The world we live in today is filled with toxins. They come from a variety of sources and in many different forms. Toxins are in the water we drink, the food we eat and the air that we breathe. Toxins are also found in pharmaceutical drugs, soil, cookware and personal care products. This constant exposure leads to toxic overload, a steady buildup of complex chemicals and accumulated poisons that are not adequately eliminated from the body. The toxic load reduces the body's natural ability to eliminate disease-causing toxins. Water, the most pure and natural detox, heals and restores the body through cleansing and nourishment.
Why Detox?
In "Reduce Your Toxic Load," Lucretia Schanfarber reports that there are a number of serious health conditions which have been scientifically linked to the presence of toxins within the body. Examples of such problems include cancer, neurological disorders, hormone and endocrine disorders, birth defects and abnormal development, reproductive problems, and immune disorders. In addition, poor memory, connective tissue and joint disorders, chronic fatigue, allergies, obesity, depression, skin disorders, metabolic disorders, obesity, and liver malfunction are all associated with the presence of toxins.
Detox Physiology
While contaminants are easily ingested and absorbed in the body, the process of eliminating toxins involves a complex series of events. According to Sally Mathrick in "The Ways of Detox,' the liver is the major organ responsible for detoxification of the body, as it is in a continual process of transforming toxins into harmless substances that can be excreted. During a detox, toxins are released from storage into the bloodstream. The liver picks up the toxins for excretion, thereby cleansing the blood. In addition, sweat, tears and other bodily fluids act as elimination channels. For effective detoxification, all elimination channels must be operating adequately. If toxins are not eliminated from the body, they will travel through the lymphatic system to other organs in the body, interfering with the immune, respiratory, urinary, circulatory and digestive systems.
Why Water?
Water is the body's most important nutrient, and it is involved in every bodily function. It aids in metabolism, digestion, temperature regulation, the transportation of oxygen, the cushioning of joints and the flushing of toxins. In "Water, an Essential but Overlooked Nutrient," Susan Kleiner states that water is essential to the cleansing process of the body, as it transports nutrients, purifies the internal organs and flushes waste. Drinking enough water is important to maintain a healthy, disease-free body. The current suggestion is to consume six to eight 8 oz. glasses of water per day. A water detox program emphasizes the need to consume an adequate amount of water daily to support the body's natural cleansing process. Water supports the body's cleansing and elimination needs like no other nutrient. Water is the most potent natural detox and has been used in traditional medicinal practices to heal the body. Water has been used to remove toxins and restore health since primitive times.
Water Detox Program
According to "Pure Inside Out," fresh juice and soft foods should be consumed prior to beginning a water detox program to gently guide the body into the detox. It is recommended to drink only distilled mineral water, as it is free of any toxins. Meditation and prayer often accompany a detox program to assist the body in releasing impure toxins and fat and to help focus the mind and body's energy. For the initial water detox, it is suggested that distilled water be combined with fresh fruit juices to ease the impact. As the detox progresses, the toxin level in the blood goes up, therefore, individuals may experience dizziness, fever or headache, all of which are natural. These symptoms will not last; as the water passes through the system, they will be relieved. A water detox program is estimated to last approximately 48 hours.
Recommendations
As with any detox approach, the water detox program is highly individualized. While some resort to sleeping through the detox period, others feel rejuvenated, energetic and renewed. Regardless, individuals should consult a health care provider before beginning such a program. The health care professional can recommend the most appropriate detox program and assist with any complications that may arise. A water detox is not an immediate or enduring remedy; rather, it is an ongoing therapeutic process, which assists the body in eliminating toxins and returning to its natural state.
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