How to Go About Detoxifying the Body

Avoiding toxins is proving impossible in today's environment. Some of the toxins found in humans include uranium and dioxins. Other toxins include mercury from fish, off-gassed chemicals derived from new cars and plastic shower curtains and pesticides from produce grown conventionally. Therefore, a proper cleansing can prove helpful to the body. A simple detox needs to be integrated into an individual's lifestyle to give the best results.

Where to begin

The process of detoxifying starts by eliminating alcohol, cigarettes, coffee, saturated fats and refined sugars, all of which generate toxins in the body. They also act as obstacles to the healing process. It is also important to consider minimizing the use of chemical-based household cleaners as well as personal healthcare products (like cleansers, toothpastes, deodorants and shampoos) and consider substituting these with natural alternatives.

Another factor responsible for undermining perfect health is stress. Stress triggers the release of stress hormones into the system. Although these hormones can offer the desired "adrenaline rush" to meet deadlines or win a race, too much of it creates toxins, slowing down the detoxification enzymes available in the liver. Therefore, it is advisable to consider detoxifying the body. Meditation, yoga and qigong are some of the effective but simple ways of relieving stress by resetting the mental and physical reactions.

The most effective detoxifying programs

There are several detoxifying recipes and programs, based on an individual's needs. Some of the programs require a 7-day schedule because it takes the body time to cleanse the blood. Some of the programs involve a two-day fasting on liquids followed by a properly planned 5-day detoxification diet to enable the digestive system to have some rest. Supplements, exercise, herbs, hydrotherapy and dry skin brushing are administered to enhance circulation.

Another detoxifying program recommends a 3 to 7-day juice fast. During this time, fresh vegetable and fruit juices and water is taken to offer an effective process of releasing toxins. Other popular natural body cleanses and detox programs include: Drinking water only one day every week and a cleansing supplement package that contains minerals, herbs, vitamins and fiber.

Ways of detoxifying the body

· Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily

· Take vitamin-C, which plays an important role in helping the body to produce glutathione, a compound found in liver that seeks to drive away toxins

· Eat lots of fiber, including organically grown fresh vegetables and fruits and brown rice. Some of the excellent detoxifying foods include beets, artichokes, radishes, cabbage, spirulina, broccoli, seaweed and chlorella.