What is Detoxification and what is it used for?

Detox Do's and Dont's

Well tis the season to now watch what is going into our bodies. During a quick break or a lovely holiday over the Christmas/New Year/School Holidays we tend to give ourselves a break from being strict and allow ourselves more drinks and food than usual. Round about now we are usually in a frame of mind to correct those overindulgences or perhaps start a new year with healthy body resolutions in mind.  Detox information tends to be everywhere due to this trend as it's often a good way to start off a new healthy or weight loss regime. Due to having so many different detox programmes and info available on this topic, I thought I would give a quick break down of doing a detox safely.

Detoxification is simply the removing of some of the toxins that accumulate and can store in our body. The longer you 'detoxify', the more toxins you can remove. We become 'toxic' from our lifestyle choices. Smoking, drinking alcohol and/or caffeine drinks, consuming foods high in sugar, salt and bad fats, consuming too much food for the body's energy needs and therefore carrying extra body fat, working around or being in an environment of pollution and chemicals and stress are just some of the ways we can accumulate toxins.

So, just with that information, you could detox by just removing those elements.  A detox can simply be a period of time (the longer, the better) where you don't smoke, drink alcohol or caffeine and don't consume foods high in fat, sugar or salt (any processed food basically). Of course it may be harder for some to cut out all that at the same time so a good way to get started is to stop one at a time at weekly intervals so eventually you give your body a break from them all at once. You can also take certain supplements to aid the detox of your body. An excellent herb you can take in tablet form is St Mary's Thistle also known as Milk Thistle. This herb helps your liver (our main detox organ) to more efficiently clear toxins out of your body (they leave via our sweat, bowel motions, urine and breath). Increasing fibre in a detox is also a good idea, so along with your fruit/veg and legumes, take more fibre in the form of slippery elm and/or psyllium husks to keep your bowels moving which help keep clearing toxins. Also plenty of water is required on a detox, at least 2 litres a day to keep the kidneys flushed and ridding toxins via the urine.  A good amount of time to 'detox' your body is for around 6 weeks but any time shorter than that will still be an improvement and of course longer is even better – it will all depend on your level of toxicity which is of course dependant on your previous lifestyle choices.

Now there may be a few symptoms on a detox that aren't very fun but they are usually quite mild and some people don't suffer from them at all! Because you are cleaning your body up by giving your liver a break so it can cleanse your blood unencumbered by what you are eating and drinking you may feel or see the toxins leaving your body. This could be a foggy head or slight headache, or some pimples but eventually your skin will be glowing, your eyes and hair will be shining and your energy levels will increase so much, not to mention feeling lighter and less cranky!

Detox Do's

• Do drink 2 litres of filtered water daily
• Do eat foods in their most natural (and unprocessed) form
• Do eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit
• Do eat some protein in the form of eggs, chicken and fish
• Do eat plenty of fibre in the form of chickpeas, all beans, brown rice etc.
• Do choose wholemeal or wholegrain breads and pasta
• Do get fresh air daily by walking for 30-40 mins or some outside activity
• Do reward yourself by getting a massage, having an epsom salt bath etc.
• Do take any natural supplement that may aid your detox journey (milk thistle, fibres, liver cleanse tabs, chlorophyll, vitamins and minerals, amino acids such as taurine)
• Do drink herbal teas, freshly made vegetable/fruit juices or water with fresh lemon as your beverages
• Do realise that you will sleep better, have more energy, lose weight and feel fantastic!

Detox Dont's

• Don't drink alcohol, caffeine drinks or sugary drinks
• Don't smoke or take recreational drugs
• Don't eat foods that are fried or red meat (higher in fat)
• Don't eat processed foods (anything packaged) or 'white' foods such as sugar, white flour, white rice and pasta etc.
• Don't eat more than you can burn off with exercise
• Don't starve yourself or 'fast' as your body needs fuel to do its detox properly
• Don't put yourself in social situations during your detox that will make it hard for you to stick to it (pubs, clubs, any people or environment that would compromise your good work)
• Don't stay up late at night, the body heals itself while we sleep so get plenty of it!
• Don't worry! Relax whenever you can and remember how good you are going to feel.

Please click here If you are interested in contacting Alisha for freelance health articles.

Benefits of Colon Cleansing 

What is Colon Cleansing?

The term Colon Cleanse refers to the process of removing toxins, debris, and waste from the colon and your intestines. There are many schools of thought about the proper process of colon cleansing, however, most health experts agree, there are a multitude of healthful benefits associated with ridding your body of toxins. Learn about the benefits of colon cleansing and how a proper colon cleanse can improve your health.

