Detoxification

Detoxification has become a necessity for the modern man due to his lifestyle and the environment in which he lives.  Over a period of time various undesirable elements get accumulated in various parts of the body causing a variety of problems like headaches, allergies etc.  These toxins can be mineral elements, chemicals, mucus, fat, etc, which get deposited in various organs and tissues of the body.  Since this is an ongoing process and the presence of toxic elements in body is harmful for its functioning, regular detoxification is recommended for maintaining a healthy body.  

In this article, we will describe the symptoms of toxicity, its control by dietary regulations and the side effects of detoxification on body. 

Obesity, arthritis and allergies are commonly caused by presence of toxins, as also are headaches, coughs, pains and problems with the body's immune system.  Some of the common symptoms associated with toxicity are frequent headaches, chronic constipation, coated tongue, foul breath, problems with digestion, psoriasis, sleeplessness etc.   

The detoxification process cleans the body of left over waste products and helps the body to restore its immune system.   

The presence of toxins in the body also inhibits the recovery process if one is undergoing some treatment.  So, if one detoxifies one's body while undergoing any kind of medication, it greatly improves the healing processes.  The presence of toxins encourages the growth of bacteria and viruses in the body, which adversely influence the healing process.   

Now, we will discuss various ways in which the detoxification of body can be accomplished.  Here, we may emphasize that anything that helps in the elimination of waste products from the body detoxifies the body and it can be as simple as drinking plain water.  Drinking 6 to 10 liters of water in a day is itself a great detoxifying therapy. 

Taking only fresh fruits and vegetables is also a good detoxifying therapy, which purifies our gastrointestinal system and helps in elimination of waste products from the digestive system.  When, through diet and other detoxification processes, the toxic elements are eliminated from the body one feels a surge in energy and vitality and there is a revival of the immune system.   

Changing our regular dietary patterns is also one way of detoxification. 

There are some cleansing programs, which have been practiced for a long time.  Fasting is one such method, which has been practiced since the beginning of civilization.  It is an effective method and helps the body in restoring its balance.  Water fasting helps in dissolving the undesirable chemicals present in the system and flushing them out.  But, some experts argue that as compared to water fasting, taking of fresh fruit and vegetable juices is more effective.  These juices are alkaline in nature and help in neutralizing the uric acid and other chemicals left over in the gastrointestinal tract.   

Colon cleansing is an important aspect of any detoxification program.  Colon cleansing through water irrigation should be taken under the supervision of a trained professional.  Herbal laxative products like psyllium husk, betonite clay and aloe vera powder are very helpful in detoxification of the digestive system.   

Detoxification program can induce some side affects like headaches, fatigue, bad breath or mouth sores.  After following such a regimen one should take a balanced diet which is low in fat and avoid taking dairy products and fried food.  If detoxification involves making lifestyle changes one should do so only gradually taking about a week's time to adopt such changes.