Many natural health proponents believe that the body accumulates toxins which should be periodically flushed. While the body does naturally process and eliminate toxins, increased exposure to toxic environmental substances combined with drug use and unhealthy diets across much of the First World sometimes proves to be too much for the body to process, leading to health problems. By detoxifying the body, many people feel that they improve their health and state of mind, and are able to lead more balanced lives.
The body naturally processes toxic materials through the liver, kidneys, and lower intestines. These organs take in these substances and either convert them to a usable form or push them out of the body, so that they cannot damage other, more delicate organs. People who lead healthy, active lifestyles probably do not need to take extra steps to remove the substances from their bodies. However, if you eat a high fat, high sugar diet, consume caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs, are exposed to dangerous chemicals, or get limited exercise, you may want to consider removing these toxic materials from your body and making life changes to keep your body healthy.
Symptoms that you may be accumulating toxins at a rate higher than your body can process include fatigue, irritability, skin problems, digestive issues, aches and pains, stress, and other behavioral problems. Because these can be symptoms of more serious medical problems, a doctor should always be consulted before embarking on any detox program. Certain individuals also should not undertake detox programs, including cancer patients, children, pregnant and nursing mothers, and people with degenerative diseases.
A detox problem is designed to eliminate these materials from your body while resting your organs and improving your lifestyle. A number of things can be incorporated into a detox regime including massage, sauna, dietary changes, teas, colon cleanses, and exercise. Most detox programs include drinking lots of juice, water, and tea to flush out the system while eating light, high fiber food to help cleanse the intestines and reduce the load on your organs. Supplements like psyllium husk, vitamins, minerals, and medicinal plants also assist with a detox program, helping to nourish the body and boost the immune system. Sauna is highly recommended, because it helps the body sweat out toxins as they are released.
During the early stages of a detox program, the body tends to feel more run down and unhealthy than when the detox started. Naturopaths say that this is because the toxins bound up in the organs and blood are being released all at once, flooding the body and causing malaise. If the patient persists, however, the material will flush out, leaving healthier skin, a greater sense of well-being, and a more well nourished body. The effects of the detox can be carried on into regular life by adopting a regular exercise program, eating a healthy diet, and cutting down on drugs such as nicotine and caffeine.