Why do People Detox?

You've got friends who are healthier than you who casually mention detoxing, but perhaps you haven't had the courage to ask what detoxing is? Detoxification is the active purifying of the body, performed as an internal cleanse. After detoxing, people report feeling thinner, lighter, refreshed, and rejuvenated.

Why do people participate in detox programs? Each and every day you have to deal with an assortment of toxins your body was not created to withstand. You probably have to deal with at least some of the following: smoke (first or second-hand), exhaust fumes, pesticides, residual smells and air pollants related to chemicals, alcohol, preservatives, and a host of unhealthy foods. Pollution builds up in our bodies, forcing our systems to deal with more chemicals and waste products than we were designed to handle. Detox programs help you remove excess waste so your body can recover from this stress.

Now that you're interested in detoxing, you're probably wondering what a detox program entails. You'll want to limit your intake of toxins by avoiding smoke, running an air purifier, buying a water filter, and avoiding caffeine, alcohol, sugar, and fat for the duration of your detox program. Fast from everything but organic fruit and vegetables while detoxing; this will give your body a break from heavy foods and artificial addidtives. You'll need to fill up on water, tea, and fresh produce, all of which will promote good elimination.

What can you do to encourage regularity? Senna tea and water are key elements to a healthy elimination diet. Keep your diet mostly raw fruit and vegetables. Many people choose to juice during a detox session, or to live on the Master Cleanse lemonade concoction of lemon juice, water, pure maple syrup, and cayenne pepper. Choose a time period - like a long weekend--for your detox program; it'll be easier to handle if you make it a short commitment.

Once you are done detoxing, gradually reintroduce foods one by one. Detox as often or as infrequently as your body demands, using health symptoms as cues.