Detoxification: Just the Facts

Detoxification: Just the Facts

We hear the word "detoxification" so often these days that it's become a common part of our language, but do we really know what it is? If you've been a little confused about detoxing, this article will give you some basics about it. Our bodies detoxify everyday - it's simply the process of processing or getting rid of toxins through the colon, liver, kidney, lungs, lymph or skin.

Detoxification is the body's way of getting rid of the pollutants we're exposed to daily in our environment. These can include industrial chemicals in our water, pesticides in our food, heavy metals and second-hand smoke. Unfortunately, these days we are exposed to so many toxins that our bodies can't get rid of them fast enough. That's why it's often necessary for us to use herbs, nutrition and other alternative therapies to assist our bodies in the detox process.

How do you know if you need to detox? Here are some symptoms to look for:

• Frequent or unexplained headaches
• Bad breath or body odor
• Poor memory or sleep patterns
• Allergies
• Poor digestion, gas, bloating
• Chronic respiratory or sinus problems

If you do have some of the above symptoms or just feel the need for a good "clean out," we recommend you go on a 3-7 day juice fast. A juice fast means you don't eat anything, but drink only water and fresh juices. Fresh juices (that you need to juice each day) increase the cleansing process by picking up waste material and moving it out of the body. A fast that is shorter than 3 days doesn't give you enough benefit, and most people don't have the stamina for longer fasts. We also suggest you add enzymes to your fast for greater cleansing effects.

Photo credit: Biohazard