Detoxification / Body Detox Program :

The idea to cleanse and detoxify the body has gained popularity in the last few years. Detoxification is a naturopathic concept based on the concept that the body is constantly cleansing itself of unwanted substances and waste products.

There are three main detox / exit routes for the body to use ie. via the bowel, kidneys and urinary tract and the lungs.
The body uses the skin and mucous membrane for detoxing to a lesser degree via the skin.

Body waste products are produced in the body as a by product of metabolism. This occurs when a cell absorbs nutrients from food and excretes the waste. This waste can become toxic or poisonous to the body over time if it is allowed to build up and is not carried away in tissue fluid to the lymphatic system and / or eliminated.

Elimination of Toxins

• The Bowel dispose of toxins that have been processed by the liver.
• The Urinary System deals with toxins from the kidneys - removes uric acid and other toxins.
• The Lungs expel carbonic acid which helps to keep the blood pH balanced.

This is why it is so important to make sure the toxin 'exit routes' the body uses are kept clear and in good working order - the alternative is a toxic overload, which leaves the body sluggish, tired, unable to detoxify itself and makes it more vulnerable to infections and disease.

Constipation / a sluggish bowel is a major contributor to toxic overload and needs to be addressed as faecal matter which lingers in the system becomes a health hazard.

If any or all of the detoxification routes are not working correctly or only poorly, 'emergency exit routes' are used by the body to get rid of the waste matter accumulation.
Toxins can be forced out the body via the skin, the mucous membranes and via menstrual cycles in women.
Unfortunately, if secondary detoxification routes need to be used, it imposes a strain on the lymphatic system which in turn can cause recurrent swelling of glands.

People who are not able to purge their body and detoxify are more prone to ...

• skin problems such as acne
• a blocked or constantly running nose
• low energy levels (as the liver struggles to cope)
• more frequent bouts of illness (run down lymphatic and immune system)
• women may suffer from frequent heavy periods and cystitis

How to encourage Body Detoxification

To lighten the toxic load within the body, it is imperative to ensure all detoxification routes are open so that the toxins requiring expelling from body tissues and organs will leave the body rather than circulate in the bloodstream and more than likely be reabsorbed again.

Start your Body Detox Programme

• Start drinking 1.5 to 2 litres water per day.
  This helps to flush out the urinary tract, kidneys etc. Add some pure lemon juice as a liver cleanser and purifier or introduce nettle tea to help flush uric acid from the system.
• Eliminate coffee
• Eliminate sugar and all cordials (due to the added sugar or chemicals and additives)
• Improve your daily diet by cutting out 'junk foods' and empty calories such as take away foods, white flour products, fried foods and alcohol.
• Increase vegetable intake
• Increase fibre intake - helps to cleanse the bowel.
• Include short grain brown rice in your daily diet.
  Brown rice increase water content and fibre in the bowel. It also absorbs toxins and helps to carry it out the body.
• Increase daily exercise levels.
  Even a brisk walk will increase oxygenation to cells and the lymphatic system is stimulated.
  Muscle movements and muscular contractions is required by the Lymphatic System to actually work.
• Colonic Irrigation treatment has been found beneficial for many people suffering from a sluggish digestive system and colon

Beneficial Detoxification Ingredients

• Psyllium Husks
• Probiotics eg. Acidophilus and Bifidophilus
• Milk Thistle
• Calendula
• Kelp
• Magnesium
• Vitamin C
• Potassium

Body cleansing with detoxification diets.