Detoxification

The body uses its own detoxification system to remove, transform, or neutralize toxins everyday. This detoxification system includes the liver, colon, kidneys, bladder, lymph nodes, and skin. When a foreign substance enters the body, your immune system will try to eliminate it. Toxins can be transformed into harmless material by the liver. Waste can be eliminated through the bladder or sweat glands. A person would die if his body did not remove toxins every day.

But for today's society, our natural detoxification system is not enough. Today, humans are exposed to more toxins than at any point in human history. This means that the liver will be overworked and the toxins in the body will not eliminated as quickly. The symptoms of exposure to too many toxins include feeling weak all of the time, headaches, pain, frequent colds, and high blood pressure.

A detoxification program can provide you with additional help in eliminating the toxins in your body. A detoxification program will consist of a change in diet, exercise, massage, bowel cleansing, and skin cleansing. A detoxification diet will include eliminating foods that are high in fat and sugar. This includes fast foods and packaged foods. Instead, you will replace these foods with whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables. The fiber from this new diet will encourage the use of the bowels. The vitamins from this diet will nourish the liver, bowels, and the other organs involved in the detoxification process. However, not everyone will react the same way to all of these foods. If you are not sure what you should eat, you can always consult your doctor.

There are herbs that can stimulate the organs involved in the detoxification process even more. They can be found in various organic food stores. Red beet, parsley, birch leaves, and goldenrod can be used to enhance the liver. Parsley, ginger, goldenseal, and dandelion can enhance the kidneys. The lungs can be enhanced with slippery elm and Chinese ephedra. These herbs can be used as powders or teas. They should be used in combination with the detoxification diet that was mentioned previously.

Exercising regularly is also an effective detoxification method. Exercising will flush the lymphatic system and provide oxygen to the cells. The appropriate exercises for detoxification include sports, stretching, aerobics, and walking.

Massage has been used for detoxification ever since the invention of the Swedish massage. Massage can stimulate the kidneys and liver, drain the colon, and improve your circulation.

Skin cleansing can include the use of saunas and steam rooms. Toxins can be eliminated through your sweat. The consistent use of a sauna can help eliminate more of your toxins. Studies indicate that your sweat glands are just as effective as your kidneys in the detoxification process.

But you should be careful to not overdo your detoxification program. If you detoxify too rapidly, you can experience symptoms of vomiting, nausea, and headaches. This is known as the Herxheimer Reaction. People who experience this should cut back on their detoxification program.