One of the primary benefits of colon cleansing is that it improves the functioning of the colon and is helpful in alleviating or preventing constipation. The typical American diet is rich in foods that cause constipation such as meats, dairy products, and pre-packaged dinners. These foods are high in fat, refined sugars, and preservatives and they can be very difficult to digest. In addition, most Americans do not even come close to eating the recommended amount of fiber that helps to aid digestion and move waste through the system. The result is a partial decomposition of waste, which becomes encrusted on the walls of the colon walls and hinders elimination.

A good cleansing program should always begin by removing the waste in your colon, the last portion of your food processing chain. If you attempt to clean your liver, blood, or lymph system without first addressing a waste filled bowel, the excreted toxins will only get recycled back into your body.

One of the most frequent bowel problems that people experience today is constipation. Constipation is generally attributed to a low fiber diet and lack of sufficient water, which cause our fecal matter to become condensed and compressed.

The longer your body is exposed to putrefying food in your intestines, the greater the risk of developing disease. Even with one bowel movement per day, you will still have at least three meals worth of waste matter putrefying in your colon at all times. On top of all this, your system can also become continuously self-polluting by the poisonous gases that are caused by foods you don't tolerate. These poisonous gases can enter your bloodstream, irritating your organs and joints.

Benefits of Colon Cleansing

Colon cleansing can provide relief from illnesses such as colds & flu, constipation, diarrhea, breath and body odors, fatigue, headaches, sinusitis, allergies, hemorrhoids, weight problems, digestive difficulties, back and muscle aches, knee pain, poor eyesight, poor memory, stress, etc. We as human beings cannot expect to have quick minds or vitality for living when our bodies are polluted with waste. People report greater alertness, overwhelming joy, incredible insight, and even better sex after cleansing their colon.

Cleansing with Fiber 

Fiber plays an essential role in maintaining the health of the digestive system, and adequate fiber in the diet has significant value in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and other ailments. Fiber cleanses the digestive tract and enhances its function. Metabolised by intestinal bacteria into substances that prevent colon cancer, Fiber dilutes and speeds the removal of carcinogens and other toxins in foods so that they spare the delicate lining of the GI tract. Fiber helps achieve optimal blood sugar control and cholesterol levels by slowing digestion and maximising cholesterol excretion.

Herbal Colon Cleanse

Herbal colon cleansing may decrease the risks of developing certain health problems. Many people who are affected by a health condition have found that cleansing can help their body rejuvenate itself naturally. The body's immune system is the first line of defense against almost all infections and diseases. If your body has a strong immune system you will be less prone to infection. The immune system is made up of a vast system of lymphatic channels and lymph nodes. Detoxing your body and your colon with the right herbs and supplements is an all natural way to remove unwanted toxins and heavy metals from lymphatic system improving the overall immune system. 

By: Rosa parks

More Detail About Colon Cleanse  

Two Simple Ideas for Preventing Colon Cancer

Colon cancer starts with colon polyps. Polyps are growths in the inner lining of your colon walls. They are formed when the inner lining is irritated or attacked by fecal matter toxins. When you have colon polyps, you dramatically increase your risk of getting colon cancer.

To prevent getting colon cancer you need to prevent getting polyps. If you have polyps then you need to prevent them from becoming cancerous.

Here are some ideas that you can use in preventing colon cancer whether you have or do not have polyps.

Polyps occur when your fecal matter is toxic and becomes stagnant. When your fecal matter stops moving in your colon, then toxic matter in the fecal matter comes in contact with your colon wall. It is this colon area that becomes irritated and over time weakens. As inflammation sets in and irritation continues, toxins are absorbed into the colon wall and a growth occurs. This growth will continue as long as you continue to have toxic fecal matter and constipation.

Here are two things that can help you from creating and irritating polyps.

First eliminate any form of constipation. You have constipation if you don't have at least two bowel movements daily when you have three meals a day. Determine how long it takes for your food to pass through your body. A good rule of thumb is, it should take about 24 hours for food to travel from your mouth and out your anus.

After you eat breakfast in the morning, drink 6 - 8 oz of any juice with 2 oz of liquid chlorophyll. You can use 2 oz of red beet juice if you prefer. Then check when you start to see either green or red stools. This is your colon transit time. If it takes more than 24 hours then you need to reduce this time.

Preventing colon cancer requires that fecal matter move through your colon without remaining at one spot for too long.

