Understanding Detoxification

Many people are now wanting to know more about detoxification. It is considered an alternative healing practice, since conventional doctors do not swear by it. Detoxification is the process of removing toxins or contaminants from the blood, organs, and fatty tissues. Alternative and natural healing advocates say that we need to help the body detoxify when it no longer becomes capable of the waste removal function on its own. Detoxification is a vital process for the organs like kidney, liver and colon, and the immune system to function properly.

The liver processes everything that you consume and the kidneys filter unwanted toxins before they go into the blood. When medications or chemicals in food damage the liver or kidneys, they cannot perform their job adequately. There is a build-up in toxins. It is possible that over a prolonged period of time, cells mutate and become cancerous. An overload of toxins in the blood or fatty tissues can also result in disease. Hence, accordingly, it is important to remove these toxins before they start to threaten health.

When a toxin overload occurs, the immune system works hard to get rid of these toxins instead of focusing wholly on healing the body. A compromised immune system is definitely weak and increases your risk to developing all kinds of illnesses. An overactive immune system is another consequence of an excess of toxins in the body. Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis are examples of the body turning against itself when the immune system is overactive.

To detoxify, herbs are often used. There are several of them with cleansing properties such as fennel, milk thistle, cat’s claw, burdock root, red clover, pau d’ arco, cascara sagrada,dandelion and yarrow. An appropriate one can also be selected for the specific health issues you are hoping to target.

An easy way to detoxify is to do so by juicing therapy. Fresh, organic fruit or vegetable juice is a great way to give your body the enzymes, vitamins, amino acids, and minerals it needs. Try to choose a masticating juicer with a slow RPM. Other juicers destroy too much of the nutrients and much of the juice is left in the pulp. Juicing should only be done just before consumption to receive maximum benefits.

One more extreme method of detoxification is through chelation. Chelation is administered intravenously or orally. An injection consisting of vitamins, minerals, and herbs are administered to help the body rid itself of toxins and metals. You will need a diagnosis with a qualified naturopathic doctor, for this. An example of an herb used in oral chelation is cilantro. You may be required to consume one tablespoon of fresh cilantro daily to remove heavy metals from the brain and blood. Although it is cheaper, it will produce less instantaneous results as compared to an injection, with a cocktail of herbs.

There are some instances whereby you should not detoxify. If you are pregnant or are severely ill, then do not go on any cleansing program without letting your doctor about your plans. Also if it is your first time detoxifying, it is also a good idea to get some professional guidance.