Detox is a process or period of time in which one abstains from or rids the body of toxic or unhealthy substances; detoxification. Basically, detoxification means cleansing the blood. This is done by removing impurities from the blood in the liver, where toxins are processed for elimination. The body also eliminates toxins through the kidneys, intestines, lungs, lymphatic system, and skin. However, when these systems are compromised, impurities aren't properly filtered, and the body is adversely affected.

A detox program can help the body's natural cleansing process by:
1. Resting the organs through fasting;
2. Stimulating the liver to drive toxins from the body;
3. Promoting elimination through the intestines, kidneys, and skin;
4. Improving circulation of the blood; and
5. Refueling the body with healthy nutrients.

Benefits of Detox

Boost Energy Levels- The sluggish feeling we get during the day can be the result of excess toxins in the body. Removing excess toxins can help to increase energy levels and keep you going strong throughout the day.

Support Digestion and Weight Management- Detoxification can also help with long-term weight management by removing the toxins that are currently interfering with proper metabolic function and helping to set you up with healthy habits.

Reduce Inflammation- Diet is an important aspect of detox. By supporting your digestive system through eating a diet of whole foods packed full of the nutrients your body needs, you will help to reduce inflammation that contributes to a host of problems.

Promote Healthy Skin- Diet and environmental toxins undeniably affect skin. By supporting the body in the removal of free radicals, heavy metals and other toxins, you will help to improve the appearance of your skin.

Strengthen Your Immune System- After your detoxification, your body will have better digestive and lymphatic function. Both of these are key to a strong and balanced immune system.

Improved Mood- Toxins and free radicals that accumulate in the body can also affect brain function. By removing the accumulations interfering with your mental and emotional state, you will open yourself up to better sleep, clear thought and positive energy.

Myths of Detox

If you detoxify and do not do it right, you could be damaging your health. Before you get out the juicer and gather a bunch of healthy vegetables to eat at your next meal, you should think about these myths and facts about body cleansing and body detoxification.

Myth 1:

Drinking loads of water detoxes the body. H2O hydrates the liver and kidneys and encourages toxins to leave the body via urination. However drinking water excessively in the name of detoxing can be just plain dangerous. Symptoms of "water intoxication" include headache, fatigue, vomiting, and mental disorientation. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water while you are dieting but don’t be too extreme with the amount you are drinking.

Myth 2:

You can sweat out toxins with serious sauna time. It's true that a small amount of toxins can leave the body via perspiration but keep this in mind: Very heavy sweating can impair the body's natural detox system, making it less efficient. You'll do more detoxing in the bathroom than you ever could in a sauna.

Myth 3:

Detoxification is the quickest way to lose weight.The truth is that while detoxes do help you by losing weight very quickly, most of the weight that you lose is body water and you will put back on the pounds as soon as you stop doing your detox plan.Detoxifying helps you to eliminate stools from your body through diarrhea, and loosing stool mass will cause you to drop weight fast. But when you start eating the stools will build up again in your body. You will only lose so much weight when you are doing a cleansing diet. The best way for you to lose weight is the conventional route — through eating a low-calorie diet and losing the pounds by doing daily exercise. You will find you have an easier time to keep on a diet this way and will see better results in the long run.

Myth 4:

Detox diets are better for you than a diet consisting of exercise and eating a fewer number of calories.While a diet claiming to be a detox diet can get rid of a few toxins from the body, it won’t help you lose a long-lasting and finite amount of weight. What you should be doing is eating healthy unprocessed foods and going to the gym for some exercise.

Myth 5:

You don’t have to exercise with a detox diet.While it is possible for you to lose weight with a detox diet without exercise, you are losing muscle mass by engaging in a detox diet and avoiding activity. If you wish to gain or tone your muscles, then by exercising in the gym or doing exercises in your home or outdoors will be the best way to keep your muscles healthy and toned.

Myth 6:

You need to consume a lot of exotic juices and avoid eating food when detoxing.There are many healthy foods which will cleanse your system. You do not need to take in only expensive juices or to eat so little food that you quit eating solids. Instead of juicing your way through a detox diet, you should eat a lot of sesame seeds, leafy green vegetables, and lemons (in a recipe or as the juice).