The second thing you can do to prevent colon cancer is to change your fecal matter toxic level. Two things that make your fecal matter more toxic are undigested food and carcinogenic chemicals.
Since, most processed foods such as breads, packaged foods, cooked foods, processed meats, and pasteurized liquids lack digestive enzymes, your body is unable to digest all of the food that you eat. When undigested food reaches the colon, it is decomposed by bad bacteria and becomes highly toxic.

To correct this toxicity, start eating more raw foods such as fruits and vegetables, which are filled with enzymes. Try ten servings a day. It's a lot isn't it? But, that what we need to stop colon cancer or other colon irritations.

Next, read food labels and avoid those foods, as much as possible, which contain excessive preservative, coloring, dyes, fillers, and food stabilizers. There are hundreds of chemicals that are added to your food which help to keep the food from falling apart and decaying. Many of these chemicals are not digested in the small intestine and move into the colon where then make the fecal matter more toxic.

These are two steps that you can start applying for preventing colon cancer. If you have polyps, then these steps will help to keep them in check and reduce your risk of getting colon cancer.

Rudy Silva is a Natural Nutritionist. To get more tips and discover more ideas on how to prevent getting colon cancer, go to: http://www.coloncancerawareness.info

To discover how to eliminate constipation go to: http://www.remedies-for-constipation.com  

Rudy Silva is a Natural Nutritionist. To get more tips and discover more ideas on how to prevent getting colon cancer, go to: http://www.coloncancerawareness.info To discover how to eliminate constipation go to: http://www.remedies-for-constipation.com 

A Constipation Home Remedy - Cayenne

Cayenne is a constipation home remedy that is effective in producing peristalsis in your colon and aids digestion. It can be used regularly at every meal and when needed for constipation. Cayenne pepper is known to help thin the blood. So, it is good for improving blood circulation.

Cayenne is available in capsules of different strengths, from 5,000 heat units (HU) to 100,000 and even higher. In addition, cayenne when used with other herbs helps to deliver these herbs more efficiently to where they are needed in the body.

As a constipation home remedy, start with one capsule of 40,000 HU and always take it after you eat. You will feel a hot or slight burning feeling in the upper stomach and that’s when you know its working. The feeling is like when you get heartburn. This burning sensation will pass as your body gets use to you using cayenne.

Do not use cayenne seeds, as they can be toxic. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding do not take cayenne supplements. Use cayenne only as directed on its container and only as capsules.

Cayenne has the ability to block the ulcer producing effect of NSAIDS. It also has shown to increase the body’s absorption of theopylline, a drug used to treat asthma.

In his book, Left for Dead, Dick Quinn tells how Cayenne pepper saved his life after coronary bypass surgery failed to restore it. In this book, Shannon Quinn, say,

“One of the most effective stimulants, mostly, cayenne targets the digestive and the circulatory system. Cayenne regulates blood pressure, strengthens the pulse, feeds the heart, lowers cholesterol, and thins the blood. It cleanses the circulatory system, heals ulcers, stops hemorrhaging, speeds healing of wounds, rebuilds damaged tissue, eases congestion, aids digestion, regulates elimination, relieves arthritis and rheumatism, prevents the spread of infection and numbs pain.”

Use the recommended dose shown on the bottle of cayenne you use.

You can also add cayenne pepper into other foods. Add cayenne to soups, salads, and other foods you like.

In soups or salads break open a cayenne capsule and mix it in. You can add 1 - 2 capsules, but first start with 1/4 or 1/2 capsule so you can get use to the hot taste.

If you are pregnant, it is considered safe to use cayenne.

Use this constipation home remedy and you will see results. It definitely has the power to eliminate constipation and keep you regular and has many other benefits, especially for your heart. 

Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid e-books. He writes a newsletter called natural-remedies-thatwork.com and his information on other topics can be seen at http://www.stop-constipation.com or at http://www.constipation-remedies.for--you.info 

Detox Diets 

Detox Diets are the last craze in dieting, that's why the number of people searching for detox diets is growing everyday.

You may have heard about toxins, detoxification, cleansing, purifying they are all related to detox diets.

Toxins are harmful chemicals affecting your body. They are all around you (in your food, water, air) and inside you (as waste products of metabolism). Your body eliminates most toxins and the rest are stored within body fat.

These stored toxins combined with stress can affect your health in very unpleasant ways:

- weight gain
- headaches
- feelings of fatigue and weakness
- heartburn
- sore muscles and skin
- joint pains

These symptoms will fade when you start detox. Well, you may feel some discomfort in the very first days, but that is a normal body reaction.

