Natural Detox

The human body is a collection of complex systems, which in normal conditions are in perfect balance, with the various systems interacting and functioning symbiotically together to maintain overall health. For instance, the effective functioning of the digestive system along with the body’s natural detoxification system depends on the secretions of various organs like the pancreas, the liver, and the gall bladder. While the digestive system absorbs the nutrients required by the body, the process of detoxification breaks down toxins into substances that are less harmful, which are then excreted through the stool and urine.

It has been known since ancient times that toxins accumulate in the human system, which cause many health problems. Hence, various remedies have been devised in order to cleanse the body, such as steam baths, fasting, and other procedures involving internal cleansing. Modern medicine, however, disregarded these ancient methods, although of late scientific research is proving that prolonged exposure to harmful toxins and chemicals actually do cause many of the chronic ailments that are in evidence today, and the importance of detoxifying the body is being recognized as vitally important for health.

The various natural detoxification systems of the human body are: the respiratory system, the gastrointestinal system, the urinary system, the lymphatic system, and the detoxification carried out by the skin through sweat, tears, and the sebaceous glands. As long as the levels of toxins remain low, these natural detoxification systems of the body can handle them quite adequately. The protective mechanisms the human body uses are: cellular shedding, cell repair, excretion and dietary antioxidants. As long as the human body is fed with healthy food, and has adequate fiber and water, it has the ability to detoxify itself. This natural system of detoxification of the body usually protects us from the toxins we are exposed to everyday, and thus helps us to remain healthy.

The trouble is that we may be under the misconception that incorporating a healthy lifestyle and consuming wholesome food are enough to protect us from health problems. However, the fresh vegetables and fruits that we eat are usually laden with pesticides, plus preservatives are used in many of the foods as well as body-care products we use. We even inhale toxins with the air we breathe in, because of pollution.

Although the human body tries valiantly to eliminate all these harmful elements through the lungs, skin, kidneys, and bowels, when the level of toxins gets too much for it to handle, or when the system finds it hard to break down certain toxins, they enter the bloodstream, getting deposited in various tissues like the joints and fat. Over time, there is a build up of this toxic waste in these tissues, leading to various health problems.

Natural detox treatment is a process of cleansing which ensures that the toxins in the body are reduced to levels that the human system finds manageable. Usually, natural detox treatment involves incorporating a diet that comprises of wholesome, natural food, which can include herbal detoxification products such as herbal teas. If certain basics are maintained, it is quite simple to plan a detox diet. Basically, care must be taken to avoid all products containing additives and synthetic preservatives. Natural detox diets, ideally, should incorporate organic foods, because they are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients, all of which are vitally important for detoxification. A detoxification diet should also include water and fiber in adequate amounts, because these are necessary for eliminating toxins through the urine and stool.

A natural detox diet includes all types of seeds, vegetables, fruit, and fish, as long as they are fresh, canned in water, or are dried. Unsalted seeds and nuts should be eaten. It is recommended avoiding adding sugar to juices and drinks. It is also advised not to be involved in any other activity while eating. In other words, keep a time aside for your meals, and relax and have them, focusing on what you are eating. Give yourself enough time to chew the food properly before swallowing.

Some of the other natural detox methods are breathing techniques, fasting, exercise, and hydrotherapy.