What is Detoxicification?

What is detoxicification? The removal of potentially toxic substances from the body through dieting or fasting. Toxins tend to "hang around" the digestive and gastrointestinal systems, the lymph nodes, skin and hair, and the respiratory system. The body tend to eliminate toxins through the liver and kidneys by the process of sweat, urine and feces. However, because of emotional stress or dehydration, toxins do not leave our bodies. Through herbs, special diets and other methods of removing environmental and dietary toxins from the body for general health, the body is able to "detox."

How do you know you many need to "detox?" What do the symptoms include? Headaches, nausea, tiredness, acne, joint pains, backaches, tight or stiff neck, cough, wheezing, sore throat, itchy nose, frequent colds, fever, irritated eyes, sinus congestion, constipation, angina pectrois, circulatory deficits, high blood fats, anorexia, depression, anxiety, bad breath, hives and skin rashes.

What does toxicification involve? One or two days on a completely liquid diet, which includes herbal, non-caffeinated and green tea; water; lemon water; 100% natural fruit and vegetable juice; and rice milk. After four or five days, brown rice and fruit and steamed vegetables may be added.

What are some cleansing herbs and what do they focus on? Garlic lowers blood fats, cleanses the blood, and is an excellent natural antibotic. Echinacea is an excellent lymph cleanser, and it greatly improves lymphocyte and phagocyte actions. Dandelion root, another excellent liver and blood cleanser, is also an excellent diuretic to filter toxins. Parsley, another excellent diuretic, flushes the kidneys. Red clover blossoms are another excellent blood cleanser. Cayenne pepper, a blood purifier, increases fluid elimination and sweat.

What kinds of food are allowed on a detoxicification diet? All fresh fruit is allowed, however, fresh vegetables are limited to broccoli, cauliflower, broccoli sprouts, onion, garlic, artichokes, beets and other red and green vegetables. Rice should be limited to a brown or basmati, rice cakes, rice crackers, and rice pasta. Split yellow and green peas, lentils, and kidney, pinto and garbanzo beans are included. Nuts allowed include almonds, cashews, and walnuts. Peanuts should be avoided. Seeds include flax, pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower. Condiments should be limited to vegetable salt, sea salt, vinegar, naturally fermented soy sauce or tamari, herbs and spices and a limited amount of honey. Extra virgin olive oil should be the only oil used.

What types of guidelines should be followed? A minimum of eight glasses of water should be drunken at room temperature to clear waste from blood. Fruit juice should be diluted with 50 percent water. Food should be thoroughly chewed, especially grains. No liquids should be consumed around mealtime.

Are there any drawbacks to detoxicification? Red meat, wheat, sugar, eggs, or prepackaged and junk foods should be avoided. Detoxicification is not meant for short term results, nor is it recommended to help lose weight. The fasting involved will drop pounds, but it is mostly water and some muscle. Metabolism may slow as a result. Laxative supplements should be limited, as they may cause dehydration, mineral imbalance and digestive system problems. Detoxicification is not recommended for teens, as they need lots of good nutrition with high calories and protein to support growth and development. It is also very risky for people with diabetes and low blood sugar.

What are positive aspects of detoxicification? Detoxicification is supposed to prevent and cure disease. A person is supposed to have more energy and become more focused and clear headed. Most importantly, elimination is increased to cleanse the colon and enhance circulation, while providing nutrients to support and protect the liver.