There are hundreds of methods to cleanse and detox your body, leaving you feeling more alert, energized and healthy. The purpose of a detox is to release the build-up of toxins that accumulate in your body's tissues. Detoxing and cleansing has been done for centuries, and doesn't need to cost a lot of money to be effective and achieve the desired results. Remember that a detox is not a diet; its job is to help your body regain balance and higher functioning, not weight loss.
Fasting
The body naturally detoxes itself by filtering toxic material through the kidneys, liver and colon. Certain foods, medicines and environmental conditions put added stress on these organs. You can do a simple detox by fasting. A fast can mean many different things, but for the purpose of a cleanse, it refers to eliminating ingested items that would "clog" the system. Many religions have fasts associated with different holidays that eliminate certain food items, such as meat, which is difficult to digest. Reducing excessive salt, caffeine and processed foods helps the body focus on naturally eliminating built-up waste. Many fasts eliminate food, but include fresh-squeezed juices to prevent malnutrition. Consume a lot of water during a cleanse, and abort the fast if you become ill, as a serious electrolyte imbalance may cause health issues.
Water
While many fasts allow basic, unprocessed-food intake, the strictest form of fasting only allows water intake. Caffeine and processed foods dehydrate the body, which prevents cells from functioning optimally. Flushing the system on a water fast will re-hydrate your body and release toxins. Some people do a water fast that includes an electrolyte (mineral) supplement to maintain the necessary balance in the body.
Sweating
Sweating to detoxify the body has been utilized by Native Americans for centuries in sweat huts. Sweating cleanses the body by dilating blood cells and improving lung intake. The increase of oxygen being transported into your body helps force toxins out. Sweating opens clogged pores, allowing you to sweat out toxins, metals and by-products. In order to sweat, your body temperature must increase, which reduces bad virus and bacteria levels. While Native Americans used sweat lodges, you can achieve the same result from a good workout.
Tags: your body, Native Americans, processed foods, water fast