You may feel headache or sore muscles, but that is because the toxins are released faster then your body can eliminate them. These symptoms will not occur again if you detox regularly.

Detox and Weight Loss

Detoxification is the process of releasing and expelling the stored toxins through the elimination organs of your body - the intestines, liver, lungs, kidneys and skin.

Detox Diets are dietary nutritious plans that use detoxification, which helps you lose weight by cleansing out your body and improving your metabolism.

Detox and Disease Prevention

Detox Diets are recommended for improving resistance to disease, mental state, digestion, strengthens the organs involved in detox.

Detox Diets can help prevent serious diseases such as cancer, ADD, ADHD, chronic fatigue syndrome and multiple chemical sensitivities, as well as treat heart disease, fibromyalgia, autoimmune disease.

Detox Foods

Detox Diets recommend consumption of foods that are beneficial for your health and essential to weight loss - organic foods, fruits and vegetables.

You should drink purified water and cut back on processed foods, as well as give up alcohol and smoking.

You should know…

Detox Diets are quite restrictive and once you start a detox diet, you should follow it strictly. Detox Diets are safe, but you should consult your doctor before starting.

Types of Detox Diets

+ Fasting - drinking only water, juices or broths, or eating one kind of food for a certain period of time. Your body starts burning fat for energy.

+ Nutritional supplements  intake of nutritious powders, vitamins and packaged protein snacks.

+ Hydrotherapy - detoxifying through your skin pores by taking special baths.

+ Specific detox diets - last between 7 and 30 days; there are quick detox diets for one and three days, and long detox diets for 8 weeks. 

Find more information for Detox Diets at http://www.weight-loss-advisor.com/blog. Read about my experience with 1 week detox diet. Experience the amazing health benefits of detox diets now! 

Detoxification - Nutrition & Environmental Medicine Fact File

About the Author

Dr Greg Emerson is the Founder and Medical Director of the Emerson Health and Wellness Centre which opened in October 2005. He is a consultant in Nutritional and Environmental medicine. He is also a senior specialist in Emergency Medicine and in Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine. For 18 years he practiced in several large public hospitals including a period of time as an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at a major trauma hospital in Canada and as the Director of a leading Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine Unit. He is a lecturer, examiner and current board member for the Australian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine and a past-examiner for the Australasian College of Emergency Medicine. A long personal battle with illness led him on a profound exploration of healing processes and the prevention of illness. He reappraised both his medical focus and the way he approached health care delivery.

He believes in the intrinsic ability of the body to heal itself if the underlying cause of the illness is addressed. His practice revolves around three core principles, in the belief that almost all non-traumatic illnesses will respond to these principles:

• Elimination of food and chemical sensitivities
• Alkalinisation and detoxification
• Balancing of hormones

Dr Emerson regularly lectures both within Australia and internationally on Nutritional and Environmental medicine. He also runs his own successful international medical conference. His mission is to provide people with the knowledge, tools and motivation to live a life of extraordinary health, vitality and longevity.

Benefits of Colon Cleansing – Secret of Healthy Colon

Colon cleansing is required to get rid of toxins and other wastes from your body. Your foods cause many toxins to build up in your body that directly affect the formation and behavior of cells and tissues. As a result, it leads to many diseases over a period of time. However, foods are not the only source of toxins. The air that you breathe, the tobacco that you inhale or smoke, and pesticides are a few other factors that cause toxic substances to enter into your body. So, even if you are taking reasonably good diet, you should take care of toxin level in your body, and plan to cleanse your colon.

To have a healthy body, it is very important to get rid of toxins from your body. There are many benefits of colon cleansing, as explained below.

Prevents Diseases

Chemicals, pesticides and adulterated foods are the main factors that build up toxins in your body. These toxins gradually begin to affect the functioning of cells and tissues of body which in turn cause one or more diseases. You should get your colon cleansed to avoid any diseases, and to lead a healthy life.

Treatment

During colon cleansing process, all the wastes and unwanted stuff is removed from your body. Your body is cleaned from inside. So, the benefit of colon cleansing is that many diseases such as a weak immune system and chronic fatigue syndrome are treated in the process. Your digestive system is put back in order though any disease related to digestion may not be treated completely; the recovery process is accelerated in a clean body. For example, the chance of diarrhea gets reduced and you may not experience stomach upset or constipation if you have clean body from inside.

