Get Healthy and Live Longer: A Look into Detoxification

By: Cherie Calbom Click author's name for more of his/her articles

Maybe you've been struggling to lose weight and just can't seem to get those pounds off - or keep them off. You lose a few pounds only to gain them back, plus a few more. Or maybe you're feeling sluggish, constantly fatigued. Perhaps you have frequent headaches, back pain, or pain elsewhere in your body. Your sleep may be disturbed or you may wake up in the morning still feeling tired. Your digestion may be off kilter,and you experience gas, bloating or constipation. Your immune system may not be up to par; you get frequent colds, flu, infections or sinus problems. Or maybe, in general, you just feel "off" -despite your best efforts at living a healthy lifestyle.

Take courage. All these symptoms could be signals that something is amiss, reminders that your body needs help. Removing toxins could a key factor in restoring your body's sense of well-being. Detoxification has been known to help many people achieve their health goals - even some that eluded them for years. Whether it's weight loss, longevity, a higher level of wellness, or recovery from illness, removing toxins can help your body regain the balance it needs.

The practice of detoxification is not a modern custom. Cultures throughout history have performed internal cleansing through fasting, the use of herbs, certain foods, enemas, and various colon and liver-cleansing substances. But it's only in the last few decades that detoxification has become more popular in the mainstream. Cleansing or detoxing (as it's also known) is a practice of removing toxins from the body with specialized programs. Detox programs typically include herbs, fresh juices, and cleansing foods, along with flushing the colon with enemas or colonics. A good detoxification program will remove toxins, drug residues, heavy metals, acid, parasites, fungus, yeasts, and other pathogens.

Research shows that the average person is exposed to thousands of chemicals, toxins and environmental pollutants on a daily basis-- more than ever before in history, and all this pollution takes a toll on our health. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that 87,000 new chemicals are being produced every year. Without a periodic program of detoxification, it's almost impossible to keep the body in a state of health and balance.

Can you imagine what would happen to your car if you never changed the oil or filters? Your body, like your car, needs periodic cleaning. Substances that are not broken down and excreted generally are stored in the intestines, gallbladder, kidneys, liver, lymph, fat cells and skin.

The colon, which is designed to eliminate solid waste, can become sluggish and build up putrefaction. The liver can become congested and unable to filter the blood properly. Impaired liver function also reduces fat metabolism and fat burning, one of its main functions, leading to weight gain. The kidneys can become overwhelmed in their attempt to excrete toxic-laden urea. As a result of all this toxic build up, our bodies s are unable to function properly, nutrients are not absorbed well, and poisons are re-absorbed into our bloodstream.

Toxins often are stored in fat cells preventing us from losing weight and contributing to cellulite. They collect in other tissues and spaces between the cells, and they clog our lymphatic system. If the lymph isn't moving waste out of our bodies efficiently, we can feel sick.

All this waste and toxic buildup eventually affects our energy, mood, sleep, skin, mental clarity, and immune function. We may feel sick, tired and depressed. When we get rid of the toxins, we slow the aging process, usually lose weight (or gain if we need to), experience improved mood, and promote wellness.

Fall is a great time to detoxify your body. So what are you waiting for? You can start juicing, fasting, and detoxing right away and reap the benefits all winter long.

Article Source: ABC Article Directory

About The Author: Visit Cherie's website to find out more info or to get her Top Ten Tips For Weight Loss for free! You'll find specials on her books and other nutritional products as well. Her book, The Juice Lady's Guide to Juicing for Health, currently comes with a free planner.