Detox (verb): to eliminate, get rid of and/or cleanse from toxins

Our bodies have a built-in detoxification and cleansing system, a natural function of eliminating toxins through certain organs, the kidney, liver, intestines, lymph and blood. For many of us though our bodies are battling to eliminate the toxins as fast as we ingest them.

Our bodies become congested with toxic substances either through a short term over-exposure, bad lifestyle, diet, or excessive use of alcohol and drugs.

Detoxification refers to programs or steps taken to cleanse and purify. Of course we immediately think of the body, diets, colon cleanse and liver. Maybe alcohol and drug detox too. But if you think about it, every aspect of your life could benefit from getting rid or toxins. How about your primary relationships like with your significant other, your children, your parents. Ever think about cleaning up your attitude? Do your have an attitude that is lashing out at the world and attracting back more negativity to your life?

Today, with more toxins in the environment than ever, “it’s critical to detox,” says Linda Page, N.D., Ph.D., the author of Detoxification (Healthy Healing Publications). Page recommends detoxing for symptoms such as unexplained fatigue, sluggish elimination, irritated skin, allergies or low-grade infections; bags under the eyes; a distended stomach even if the rest of your body is thin; menstrual difficulties; or mental confusion.

Where to begin?

1. Eat plenty of fiber, including brown rice and organically-grown fresh fruits and vegetables. Beets, radishes, artichokes, cabbage, broccoli, spirulina, chlorella, and seaweed are excellent detoxifying foods.

2. Cleanse and protect the liver by taking herbs such as dandelion root, burdock and milk thistle, and drinking green tea.

3. Take vitamin C, which helps the body produce glutathione, a liver compound that drives away toxins.

4. Drink at least 2 quarts of water daily.

5. Breathe deeply to allow oxygen to circulate more completely through your system.

6. Transform stress by emphasizing positive emotions.

7. Practice hydrotherapy by taking a very hot shower for five minutes, allowing the water to run on your back. Follow with cold water for 30 seconds. Do this three times, and then get into bed for 30 minutes.

8. Sweat in a sauna so your body can eliminate wastes through perspiration.

9. Dry-brush your skin or try detoxifying patches or detox foot spas / foot baths to remove toxins through your pores. Special brushes are available at natural products stores.

10. What is the most important way to detoxify? Exercise! Yoga or jump-roping are good. One hour every day.