Cleaning Out Your System by Detoxing (Part One)

Detoxification is a way to clean out your system when it is overloaded by toxins and it also acts as a means of improving your way of eating.

Are you feeling stressed out, starved for proper nutrition and just generally yucky? Do you lack energy? Has your hair lost its sheen? Is your skin looking a little worse for wear and your eyes are no longer glowing with good health? If yes, then it may be time to look at a nature form of cleansing for your body.

What does that mean? In a word- detoxification!

Detoxification (or detoxing for short) is the process whereby the body gets rid of toxic substances that have built up over time in the cells and organs. Toxics can exit the body by way of urine, feces and sweat. The toxins that accumulate in the body can cause inflammation and illnesses to occur.

Toxin build-up takes place as a result of many of the foods we eat. In particular, processed, fatty and fried foods can leave a trail of harmful food chemicals in the body. Pollutants also enter the body by way of the water we drink, the air we breathe and the environment at large.

The liver and colon are the two organs that are at the center of the detoxification process. While they do the best they can, keeping up with a barrage of new toxins all of the time can cause these organs to need to work harder and harder. The more help we can provide them by the way we live, the better.

The digestive system and the kidneys get rid of whatever toxins they can. Whatever is left goes into the bloodstream and from there finds its way to the liver. The liver then does its part to flush the toxins out of the body at as rapid a rate as possible.

The Purpose of Detoxing

Detoxing provides the body with a break in order that it can work better in terms of absorbing nutrients and getting rid of waste. It is also a method of getting rid of extra pounds that have crept up. A body detox will cleanse the body and help to facilitate the process of healing. It can provide relief for problems such as sluggishness, frequent headaches, aches and pains, and an overall feeling of malaise. If you feel that your body is being dragged down and your energy is not what it once was then detoxing might be exactly what you require to get back on the track of glowing and vivacious health!

What to Do and What Not to Do

When most people think of detoxifying the body, thoughts of deprivation and dietary extremes come to mind. While you can go the route of fasting, such as going on a water or juice fast, experts says that it is healthier and gentler on the body to not do anything drastic. Being too drastic puts undue pressure on your heart and can be a shock to the system.

Think of a detox instead as a much-needed nutritional break. A detox should last for an average of a week. During this time you need to consume a diet that is nutritious and as well-balanced as possible. Make sure all of the foods you eat are high in antioxidants, essential vitamins, minerals and fiber. It is important that you drink lots of water and plenty of clear natural juices. Get plenty of rest while detoxing as your body is going through a transition and fatigue can  be a common side effect. Exercising while detoxing is a good idea but keep your physical activities to a moderate level.

Read my next post for some more information on detoxing the body in part two of this series.

Samantha