You Feel More Energetic

Another benefit of colon cleansing is that you feel more energetic after going through the cleansing process. When toxins are deposited in your body, these do not let proper absorption of vital nutrients in your body. As a result you do not get required nutrients from the foods that you eat and hence feel lack of energy, and fatigued. A clean colon means that the vital nutrients are properly utilized in your body, thus giving you energy and help you feel fresh and healthy.

The benefit of colon cleansing is that a body that is free of all toxins and wastes is the basis of avoiding further deposition of toxins from foods or environment. It ensures that all the body organs function properly, avoiding any disorders or diseases.

Body System Cleaning

Regular colon cleansing ensures that wastes can pass quickly and efficiently through the system. It prevents constipation which itself is the basic reason of many diseases.

When you do not go through colon cleansing program, your body system starts polluting itself. Gradually, the toxins start releasing poisonous gases that enter into your bloodstream. This is really a risky situation as these begin affecting your internal organs. An important benefit of colon cleansing is that your body gets clean from inside thus avoiding any diseases.

Regulates Eating Process

A clean colon ensures that the wastes stay in your body for minimum time. It means that your appetite will be good, since the waste disposal system works fine. You can have nutritious diet, without bothering about your stomach or digestion issues.

Improved Immunity

Toxins often lead to a weak immune system where you face frequent digestive disorders. Removing toxins strengthens your immune system and improves your digestion process. Use the best possible natural and herbal products for effective colon cleansing to lead a healthy life.

Apart from these major benefits, a clean colon keeps your skin healthy and glowing. Since the toxins are removed, your skin gets proper nutrients and looks healthy. A few other benefits of clean cleansing are listed as below.

1. Colon cleansing improves the blood circulation

2. Colon cleansing leads to greater mental balance and alertness.

3. Colon cleansing may help you lose weight as well.

4. Colon cleansing may provide you relief in knee and back pain.

5. It can improve your eyesight, provided you follow the cleansing process properly.

A clean body can provide you relief from cold, flu, stomach upset, body odors, tiredness and fatigue, headaches, sinusitis, skin allergies, hemorrhoids, digestive disorders, and stress. The list of benefits of colon cleansing is endless. It enables you to lead a positive and stress free life, and in some cases, people enjoy better sex life after colon cleansing.

One of the most fundamental requirements for proper colon cleansing is a planned diet. Unless you have a regulated diet plan, any medication, or supplements to remove toxins may not be effective since foods are the most important resources of building toxins in your body. Have natural fruits and herbal products to enjoy the true benefits of colon cleansing.

Dr John Anne is a herbal specialist with years of experience in the field of Alternative Health Care. For more information read about Triphala - Natural Colon Cleanser at Herbal Remedies Website. Also read about Home Remedies for Constipation

The Science of Detoxification - How Does Detox Work?

According to Dr. Henry Lindlahr, a great nature cure therapist, when morbid matter and toxic wastes accumulate in our human body, various ailments would start to surface. Therefore, in order to heal our body effectively, we need to work towards eliminating such waste matter and poisons.

Detoxification is the science of reinforcing body's own intrinsic power to detoxify itself, as a result of which it bounces back to its natural healthy state. It can help to build up our body's own resilience. We want to minimize the total toxic burden on our physical body by opening the doorways of elimination i.e: bowels, kidneys, lymph, skin, lungs etc. even as the body continues to receive nourishment in the form of food and drink. A holistic detoxification program not only enhances restoration and renewal at the gross physical level, but also at a subtle emotional and spiritual level. This explains the science of detoxification.

A normal, healthy body is supposed to naturally detoxify itself by flushing out all its self-produced toxic waste. When toxins are retained and stored in the body the condition is called toxemia. Besides purging the blood and tissues with toxic residue, detox cleanses and rejuvenates the entire excretory system and clears clogged bowels and blocked lungs, etc. It also flushes out sluggish kidneys and bladder.

No matter what detox program you choose, make it a point to drink at least 2-3 liters of pure water everyday. If possible drink alkaline water, so that those acids and other toxic wastes are quickly neutralized, diluted and flushed away and released from the tissues throughout your body as a result of your detox regimen. An effective detox program also removes impurities from the blood through the liver where toxins are usually processed. Other organs like kidneys, intestines, lungs, lymph nodes and skin also participate in the removal of toxins.

Fasting for a short period of time is yet another way for a human body to promote the clearing of toxins. During the fast our organs rest, getting enough time to revive and rejuvenate themselves, which further the process of cleansing. While on a fast, make it a point to include mild exercises like Tai Chi to stimulate your liver in order to eliminate common toxins from your body. This also holds good for elimination through the skin, kidneys and intestines. By including Pranayam (Yoga's deep breathing exercises) you can have improved circulation of blood, which would bring more oxygen to your blood leading to the expulsion of toxins through the bloodstream.

