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.