Detoxification (detox) can take several shapes and forms from a colon cleanse to fasting and changing lifestyle choices.   The body has the ability to heal itself when given the tools and nutrients it needs.  Unfortunately, the Standard Western Diet doesn’t provide those nutrients and most manufactured vitamins aren’t as bioavailable as we’d like them to be.  Bioavailability means that the vitamins are available to the body to use in the same way that the nutrients are from food.

Detoxification basically means cleansing the body from toxins and chemicals that prevent it from obtaining optimal health.  By removing impurities, or helping the body to clear these impurities, from the blood, liver, kidneys and intestines, the health of every cell in the body improves.  A detox program will rest the organs of the  through fasting, stimulate the liver, promote elimination, improve circulation and enable the body to refuel with healthy nutrients.

The first step in the detoxification process is to lighten the load your body must endure.  Eliminate alcohol, coffee, cigarettes, refined sugars and saturated fats.  All of these things are toxins and obstacles to the healing process.   You should also minimize or eliminate the use of chemical based cleaners and personal care products which leach into the body through the skin and mucous membranes.

Another step is to take a look at the other products used in the home that contain plastic  and lead.  In past decades leaded gasoline contributed to high levels of lead in the bones of women over 40. In order to decrease the amount of lead that was released into the bloodstream, women included adequate amounts of calcium, vitamin D and regular exercise in their life which helped decrease the incidence of brittle bones.

Get rid of air fresheners in the home.  While you may enjoy the scent they are filled with neurotoxins that coat the inside of the nose and make it difficult for you to smell – they don’t really get rid of odors.  Instead, use natural alternatives such as Juniper Berry essential oil, open windows, have plants in the home or office and empty the garbage cans.

 Drinking at least 2 liters of water each day will help to stimulate the kidneys, liver and digestive system to work efficiently, boost your metabolism and accelerate fat elimination.   By including other foods such as brown rice, herbal teas, garlic, lemons, cabbage and onions in your diet you will be helping your body to eliminate built up toxins and avoid further build up.

Add more fiber to the diet, including organically grown vegetables and fruits, to aid in elimination and clean out the colon.   You can also help to improve the function of the liver by using dandelion root and milk thistle and drinking green tea.  Vitamin C will help the body to produce glutathione, a liver compound that helps drive out toxins.

Stress is another toxin.  Negative impacts include damage to the liver, kidneys, cardiovascular system and blood pressure.  All of these problems lead to other health concerns.  By transforming the stress in your life to more positive emotional feelings you’ll go a long way to detoxifying your lifestyle.

You might begin your detoxifying process through a fast (fasting can take different forms).  Nutritionists understand that fasting for 24 hours every 14 to 30 days is actually healthy for the body.  In today’s society we rarely go hungry but in the days when we foraged for our food days might go by before we were able to fill our stomachs.  Through occasional fasting (drinking only water and an occasional glass of juice) we rest our liver and intestines giving them a better chance to work more effectively.

 Sweat and perspiration is another technique used to drive out the toxins from the body.  Through saunas, exercise and hot showers you help the body to eliminate wastes.  Dry-brushing your skin can also help to remove toxins through the pore.  Special brushes are available at natural product stores.

Detoxification is a process . The process can have a significant impact on the overall health and well being of the individual who practices it. In the many cases, as the body rids itself of toxins, a person may feel ‘worse’ before she/he feels ‘better’. They may develop a fine rash, headache or a cold. Llike all other alternative health practices, be sure to check with your doctor before making changes to your diet or lifestyle that may impact any medications or underlying medical conditions.  For instance, those with diabetes should not fast for 24 hours or those who are taking water pills should maintain consistent intake of specific vitamins and nutrients.