We live in a toxic age. Our water Is laced with heavy metals. The air we breathe is polluted with carbon byproducts. What we eat is chemically enhanced or genetically modified to last longer, taste better, and fill us up with superflu¬ous calories. Even our body's burning of fats, proteins and sugars for energy creates waste. So cleaning out our guts has to be a good idea, right?
Yes and no. Our body can clean up its own mess, The body does not passively soak up toxins like a sponge. It has defences and resources which constantly act even while you sleep. When toxins enter your body, these are swiftly dealt with.
But if our body can take care of its own waste, why do we sometimes feel bloated enough to want to stick a plunger down our gut? Pro-detox experts think we can do with some extra help.
Experts thinks that the body is already detoxifying itself all along, but we live in a toxic environment. We suffer from stress, breathe little fresh air, some smoke & drinks, we also ate foods that are grill which produces dangerous carbon. Detoxify¬ing is a means of strengthening our bodies to cope with these stresses. If we ignore stress-proofing your body, and you may face chronic diseases such as insomnia, fatigue, gastric problems, poor skin and premature aging due to the accumulation of toxins over the years.
Contrary to what we think of detoxifying as literally flushing out blockages in our intestines, there are many detox methods available in the market.
Some detox experts propose herbs and vitamins that suitable for detox, some uses detox foot patches; some encourages vegetarian diet or detox fruits diet.
Herbs used in detox diets are actually meant to strengthen the eliminating organs so that they work better. Herbs fortify the organs with nutrients. Detox foot patches derive from natural trees roots are proven to be non-toxic, they have no side effects, unlike chemical drugs. This detox foot patches are sticks under the foot, and overnight it works via drawing toxins away from our body to the patches, detox foot patches also include negative ions which can helps to refresh our body.
Be detox savvy
Detox programmes aren't for everyone. While most detox diets appear safe as they use natural herbs, and advocate a switch to fruits and vegetables, don't let that lull you into complacency. It can be harmful to health if not done properly. For instance, you shouldn't fast if you are anaemic and your body doesn't have sufficient iron. Those whose health is affected by tumours, bleeding ulcers, cancer, blood diseases, active pulmo¬nary diseases, diabetes, gout, liver, kidney and cerebral diseases should not fast or detox. They should consult doctors for advise. For instance, special fasting programmes consisting of only water or juice should be done no longer than 14 days, this should be done with caution. Other detox programmes like using detox foot patches are much safer and can be followed for up to one and a half months.
What to do
Detox programmes vary in intensity and duration. Some let you gradually shift from your usual diet to raw fruits and vegetables, as well as herbs and vitamins prescribed to suit your body's needs. You never actually do juice or water fasting alone. Such fasts deprive your body of essential nutrients and can harm your health. Sometimes, using detox foot patches, massage and dry body brushing are incorporated into the programme to improve blood circulation and lymphatic drainage so that your body can flush the toxins out more efficiently.
A good and effective detox programme should support the elimination organs like the liver, kidneys, colon and the lymphatic system. The most important and simple thing to do during detox is to drink 1.5 to two litres of water a day to flush out toxins and waste products.
Who would benefit from a detox?
Most of us, it seems. Rare is the individual who doesn't keep a hectic lifestyle, indulge in alcohol and/or a diet nigh in fat, sugar, and salt but low in vegetables and fruit. If you're feeling constantly fatigued and stressed, they're already signs that your body can do with some detoxifying.
Before you start on any programme, get clearance from your doctor. Here are some organ-specific programmes from detox experts:
Liver : What it does: Its main function is to filter toxins for excretion. Blood that passes through the intestines can reach the heart and lungs only after passing through the liver. How to detox it: detox plans for the liver can range from simple to advanced. A basic plan, for instance, includes milk thistle, dandelion (from health stores in capsule form), and a vegetarian diet with no alcohol for one to three weeks. You can repeat it every six months.
Kidneys : What they do: These are the other filtering organs that cleanse the blood of waste products. The kidneys contain millions of tiny filtering units called nephrons that separate nutrients from waste, then send waste into the urine. How to detox them: Drink two cups of dandelion-leaf tea and one cup of nettle tea a day to flush out the kidneys and help with fluid retention. If that's too much liquid to take, stick to the dandelion-leaf tea. Take the mix for six to eight weeks, one cup twice a day.
Skin : What it does: Sweat glands carry waste products, primarily urea and ammonia, from the body to be excreted in the form of perspiration. How to detox it: Ginger or marigold tea is a good remedy to try. Drink a cup two to three times a day for up to four weeks.
Intestines : What they do: The small intestine absorbs nutrients, leaving waste material to enter the large intestine or colon, then the rectum for elimination. The large intestine also absorbs needed water and minerals. How to detox them: one teaspoon of psyllium husks (from health stores) mixed in 150ml of juice or water. Drink it before bed, followed by 250ml of water afterwards. Take the mix for six to eight weeks, one teaspoon once a day.
Probiotics, the supplement of the moment, can also give your intestines a boost. Look for those that contain 15 billion organisms per capsule. "Take them for four weeks, then give your system a break for one to two weeks. This is to allow your digestive system to build a conducive environment for the good bacteria to thrive in. You can continue the course for half a year.
Gall Bladder : What it does: It stores bile - a fat-digesting and acid-neutralising liquid that is continually secreted by the liver.
How to detox it: Blend the juice of two grapefruits with one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Drink this two to three times a week for six to eight weeks.
Conclusions:
For a detox starting point, a brief abstinence from rich foods and alcohol will do the trick. Stop eating rich foods and drinking alcohol for a period of time. Instead, drink plenty of plain water and eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. For further improvement alternatives, water and fruits detox programme, herbals or using detox foot patches is a good choice.
