Spring is well known for being the season for cleaning. While many people will spend time cleaning up the yard and the house, it’s also wise to turn our attention to cleansing and detoxifying a home of another kind, our body. There may be symptoms which suggest being in need of a detoxification program, such as headaches, body aches, low energy, frequent colds, bad breath, skin breakouts, and a variety of other conditions and symptoms. It’s also possible to not have any symptoms at all. Either way, a program to cleanse and detoxify the body at least once or twice a year is a wise strategy for preventative health.
Where do We Find Toxins?
We are exposed to toxins by infinite methods of contact. Toxins can enter our bodies through the polluted air we breathe, the foods we eat, and in our drinking and bathing water. Through these elements we can be exposed to pesticides, fertilizers, sewage sludge, drugs, vaccines, cigarette smoke, paints, solvents, herbicides, glue, cleaning agents, and skin care products. A USA Today newspaper article in July of 1999, reported that the average city water contains more than 500 chemicals. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2003 titled the "National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey", the average American has 116 synthetic compounds stored in his body, including dioxin (produced by burning plastic), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (found in auto exhaust) and organochlorine pesticides (found in farming areas). Our bodies also create toxins through every day functions, while stress and negativity can also add to the toxic load.
How to Detoxify
The body is equipped to detoxify itself through organs such as the liver, kidneys, skin, intestines, and lungs. All of these organs serve an important role in detoxifying. Cleansing programs should incorporate a variety of methods to support the function of these organs. The important thing to remember is that detoxification is not a substitute for living a healthy lifestyle.
- Diet: While a year round healthy diet is the best detoxification program, a three or four day juice fast can be an effective cleansing method. For three or four days, consume only freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices. The body will then naturally rid itself of any stored toxins. Consume at least four to six ounces of fresh juice made from whole and organic foods, three or four times a day. Also take a good quality vitamin supplement and add a tablespoon of psyllium, ground flaxseeds, or other fiber to your evening juice meal. Juice cleanses are best done on vacation or over a weekend when activities can be restricted.
- Breathing: Deep breathing creates a massaging effect for the liver, stomach, and other organs including the heart, while shallow breathing does not have the same benefit. By taking deep breaths, more oxygen is inhaled, while carbon dioxide is expelled more efficiently. The process of deep, massaging breaths promotes blood flow and stimulates the lymphatic system, which also plays an important role in removing toxins.
- Water: Water is essential to stimulate the organs responsible for detoxification. The kidneys depend on water in order to purify the blood, and skin needs water in order to sweat. Most cleanses require plenty of purified or filtered water for drinking, and bathing as well. There are many inexpensive water filteration systems available for the kitchen and shower.
- Sweating: By sweating, toxins are carried out of the body and are flushed out through the pores. The skin is the largest organ in the body, and therefore plays a large role in detoxification. Sweating can be induced through vigorous exercise, in hot baths, or by using a sauna, such as a far-infrared sauna.
- Massage: There are many types of massage which will improve circulation and stimulate the lymphatic system. Get a massage from a licensed therapist, or consider investing in a good quality massage bed.
- Vitamins, Supplements and Herbs: A high quality pharmeceautical grade supplement can be a good source of necessary vitamins and minerals to support the body and detox organs. There are also a wide variety of detoxification kits which can be purchased at health food stores or online, and consist of adding in high amounts of fiber drinks and capsules. These fiber supplements usually contain a combination of natural cleanse facilitators such as epsom salts, aloe vera, peppermint, flax seed, psyllium, etc. The cleanse kits usually last one to two weeks and is in addition to a normal healthy diet.
As the benefits of cleansing and detoxification have become more mainstream, more choices for treatments have become available. Many spas offer cleansing and detoxification services, however, it’s not necessary to leave home or spend a lot of money to improve your health. Detoxification treatments can, and should, be done on a regular basis. The most effective cleansing and detoxification program is one that employs a variety of approaches, and is natural, slow and gentle.
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