Are you having skin problems, body aches, digestive problems or weight issue or always feeling low on energy? You wish that you could refresh your body system like you refresh your computer with just a click. Well it is possible to rejuvenate your body with a body detox treatment.
This is not an advance technology but it is age old approach which is well practiced, proven and very effective. Body detoxification has been practiced by many cultures and it is mentioned in ayurvedic and Chinese medicine scriptures which states that detoxification is a way to cleanse, nourish and provide rest to the body from inside out.
Detoxification of the body involves removal of the toxins and providing healthy nutrients to it. Thus, the body gets rejuvenated and all systems of the body get improved.
How detoxification process occurs and affects the body?
Our body is capable of removing toxins from the body which is produced by metabolic reactions in the body or entered to the body through processed food and chemicals used in food items such as additives, preservatives etc. Liver is the main organ which is involved in detoxification of the body and besides that several other organs also perform this job which is kidneys, intestines, lungs, lymph and skin. Removal of toxins is necessary to prevent any interference in the biological reactions and increase the efficiency of the metabolism. Since, blood is the carrier of every chemical in the body therefore detoxification is focused on cleaning of blood.
A detox treatment cleanses the body in many ways which are following as:
- Prevent overloading of body with food by minimizing its intake
- Provide rest to the organ system through fasting
- Large amount of fluid intake promotes elimination of toxins through intestine, kidneys and skin
- Improve blood circulation in the body
- Stimulates liver to detoxify the body
- Use the fat deposits to meet the calorie requirements of the body during fasting
- Refuel the body with required nutrients
When do you need detoxification?
Ideally, one should go for detox treatment once a year but people with special conditions such as nursing mothers, children, and patient with chronic degenerative diseases, cancer or tuberculosis should avoid it. Diabetes patients should consult to the doctor before opting for detoxification. There are some symptoms which indicates that you need a detox treatment and these are
- Constant tiredness
- Irritated skin and allergies
- Puffy eyes and dark circles
- Inefficient elimination of body waste
- Bloating and persistent constipation
- Mental confusion
What are the precautions one should take during detox treatment?
Toxin is of two types, one is produced in the body as a byproduct of metabolic reaction and it is eliminated by the liver or other organs. On the other hand, other type of toxin entered into the body through processed food and its constituents such as preservatives, additives, flavoring chemicals. Besides that, unhealthy habits like drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes or other tobacco products also add toxins to the body. Therefore, you should avoid processed food, drinking and smoking.
You should also minimize the use of chemical based products such as household cleaners, health care products like shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste etc. You can use their natural substitutes or minimize their use to prevent toxins from entering your body.
Another factor which can interfere with detoxify the Body treatment is stress. Stress can slow down the enzymes involved in toxin elimination process in the liver. Therefore, try to arrange your detox plan when you have enough time to follow its routine to get effective results. You can practice yoga, Qigong or meditation which can effectively remove stress from your mind.
How to choose it?
It depends on your need and schedule. You can either choose one day detox plan or 3 – 7 days juice fasting in which you will drink only juice of fresh fruits and vegetables along with plenty of water. Don’t go beyond 7 days as it can cause complication as your body cannot survive only on liquid diet for so long. You can rather modify your unhealthy eating habits and retain benefits of detoxify the body treatment for longer duration.
Food and lifestyle practices used to detoxify the body
Sugar
Sugar has lots of ill effects on the body as it increases weight and large amount of sugar in body requires more insulin which results into stress on pancreas and thus you feel yourself worn out. Therefore, starts the detox plan by stopping or minimizing the intake of sugar in any form which includes honey, molasses, artificial sweeteners and other sugary delights.
Water
Most of the toxins present in the blood are eliminated by the kidney in urine but if you water intake will be low then there will be less urine and less toxin removal. Therefore, you have to drink at least 3 – 4 liter of water in a day for better removal of toxic waste. You can drink water with dash of lemon juice as lemon will rehydrate the system and promotes digestion. It also facilitates the flow of waste out of the body.
Exercise
You should not do heavy weight training during detox treatment as you are on liquid diet but you can take a morning walk or light jogging will also be fine as it will refresh the mind and body.
Herbal tea
Unsweetened herbal tea is the best way to start the day during detox treatment as it hydrates you and fills you up means you will not overeat and have less hunger pangs.
Organic food
You will be mostly eating salad, cooked vegetables and fruits during detoxification and therefore, try to use only organic produce so it remains chemical free.
Neti pot
To eliminate the effect of pollutants and clear the breathing passage, doctors suggested using Neti Pot and it is even better if you use it before going to bed as it enhance your sleep and reduce snoring.
Sauna bath
This is an effective detoxification approach in which your body eliminates toxins through perspiration. Take a shower before entering into the sauna bath. Stay there for 10 – 15 minutes and get out of the sauna. Take a shower and a brisk walk. Rest for 20 minutes and then re – enter the sauna for 10 – 15 minutes. You should go through three sauna cycles which include shower, sauna, walk and rest.
Hydrotherapy
This therapy is used to cleanse your body by using water as a medium to deliver heat and cold temperature to the body. This temperature change causes changes in blood flow through vasodilation and vasoconstriction. Thus, it helps in removal of toxins from the tissues. Practice this therapy by taking hot shower for five minutes followed by cold shower for 30 seconds. Repeat this for three times and then get into bed for 30 minutes.
Meditation
Meditate by concentrating on your breathing and inner systems. Breathe deeply to allow more oxygen to circulate within your body. This practice will clear mental clutter and enhance concentration.