Detoxification programs are designed to eliminate harmful toxins from the body via the natural channels. Toxins come from the foods you eat as well as your surrounding environment. Detoxification can be in the form of altering the diet, pure liquid diets, herbal supplementation or numerous combinations of each. When choosing a detoxification program, consider the organs involved in the metabolic process: the liver, kidneys and blood.
Liver Detoxification
The liver is the body's metabolic mothership. With over 500 functions, including energy production, hormone production and regulation, and the break down of toxins, the liver is highly susceptible to toxin overload. There are several natural herbs that are known to aid the liver in detoxification. Milk thistle increases the production of antioxidants, neutralizes toxins and regenerates damaged liver tissue. Dandelion root stimulates the liver to release toxins. Other herbs are barberry root bark, tumeric, burdock root and kelp.
Kidney Detoxification
The kidneys are bean shaped organs that are responsible for keeping the blood clean and chemically balanced. When overloaded with toxins, the kidneys' ability to filter toxins from the blood is compromised. Natural herbs that assist in detoxifying the kidneys include burdock root, parsely and juniper berries.
Blood Purification
Blood plays a vital role in eliminating toxins from the body. Blood transports nutrients to all cells of the body and regeneration cannot take place with excess toxins. Herbs do not directly purify the blood, however they stimulate the organs responsible for eliminating toxins from the body. Dandelion root, chlorophyll and yellow dock are herbs commonly used to cleanse the blood.
Considerations
Detoxification and supplementation may have harmful side effects and negative interactions with certain medications. It is always best to consult with your physician prior to starting a detoxification and supplement program.
References
- "Herbs for Detoxification"; Karen Bradstreet; c. 2001
- National Institute of Health; Kidney Functions
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