In order to achieve the desirable result of your detox program you must alter your diet by cutting out the intake of all sugar, caffeine, nicotine, etc. The ancient Indian system of India called Ayurveda recommends avoiding deep fried food, spices, chilies, and all other sour acidic food like pickles.

It has been observed that after the period of an active detox program most people tend to relapse and get back to their old faulty lifestyle. As the proverb goes, prevention is better than cure. After reaping the desired results from a good detox program one should radically change one's lifestyle in such a way as to avoid junk food and stop being couch potatoes. Keep doing adequate exercises suitable for your age, weight etc, but avoid too much strain.

Emma Deangela is the author of detox and fasting site at eDetoxify.com. Combining both Asian and Western philosophy, Emma Deangela has helped many people by giving them health consultation to make their lives better and healthier through natural health philosophy. Visit eDetoxify.com to discover the health philosophy that lead many people to a healthy life.

How to Start a Juice Detoxification Program

If you have never embarked on a Juicing detoxification program,these are some of the facts you should know before getting started. To start off with, detoxification diets are intended to help the body eliminate toxins. Due to this , most people will experience some side effects such as headaches, fatigue, body odor, bad breath or skin outbreaks. While these side effects aren't pleasant, they are part of the cleansing process and will generally disappear once you have completed the fast.
Depending on your preferences, there are many types of juicing detoxification programs you can choose from. Some involve fasting for 24 to 48 hours, while others involve a three-day, one-week, or one-month fast. The longer fasts are typically undertaken by people with chronic health problems and should only be used under strict supervision of a qualified health practitioner.

You can first start off with a one-day juicing detoxification program In order to embark on a juice fast, you will need a juicing machine or "juicer". Juicers are an appliance that allows you to place fruits and vegetables into a shoot where they are fed into the machine and ground up into pulp. The juice is extracted from the pulp and eliminated through a spout.

You may want to purchase fresh organic juices from a local health food store when you are first trying out. hile it's true that juice detoxification programs provide numerous health benefits, some people simply cannot deal with the side effects. Before investing in an expensive juicer, you want to make sure this is a program that you can stick to and use on a regular basis.

Regardless of whether you purchase juices or juice them using a juicer, it's important to drink these juices as quickly as possible. Leaving your juices out in the air will result in a loss of vitamins of the juices. Unused juices should be stored in an airtight container and placed in a refrigerator for no more than 24 hours.

Another important aspect of juice detoxification programs is that you should consume only organic fruits and vegetables. Commercially grown fruits and vegetables contain numerous herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides. If no organic fruits and vegetables are available, you should thoroughly wash them with a non-toxic produce cleaner or baking soda, than peel the skins prior to juicing.

Many holistic healthcare practitioners recommend consuming one eight-ounce glass of warm water and the juice of one lemon slice, three to four times throughout the day. It is said this helps to improve digestion and speed up metabolism. It's best if you drink the warm water and lemon juice upon waking, between meals, and before bedtime.

The type of juice fast you embark on will depend on what you are trying to achieve. It's a good idea to conduct research via the Internet or visit your local library and check out books on the subject.

Women who are pregnant or nursing and anyone who suffers from chronic health problems should avoid embarking on a juicing detoxification program. Additionally, people who take prescription medications should only embark on a juicing detoxification program under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner.

Juicing detoxification programs can interfere with prescription drugs. If you are taking prescribed medications, you should consult with a practitioner who specializes in fasting programs. Never consume grapefruit or pomegranate juice during a fast, as these fruits can increase the amount of drugs in the body.

Emma Deangela is the author of detox and fasting site at eDetoxify.com. Combining both Asian and Western philosophy, Emma Deangela has helped many people by giving them health consultation to make their lives better and healthier through natural health philosophy. Visit eDetoxify.com to discover the health philosophy that lead many people to a healthy life.

How to Detoxify Your Body

If you feel that you are easily tired, feeling sluggish, mind completely drained, you may want to consider detoxify your body. Detoxification is about cleansing and getting back your body to your normal state - eliminating impurities from the blood of liver, lungs, kidneys and other vital organs. It's only when you remove the toxins and nourishes your body with health nutrients, and then your body can reach an optimum state.

Below are 3 ways that most people tried to detoxify their body.

