How to Detox your Body Naturally

While there is no doubt that we are taking in (breathing and consuming) toxins from the environment around us, there is precious little we can do to avoid them. While we can try to ensure that our diet comprises organic foods, it is almost impossible to ensure that toxins do not find their way into our bodies. They may be retained in the form of heavy metals, prescription medication, environmental chemicals, and antibiotics.

The accumulation of toxins in our bodies can leave us feeling worn out, heavy or spaced-out. However, the good news is that the body has its own detox system. The natural expulsion of bodily fluids and waste materials are one kind of detoxification. Our liver, kidneys, spleen, and lymphatic system work hard at clearing away the waste and toxins that build up in our tissues. Even crying is a kind of detoxification. One of the biggest advantages of a constant effort to detox is that it promotes good health and discourages illness later in life.

Symptoms of Buildup of Toxins in the Body

Fatigue, nausea, hives, coughing, irritability, indigestion, skin rashes, sneezing, fuzzy thinking, bloating, acne, wheezing, headaches, constipation, joint pain, chest pain, sinus congestion, insomnia or sleepiness, backache and allergy-like responses are all possible symptoms of accumulation of toxins in the body.

Detoxing your Body Naturally

The best way of how to detox your body is to support your body's natural detox functions, and assist its intrinsic ability to heal itself. Our bodies are constantly at work to eliminate harmful substances, and are remarkably successful at this task. However, it is only when we overload our bodies with toxins and detox systems can't keep up, that problems begin to appear. Factors that can diminish our natural capacity to detox include diet and lifestyle choices, genetic make-up and extended exposure to toxic elements. Here is how you can support your body's detox mechanism:

Liver: You can assist liver function by consuming a detox diet full of healthy, organic, low-glycemic foods, including lots of plant foods (fruits and vegetables) and adequate protein. Include sulfur-rich foods (eggs and cruciferous vegetables), and avoid fried, smoked, or cured foods. Replace ready seasonings and sauces with natural ones (lemon/lime juice, vinegar, mustard, sage, and thyme). While detoxing your body, drink plenty of filtered, spring, or mineral water. Include some aerobic exercise in your day and limit your alcohol intake. Take only the prescribed dosage of prescription medication, vitamins, minerals, or supplements.

Kidneys: You can support kidney function by eating an alkalizing diet with fruits and vegetables rich in minerals, and drinking plenty of pure water. Alcohol, especially in excess, compromises kidney function.

GI tract: One way to support your GI tract is to ensure regular bowel movement. Also important is sufficient intake of fiber and water. Try to ensure a healthy supply of "friendly bacteria", a good source of which is yogurt.

Respiration: One way to detoxify the body naturally is to quit smoking and avoid "congesting foods" such as red meat, refined grains, and sweets. Regular exercise is important, and also beneficial are practices that emphasize deep breathing, such as yoga.

Skin: You can promote skin health by working a sweat, either while you exercise, or in a sauna. Also helpful are steam showers, hot baths with Epsom salts, and traditional Native American sweat lodges. Dry brushing of the skin is helpful to exfoliate dead cells. It is advisable to use laundry and personal care products without harsh chemicals.

Lymphatic System: The lymphatic system carries out the important function of producing and transporting lymph (a translucent fluid) from tissues to the bloodstream, which traps and subsequently destroys bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances. The lymphatic system benefits from exercise, deep breathing, and regular body movement.

Eliminate toxins that exist in your home environment in the form of harsh chemicals in cleaning supplies, personal care products, cosmetics, etc. other sources are pharmaceutical medication (antibiotics, HRT, NSAID's, etc.) recreational drugs, second-hand smoke, and alcohol, and toxic mold. To conclude, you already have the knowledge of how to detox your body. It's called healthy living and comprises eating healthy foods like fruits and vegetables, minimizing the intake of ready, processed and fried foods, drinking plenty of water, exercising, giving up bad habits like smoking and excessive drinking, avoiding caffeine, reducing stress, anxiety, depression and taking care of one's emotional well-being.