Easy Detox Methods

Toxins are a part of everyday modern life. They are in the foods you eat, the water you use to bathe and even the air you breathe. The human body has an efficient filtration system to collect toxins and keep them from circulating through your bloodstream. However, the liver and kidneys, which are the two organs primarily responsible for toxin filtration, need periodic breaks to function efficiently. Detoxification can help to ease the stress on the liver, kidneys and other organs, according to Dr. James F. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing."

Fasting

Fasting is one of the simplest detoxification methods. Fasting involves going for a period of time without food. Some people fast by drinking only water, while others include lemon and honey in water to add a few vitamins and calories. A three-day fast can help to rid the body of toxins and improve liver and kidney function, according to Dr. James F. Balch. He recommends switching to a diet that primarily consists of raw vegetables three days before a fast to reduce shock to your body.

Fiber

Increasing fiber is another easy way to detoxify your body. Fiber helps the body to collect toxins in stool and excrete them from the body. Whole grain versions of foods such as pastas and breads provide fiber for detoxification. Flax meal, which is made from ground flax seeds, is an especially good source of fiber, notes Dr. Balch.
The advantage of using fiber to detox is that it does not require a radical lifestyle change. You can simply switch from white bread to whole grain bread, or sprinkle a teaspoon of flax meal over pasta sauce or in a smoothie.

Herbs

Using herbs is another way to detoxify the body without resorting to drastic measures. Adding herbs as supplements can help to gently cleanse the bloodstream--dandelion root, licorice root and alfalfa are all popular detoxification herbs. Garlic is one of the most potent herbal detoxifiers, and has been used in herbal remedies for more than 1,000 years. European studies have shown that garlic can also purge lead and other heavy metals that accumulate in the body, according to Michael Castleman, author of "The Healing Herbs."