I'm Healthy, Why Should I Detox?

Because of all the pollutants in the air we breathe and chemicals in the food we eat, one of the hottest health crazes lately has been to "detox" regularly. Some people recommend that we detox at least once a year but you can do it as often as once per month. "Detox" is short for detoxification, or removing toxins from our bodies. It is believed that these substances build up inside us and cause all kinds of health problems, from fatigue and headaches to more serious diseases like obesity.

There are many ways you can detox your body. One way is to fast for a certain length of time, usually 24 to 48 hours. During your fast, you would only drink herbal teas and plenty of water. Another way to cleanse your system is by eating strictly vegetables and herbal supplements for up to three weeks. This limits your exposure to food-borne chemicals and flushes the built-up substances out of your system. Another method includes a strict diet for three days along with brushing of your skin and cleansing baths each night.

Clearing the toxins out of your system makes you feel better, or "lighter" as some claim, and helps your liver to function more efficiently. Your liver is the organ that's responsible for removing the toxins from your body. But with all the chemicals we're exposed to today, our livers can become overworked and sluggish. Flushing these toxins out of your system is a great way to give your liver a boost.

When fasting to cleanse your body, you should avoid all dairy, wheat, refined sugars, caffeine, eggs, oats, and alcohol for the entire time. You should, however, drink plenty of water - 8 to 10 glasses per day. Herbal or green tea and food supplements are recommended during this time, as well as raw vegetables, fruit, and fruit juices.

Beware of some of the natural "cleansing" products you may find in health food stores, though. Many contain laxatives, which actually deplete your body of nutrients and fluids. Check the ingredients or do a little research before purchasing one of these products.

After detoxing, people report that they feel great and have more energy. Some even say they get fewer headaches and sleep much better when they detox regularly. So even if you're in great health, an occasional detox can make you feel even better. Try it. You never know how great you can feel until you do.