Have you considered the benefits of a full body detox? Maybe you’ve wondered if a detox is something that could help you feel better, or wondered why detoxes are necessary at all. After all, weren’t our bodies designed to cleanse themselves?
Yes, the human body is very efficient at keeping itself detoxified. But it was not designed to do battle against the constant barrage of chemicals that now fill our air, our lives, and our food.
Toxins, medications, and preservatives can cause physical reactions that make us feel sick and tired. Full body detoxification helps our bodies do what they were designed to do: get rid of toxic build-up.
Follow this step-by-step guide to start detoxifying your body, and you’ll soon see why so many people swear by this natural treatment.
Step 1: Fasting
Many people kick off their detox with a period of fasting. The length and type of fast you choose depends on your personal preferences and your current state of health. Juice and water fasts are the most common types, and typically last between one and three days.
If you’ve never fasted before, it can be a difficult experience. However, it gives your body a much-needed break from constantly digesting food and filtering toxins. Many dieters find that they feel energized and focused after a fast.
To ease yourself into the fasting period, start by eliminating all fast food and processed food from your diet for a few days. Then switch to natural, raw foods like organic fruits and vegetables that do not contain pesticides.
Within a day or two, start to puree your foods so that they are softer and easier to break down during digestion. After a couple of days, start juicing the foods. Your body will receive an abundance of nutrients in an easily digestible form, and you will feel much better for it.
Finally, replace the daily juice with pure drinking water. Drink only water for one to three days, and then slowly reintroduce natural foods into your diet.
There are many different approaches to fasting, so feel free to do some research and find a method that works best for you.
Step 2: Colon Cleanse
A colon and intestinal cleanse is another popular part of full body detox systems. Some people prefer to cleanse their system with herbs (including senna, a powerful herbal laxative). Others prefer to drink plenty of water or to do a saltwater flush.
The important things to remember are that laxatives of any kind can create a physical or psychological dependence. They can also lead to dehydration, so if you choose to use a colon cleanser, do it only once during your detox.
Saltwater flushes are a natural way to purge digested food from your system. The usual mixture is 2 teaspoons of non-iodized sea salt stirred into 32 ounces of warm water. This flush produces a bowel movement within one hour.
If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, ask your doctor if a saltwater flush is safe for you. Also, be sure to drink the flush on an empty stomach, or vomiting may occur.
Step 3: Improving Blood Circulation
Healthy blood circulation is important for the renewal of our cells. It helps us heal, keeps us looking and feeling younger, and prevents the build-up of toxins. During your detox, you can improve your circulation by stretching your entire body in the morning and evening.
Yoga is excellent for this purpose. Choose a series of poses that allows you to stretch each muscle group in turn.
If you feel low on energy, take a gentle walk in the fresh air, or practice Tai Chi. Moving and stretching are two quick, healthy ways to get your blood flowing.
Step 4: Lasting Changes
To make the most of your detox, don’t go back to your old habits as soon as you finish. Take the tools and skills you’ve learned, and incorporate them into your daily life.
These changes could be as simple as adding yoga to your workouts, or continuing to eat only natural foods. Many dieters like to fast on juice or water once a week to keep their systems clean. Others use a full body detox to kick off a new way of healthy living.
If you have a health condition that might make a full body detox dangerous, speak with your physician before you try it. This group includes diabetics, heart disease sufferers, and anyone with an impaired immune system. You might be able to do a modified detox with your doctor’s approval.
What do you think? Are you ready to detox your body? If so, it’s time to start planning the first steps that will lead you to a cleaner and healthier tomorrow!
