Detox and purification rituals have been popular in religious practice for thousands of years. Today, as toxins accumulate in our environment and our bodies more quickly than ever before, detoxification programs are popular for health reasons. An effective, complete detoxification has five stages. During a detox the body takes the energy usually committed to digesting food and uses it to cleanse organs, including the liver, the colon and the G.I. tract.
History and Function
FastingResearch.org reports that the detoxification ritual of abstaining from food, or fasting, has occurred in every major religion since the beginning of recorded history. Less severe forms of detoxification diets have been popular in Eastern medicine for centuries. Chinese medicine advocates starting each season with a detoxification to prepare the body for changing foods and climates. Dr. Cory Reddish, a licensed naturopathic physician, notes on her website that detoxifications are also commonly used to eliminate metals and toxins from the body.
Stages
Begin a complete detoxification with an elimination diet. Take two weeks to cut caffeine, alcohol, processed sugar and meat out of your diet. This will prevent illness due to vast, abrupt dietary changes. When you are ready, move onto a fruit and vegetable diet for three to five days. Curb daily calorie consumption at 1,200 calories per day. Progress to the third, most restrictive phase of the detox, the liquids only phase. Consume fresh-pressed fruit and vegetable juices and water for one to five days. Curb calorie consumption at 1,000 calories per day. Ease out of your detox by repeating the whole fruit and vegetable stage and slowly reversing your elimination diet.
Exercise
Don't attempt strenuous exercise during a detoxification. The body needs the majority of its energy to cleanse its blood and organs. However, as Dr. Ben Kim points out on his website DrBenKim.com, gentle exercise is beneficial because it keeps blood circulation strong, eliminating toxins more efficiently. Engage in gentle yoga, slow walking, light stretching and meditation throughout your detox.
Hydration
Consume at least three liters of water each day during a detox. NaturalHealthPerspective.com notes that water will flush out your system, encourage toxin elimination through the skin and cleanse your kidneys. It may also help keep hunger at bay. Flavor water with lemon, cucumber or cayenne pepper for an added diuretic effect.
Side Effects
During a detox the body is releasing chemicals, pesticides, heavy metals and other waste products into the blood system to be eliminated from the body. This process can result in symptoms, including cold or fever, dry mouth, breakouts, nausea, headache and body ache. Do not be alarmed by the presence of these symptoms; they are signs that the detoxification is working.
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