Detox Cleaning

For years, humans have been changing the chemistry of the environment and replacing nutrient-rich foods with foods containing artificial colorings, flavorings and preservatives, according to Healthy U, a website provided by Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, Minnesota. To defend against the chemicals and toxins entering your body, you may choose to perform one of many detox cleaning regimens.

Toxins

Toxins can build up from both external and internal sources. You consume chemicals when you eat processed foods, according to Aurora Health Care. Even non-processed foods can contain chemicals from farmers who use artificial fertilizers, pesticides, or pharmaceutical drugs to treat their animals. The water you drink may even contain toxins. In addition to all the environmental and food toxins, your body produces toxins when your digestive system fails to function properly or when you experience stress. Your body's liver, lungs, kidneys and lymph systems help to eliminate these toxins. However, if they build up, you may experience symptoms such as fatigue, mucus problems, headache, unexplained body aches and pains, digestive problems and sensitivity to environmental irritants such as perfumes, advises Dr. Elson M. Haas and Buck Levin in their book, “Staying Healthy With Nutrition.”

Detox Cleaning

Detoxification, also known as detox cleaning, helps to remove toxins that can build up body. Detox cleaning can consist of anything that promotes the elimination of toxins, such as drinking a minimum of 64 ounces of water a day, fasting, using “cleansing” herbs and supplements, using colonics, or removing mercury fillings, according to Aurora Health Care.

Benefits

Detox cleaning may provide you with a variety of benefits. Your digestive system may being to function better, according to Healthy U. As your hormone system and immune system become toxin free, you may experience the ability to focus better and an increase in your energy level. You may even find it easier to lose weight as your toxin levels go down, which can reduce your cravings for sugar, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and other addictive substances.

Risks

As with almost any practice, you also face various risks when performing detox cleaning. Common side effects include fatigue, headache, nausea and vomiting, according to Keri Glassman, a registered dietitian speaking on an episode of “The Early Show” on CBS. She advises that extreme detox cleansing requiring the use of fasting, laxatives or enemas can lead to nutrient deficiencies, dehydration and a variety of other serious health problems. She recommends that you consult a medical professional prior to beginning any detox cleaning program.

Promoting Natural Detox

You can prevent the risks associated with rapid detox cleaning by allowing your body to detox itself naturally. A diet high in plant based foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables will provide your body with the best fuel for fighting off toxins, according to USC University Hospital in Los Angeles. Finally, drink adequate amounts of water and limit your consumption of caffeine, alcohol, fatty meat, and sugar.