Colon Detox This should be done on a regular basis as the toxins which have accumulated in the body need to be expelled. Foods like sugar, caffeine, processed foods, alcohol and tobacco congest the body with toxins, prevents digestion and colon detox. This results in the collection of mucoid plaque in the intestines and colon which weakens the body. Fresh raw vegetables and fruits, plenty of water helps colon cleansing. Fasting and a liquid diet is also a way to detox naturally too.

Kidney Detox Emptying the kidneys frequently to release the toxins is good. However, if this is not happening as often and frequently as it should it indicates that a kidney detox is essential. A healing diet of fresh raw vegetables, fruits, plenty of water and other fluids and also bowel cleansing is good for kidney detox. But even if this does not help or develops into a serious problem then a kidney dialysis becomes essential.

Lung Detox When breathing is shallow and difficult it is an indication to detox the lungs. Pollution in the surroundings causes the lungs to get infected. The skin tends to take on a grayish and dull appearance. This is a sure sign that a lung detox is needed. Physical exercise and deep breathing enhance lung detox. Green surroundings, fresh unpolluted air, water and fluids further help in lung detox.

Liver Detox When digestion becomes difficult or disrupted then we know that the liver has slackened in its function to remove or filter chemicals and toxins found in the bloodstream. One of the ways to detox your liver is to avoid processed foods as they destroy the digestive powers of the body. Animal protein diets tax the liver. Reduce animal protein and include fresh, raw vegetables and fruits. These are less harsh on the liver. Total elimination of animal protein is also not recommended as it is required by the liver. Fruits and vegetables should be carefully washed to remove the pesticides they carry.

Emma Deangela is the author of detox and fasting site at Detox Your Body. Combining both Asian and Western philosophy, Emma Deangela has helped many people by giving them health consultation to make their lives better and healthier through natural health philosophy. Visit Whole Body Detox to discover the health philosophy that lead many people to a healthy life.

Cleanse Your Lymphatic System And Blood For Better Health

The lymphatic system and blood is involved collecting, transporting, and removing toxic materials from the body specifically the connective tissues. The lymphatic system contains lymph nodes where the toxins are delivered for the immune system to use and destroy invading organisms and chemicals. If the lymphatic system and blood is not cleansed properly, the immune system can be impaired, which leaves the body open to attach from invading organisms.

Lymph nodes are filled with a clear liquid called lymph. This fluid is comprised of proteins, waste, and other nutrients to feed cells and remove waste. This fluid surrounds every cell in the body and travels in the lymphatic vessels and or blood vessels and is vital for elimination of waste material. Lucky for us there are herbs that can be used to help cleanse both the lymphatic and blood system.

Red clover has been used for years as a lymphatic and blood cleanser. Traditionally, red clover has been used as a liver, nerve, and lung detox as well. Many herbalists recommend red clover when doing a whole body cleanse. Cleansing the blood is important because the blood transports oxygen and nutrients to the vital organs and tissue of the body.

Red Root has also been traditionally used as a cleansing herb by herbalists. This herb can stimulate lymph function and aid in the transport of waste material from the lymph to the liver. Red root has also shown to boost the liver and its vital functions.

Echinacea is another herb research has discovered to be an effective lymphatic and blood purifier. Echinacea extracts can boost the production of interferon and has interferon properties which help fight vital infections. Echinacea is also known to equalize white blood cell count and boost the activity of leukocytes (white blood cells) helping the body fight and destroy toxic invaders in the body. It has shown to boost red blood cell count which helps the body detox and it has antiseptic properties which help cleanse and reduce pain in the body from injury.

Yellow dock is considered a blood purifier by herbalists. Yellow dock can also aid in boosting skin health and can be useful with leprosy, psoriasis, and cancer of the skin. Yellow dock is recommended by herbalists if a person is experiencing anemia, liver problems, skin problems, toxemia, infections, lymph congestion, ulcers, or have wounds that need healing. Some say yellow dock is the best blood builder in the herbal kingdom.

Burdock is a good blood purifier herb and highly valued in the herb kingdom. Burdock can help strengthen the liver, kidneys, stomach and lungs. Burdock's active constituents have been known to help cleanse the blood of excess waste and uric acid. Burdock is mild diuretic. This herb can also help with problems such as acne, boils, psoriasis, and canker sores.

