in the body. This frees up all the body’s energy to strengthen damaged organs and self-repair. The process is revitalizing and motivating to make a fresh start towards healthy living.
More Gentle Cleansing
Gentle and safe detox options like change in diet, sauna, skin brushing and yoga can be used individually, in various combinations or as a whole. A number of them can be incorporated as part of a daily routine for a holistic lifestyle.
Change in diet. Gradually make a switch from fast foods and packed processed foods that are high in sugar, salt and fat to whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables. Allowing these to become part of your daily lifestyle will assist in maintaining good health and body toxin levels.
Sauna. In many cultures, the sauna is a regular part of detoxification. This method removes built up chemicals in fat cells. Combined with a good diet, exercise and nutritional supplements, saunas are an excellent way to detox. Skin brushing. Skin brushing removes old skin cells as it stimulates the lymph system and draws out toxins through the skin. The dry skin brush is made of soft vegetable bristles. Use the brush to lightly brush your feet in circular motion towards the chest area for a minute or two before taking a shower. Yoga. Yoga incorporates breathing exercise, which thoroughly oxygenate the blood stream. The oxygenation improves the body’s physical process by giving it more energy. The various different positions lightly massage internal organs stimulating them to slowly discharge toxins.
These are just a few cleansing methods to use as a guide on your journey for improved health or healthy living. It is vital to know why detoxification is important and understand the different ways to detox the body before choosing a program to follow.
Sources: Harvey and Marilyn Diamond; Fit For Life; Elizabeth Walling, “Dry Skin Brushing: A Natural Way to Detox,” Natural News