Body Detox Methods (at YOUR HOME)

Detoxing and cleansing have become popular in recent years. According to Elson Haas in "Staying Healthy with Nutrition," detoxification removes toxins from the body and can improve basic bodily functions, such as digestion and elimination. With so many products, supplements and services out there, it can be difficult to know which ones are safe and effective and which ones aren't. Signs of toxic buildup can include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, headaches, hormonal imbalances, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, lack of energy, frequent colds and skin problems. Detoxing to many means drinking a concoction of ingredients or buying a "boxed" cleanse from a health-food store. The fact of the matter is, detoxing can be done easily at home.

Detox Foods

Detoxing can seem overwhelming. Haas explains that when toxins build up in your body, congestion occurs. Slowly shifting your diet from more-congesting foods, such as meat and processed foods, to less-congesting foods, like fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains, is a way to start detoxifying your body. He also states that individuals who feel sluggish and congested could benefit from a vegetarian diet for three weeks. This diet would include plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and legumes.

Spice It Up!

Spices and herbs, such as turmeric, ginger, coriander and rosemary, are an easy addition to any meal. Many herbs and spices have amazing detoxification properties and provide gentle assistance in removing toxins from our bodies. Turmeric, for example, is known for its work in detoxing the liver.

Contrast Showers

In contrast showers, you turn the water back and forth between hot and cold for timed intervals. At the end of your shower, turn the water up to a hot temperature for two minutes. Then turn the water down to a cold temperature for one minute. Repeat three to four times. The varying temperatures promote detoxification by increasing circulation and lymph movement. Contrast showers are not recommended for pregnant women and people with heart problems, asthma, diabetes, Raynaud's Syndrome and vascular problems.

Up Your Water Intake

Drinking water is one of the most underrated detox methods. Naturopathic doctor Christopher Vasey states that we eliminate approximately 2.5 liters of water each day. When dehydration occurs, the kidneys cannot effectively filter the blood and must pass on some of their work to the liver. This can cause the liver to become overworked and stressed. Aim to drink a minimum of 2 liters of water each day. If you work out, try to get 3 liters per day.

Go Organic

Due to the use of pesticides and herbicides in today's farming methods, many fruits and vegetables in the grocery stores today are laden with toxins. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the top 12 produce items to always buy organic are celery, peaches, strawberries, apples, blueberries, nectarines, bell peppers, spinach, cherries, kale/collard greens, potatoes and imported grapes.

References

• "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine"; Michael Murray N.D.; 1999
• Environmental Working Group: Shopper's Guide
• Pure Inside Out: Detox Bath
• Christopher Vasey
• "Staying Healthy With Nutrition"; Elson Haas, M.D.; 2006

The Natural Way to Detox Your Body from Drugs.

The primary goal of natural drug detoxification is to eliminate the toxins and remnants accumulated in your body as a result of using illegal or pharmaceutical drugs. This can be accomplished through the process of detoxification. Your liver processes all drugs as toxic compounds to be removed later by your body. If the remnants of these drugs are not removed, liver toxicity can occur. Fortunately, there are natural methods you can apply to help detoxify your body of drugs.

Step 1

Drink nine to 12 glasses of clean drinking water daily. Drinking enough water can help your kidney and liver functions to help flush out drug remnants. Drinking plenty of water will also help increase your capacity to sweat and cool you down when you are hot.

Step 2

Do cardiovascular exercises such as aerobics, swimming and running for one hour regularly. Exercising strengthens and stimulates your liver, kidneys and other vital organs. It also helps eliminate drug remnants through sweat.

Step 3

Eat 2 oz. to 3 oz. of dried or fresh seaweed daily. Sodium alginate is the active ingredient of seaweed, and this compound binds to drug remnants in your digestive system and prevents them from being absorbed into your body.

Step 4

Take one 500mg dandelion flower tablet with food every day. The active ingredient of this flower is inulin, which helps enhances the flow of bile while helping your liver detoxify the drug remnants from your internal organs.

Step 5

Drink one cup of fresh ginger tea every day to detox your body of drugs. Ginger is the active ingredient in ginger. It induces sweating and removes drug remnants through your skin. Slice one whole ginger, put it in a mug and add boiling water. Add honey to taste.

Things You'll Need

• Seaweed
• Dandelion flower tablets
• Ginger
• Honey

References

• "Toxic Relief: Restore Health and Energy Through Fasting and Detoxification"; Don Colbert, M.D.; 2003
• "The Detox Revolution : A Powerful New Program for Boosting Your Body's Ability to Fight Cancer and Other Diseases"; by Thomas J. Slaga, Ph.D and Robin Keuneke; 2004
• "The Book of Herbal Wisdom: Using Plants as Medicines"; Matthew Wood; 1997