Detox Basics

While living the modern American lifestyle, we come into contact daily with toxins in the air, food, and water. These toxins can build up over time and produce problems with fatigue, anxiety, and even illness. Our bodies have natural detoxification processes that are going on at all times through the respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary, dermal, and lymphatic systems, but often this is not enough to sufficiently rid our bodies of the overwhelming toxic buildup. Smoking, consuming caffeine, eating processed foods, and not eating enough fruits and vegetables all add to our toxic load. There are ways that we can help facilitate the body’s natural detoxification, though. Going through various detoxification rituals can help decrease the incidence of illness, increase energy, and start the move towards a healthier lifestyle. Detoxifying can help us to rid ourselves of bad habits or to have a spiritual experience as we move closer to a state of balance. For those looking to make major changes in diet and lifestyle, a detoxifying ritual can be a good way to kick-start the process.

Could a detox be right for me?

Toxicity within the body shows up in all kinds of symptoms. Regular fatigue, headaches, congestion, and skin irritations are some signs that the body may have toxic buildup that it is having trouble clearing on its own. Other signs include bad breath, chronic colds, nausea, constipation, and even depression and anxiety. Any chronic minor health concern could be a sign of toxicity. A detoxification ritual might help to clear these issues as the body gets rid of the toxins that are the cause.

General Detox Tips

 There are several steps that you can take to help aid the body’s natural detoxification processes. Drinking more water, eating a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, and cutting back on your consumption of fat, caffeine, sugar, salt, processed foods, and nicotine will all help your body to better detoxify itself. Supplementing the diet with fiber and vitamin C can also help detoxify the body. Certain herbs including garlic, red clover, cayenne pepper, and Echinacea are useful. Avoiding foods like red meats, dairy, and fried foods will help because these foods encourage the body to retain toxins in an effort to process them. Exercise will help the body to detoxify by increasing sweat production and respiration.

Types of Detoxification Rituals

 If you’re looking for a more intensive detoxification than simple changes to diet and exercise, there are several different detoxification rituals you can perform to cleanse the body. Some are more intense than others, and many will require the help of a professional.

Fasting is a process in which someone abstains from eating or restricts their consumption of food to a very limited scope to facilitate cleansing of the body or experience spiritual growth. There are different types of fasts. Water fasting is the most intense; during a water fast, nothing but water is consumed. This is best performed under the guidance and observation of a healthcare professional with knowledge about how to safely perform a water fast. Juice fasting is a fast in which solid food is abandoned while fruit and vegetable juices are still consumed. Many fasting experts believe this is better than water fasting because it limits the intake of toxins while providing the body with important nutrients that can actually aid in detoxification. Other fasts include the Master Cleanser, in which a special preparation of lemonade is taken in throughout the day for several days or even weeks. All fasts should include water to make sure that the body is properly hydrated.

Vitamin Therapy is the use of special vitamins that have detoxifying properties. Vitamins E and C are believed to have detoxification abilities. Nutrients with antioxidant properties are also helpful in detoxifying.

Colon Therapy is the use of colonics or enemas to cleanse the colon and clear away toxic buildup. Often times regular elimination doesn’t clear away all of the waste that lies in the colon, and toxins can hide in the lining of the colon. Colonics involve pumping between 5 and 25 gallons of water into the colon through the rectum and flushing out debris.

Celation Therapy focuses on removing toxic metal buildup in the body through the use of various chemical agents. Lead and mercury can build up in the blood and tissue and cause poisoning. A drug is administered to the client either orally or intravenously, and this drug helps the kidneys to clear out toxic metals.

Hyperthermia uses steam rooms and saunas to help the skin clear toxins through sweat.

When embarking on a detoxification ritual, find out as much as possible about the effects, the process, and how to maintain healthy function. Make sure that the detoxification process you choose works with your unique needs and lifestyle so that you can derive maximum benefit and cleansing. It’s best if you consult with your doctor or a healthcare professional that specializes in the type of detoxification program that you’ve chosen before beginning to discuss special issues and any problems that might arise.

Author: Nan Little