Along with these herbs mentioned above, one should begin a cleansing diet at the same time. Before starting a cleansing diet, one should consume whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables to help prepare the body. The first step in a cleansing diet is to eliminate all processed foods, coffee, white sugar, alcohol, tobacco, and red meat. Second, add some cleansing herbs mentioned above either in single or combination formulas made to cleanse the bodies systems. Follow this plan listed below:

First day - Eat only fruits like apples, pears, an assortment of berries, watermelon, cherries, prunes and apricots. Make sure you do not eat bananas for they are high in sugar.

Second day - Drink only pure water and herbal teas for cleansing. Recommended are teas as described above as well as chamomile, raspberry leaf, spearmint, hyssop, and pau d'arco.

Third day - Prepare all the vegetables you want, you can steam them or eat them raw, do not boil them, boiling destroys all the valuable vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients the body needs to cleanse itself.

On the fourth day - Make a big pan of vegetable broth using only cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, onion, green peppers, and parsley. Season the broth with natural salt that contains all the trace minerals naturally accruing in salt. You can find this type of salt at your local health food store or season with vegetable salt or salt alternatives. Drink more pure water, herbal tea and broth throughout the day and repeat diet as desired.

If you are considering a lymphatic and blood cleansing diet, make sure the herbs you take do not conflict with the current medications you may be taking, always consult your health care practitioner before starting an herbal cleanse while on medication. All the above mentioned herbs can be found at your local or internet vitamins store.

By: Darrell Miller

Please visit VitaNet Health Foods at http://vitanetonline.com/ VitaNet sells herbal formulas to cleanse the lymph and blood system for better health and wellness.

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Simplifying Detox

Why is a Detox necessary?

Think about it – all day every day you are exposed to toxins. These toxins can include heavy metals such as mercury and lead, solvents such as formaldehyde, pesticides, prescription drugs, alcohol, oxidised fats and cholesterol and even topical creams such as sunscreen contain toxins, all of which must be broken down and excreted by your liver. If your immune, liver and digestive functions are not at their optimum your body can struggle to deal with excess external or internally produced toxins. When this happens toxins can build up in your body and lead to a variety of symptoms.

Do you need to Detox?

If you suffer two or more of the below symptoms then you should consider a simple detox program! Bloated after eating, Constipation, diarrhea, flatulence or irregular bowel movements, Dark circles under your eyes, Skin problems, Weight gain, Sleep problems or sleeping for extended periods, Reduced mental clarity, Bad breath, Allergies or food intolerances, Lowered resistance to infection e.g. catch a cold regularly, Low energy and vitality, Frequent headaches or lower back pain

How to Detox?

Clean out the pantry and fridge!: Eliminate foods and drinks that burden your liver such as red meat, coffee, black tea, processed and refined foods, dairy foods, sugar, alcohol and soft drinks.

Eat right: Consume fresh organic vegetables and fruits, lean chicken or fish, wholemeal bread, pasta, brown rice and lentils. Drink two litres of fresh filtered water daily.

Look after your liver: Herbs such as St Mary’s Thistle (also known as milk thistle) not only have a reparative function for your liver but also protect against future damage, an important consideration given that it is hard to avoid future toxin exposure. Other supplements that can help include liquid chlorophyll, an internal deodoriser and alkaliser of body tissues. For those who experience symptoms such as constipation, herbs such as cascara, frangula and black walnut taken temporarily will encourage the bowel to remove waste. Long term, psyllium hulls will provide bulk to the stools without making the bowel become lazy.

How long to Detox?

Ideally detoxifying for at least six weeks would ensure that your liver receives a thorough clean out, however if you can maintain the recommended diet for at least one week, and preferably two, and continue to supplement with liver herbs for at least one month you should reap the benefits that detoxifying brings.

What’s in it for you?

For many people, detoxifying will lead to weight loss. This is not just fluid loss either – your liver is a fat burning organ, if it works better, it is much more capable of burning fat, especially if you are no longer eating as much in your diet. The other big plus is the added energy you will feel. You are eating low-glycaemic foods which give the body a sense of satiety or fullness. This alleviates fluctuations in blood sugar which can cause sugar cravings. If you do experience sugar cravings, the herb gymnema sylvestre is ideal for maintaining blood sugar levels to reduce your cravings.

Detoxifying may initially cause headaches often due to caffeine withdrawal; you should expect to visit the bathroom more regularly and you may experience mental or physical fatigue or skin problems, these symptoms generally pass after the first few days. If you are pregnant or breast feeding, have diabetes, impaired liver or kidney function do not attempt a detox without consulting your healthcare professional.

This story has been published with the permission of Herbs & Health Lifestyle Magazine - www.herbsandhealth.com.au