Gentle Ways to Detox the Body

When your mind is drained, your body aches and your energy levels are close to zero, it's time for a body detox.

Imagine yourself having clearer skin, a sharper mind, more energy, a stronger immune system and feeling healthy inside out - - these are the things that you can enjoy by undergoing a detoxification program.

Cover of Detox (Natural Care Handbook)Detoxification basically means blood cleansing through eliminating impurities from the blood in the liver, through kidneys, lungs, intestines, lymph and skin. Sometimes reading information on full-body detox programs can sound pretty scary. And while these comprehensive types of programs can certainly be helpful (if you choose the right ones, and in the right order), getting started with removing toxins from your body can entail just a few simple steps.

Taking your first step:

First, you have to reduce the levels of toxins already in your body. Try to cut down on the following: cigarettes, alcohol, coffee, eating foods with saturated fats and refined sugars (cola and ketchup contains a lot) - these acts as toxins in your body and as a hindrance to your healing development.

The use of household cleaners that are chemical-based and personal health care products such as shampoos, toothpaste, deodorants and cleansers should be reduced as well. These chemicals accumulate inside us due to daily use; we never really fully eliminate them unless going through a process of detoxification. We recommend switching entirely away from these products, and using only 100% natural (and organic, where you can find them) products, such as those found at http://www.newholisticliving.com/toxicload.html.

There are many ways to detox the body. It’s up to you to choose which suits your lifestyle and preference.

•    Juice fasting

Drinking only fresh fruits and vegetables such as carrot, spinach, celery, cabbage, apple, pineapple and cranberry (avoid citrus fruits). An effective way of discharging toxins, it also provides loads of nutrients as well as enzymes to lessen the intensity of the cleansing process to an easier and gentler experience.

Fast weight loss is another main benefit from juice fasting. A person may drop 30-40 lbs on a 30-day juice fast. By juice fasting, a person gains self-confidence and feels light and clean.

However, the recommended duration of juice fasting is usually 1-3 days. Medical administration and careful assessment is required for longer fasting.

•    Water fasting

Only water is consumed during a water fast. Water lets the digestive tract and organs rest completely, allowing all of your energy to self-repair and strengthen damaged organs. It also eliminates toxin build-ups.

Water fasting not only eliminates obstructions and aids in self-healing, it is also revitalizing and motivating to make a fresh start.

Here are some other gentler and safer ways to detox your body that you can try out or incorporate different methods as part of your routine.

1. Change in diet.

Whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables instead of packaged and fast foods that are high on fats and sugar can become part of your daily lifestyle in maintaining good health. (We recommend home-grown, or locally grown and organic where possible.)

Image via Wikipedia2. Sauna.

The sauna is widely used by many cultures as a regular part of detox. It is a great method of removing chemicals buildups in fat cells. Saunas are usually combined with diet, exercise and nutritional supplements.

3. Skin brushing.

Again, with the combination of diet, exercise and nutritional supplements, skin brushing is also a gentle way of detoxing. It removes old skin cells, stimulates the lymph system and draws out toxins through the skin. A dry skin brush made of soft vegetable bristles should be used.

Before taking a shower, lightly brush your skin from head to toe in a circular motion towards the chest area for a minute or two.

4. Yoga.

Through controlled breathing combined with exercise, the bloodstream thoroughly oxygenates thus giving energy and improving the body’s physical processes. Different positions lightly massage the internal organs and stimulate them to slowly discharge toxins.

These cleansing methods are just a guide to what it can do to improve your health. It is necessary to know why detox is important and understand the different ways on how to detox the body before you begin with the different programs.


As always, we recommend you consult with your natural healthcare practitioner before beginning any detox program.