Detoxing Your Body

Helping you make healthy choices for you and your family

Detoxing Your Body

The efficiency of our digestive system is demonstrated when we have eaten food that is contaminated. We either vomit or pass it out as diarrhoea.

Also, our lymphatic system plays an essential role in dealing with toxins. It is sometimes called our “garbage disposal” system and if we do not exercise enough, the system becomes sluggish allowing toxins to build up in the lymph glands.

Probably our most important organ for detoxification is the liver which processes poisons and makes them safe.

Biologically, our body is the same as it was 10,000 plus years ago but people who lived then had little exposure to toxic substances. Even 4000 years ago toxins were rare, as shown in a body cell of a mummy from that time. Today, over 500 different toxins can be identified in a single human cell.

Since the Industrial Revolution, we have seen adramatic increase in toxic chemicals released into our environment - even more so since World War Two. There is estimated to be between 70,000 and 100,000 chemicals in existence and that figure rises year on year. Not all chemicals are toxic but a significant proportion are, many of which have never even been tested for human safety.

So, if you want to avoid toxic build-up in your body by giving yourself a “spring clean”, then there are a few steps you can take.



Diet - There are several programmes from which to choose, ranging from two days to 28 days or more, eg. Carol Vorderman’s “Detox for Life”. Have a browse through some books in the library or in your local bookshop. Detox diets based on fruits, vegetables and water are an easy, quick and safe way to detox your body. Avoid processed foods.

	Fluid Intake - Drink at least two litres of fresh water and fruit or vegetable juice. Mineral water should ideally be still, not fizzy, in a glass bottle. Plastic bottles sometimes leach chemicals into the water. Avoid tea, coffee, fizzy drinks or alcohol.

	Personal Care - Avoid using toiletries with chemicals that pass through your skin eg. sodium lauryl/laureth sulphate, or propylene glycol. It is pointless undergoing a detox if you continue to overload your body with more toxins during this process.

During a detox, you should expect some side effects which will show that the cleansing process is working. They may be in the form of headaches, a runny nose, spots or rashes, mild diarrhoea, mild constipation, mood swings, feeling cold, body odour or bad breath. These symptoms usually only last for a day or two and if you are drinking plenty of water, they should be less evident.

Once you have completed your detox, you will hopefully notice an improvement. Your skin should be clearer, your eyes brighter and you should have noticeably more energy. However, returning to your pre-detox lifestyle may result in the old symptoms returning, so, for maximum benefit, continue to drink two litres of water each day, avoid processed food and keep up with a regular exercise routine.

Please note: Detoxing is not recommended if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a medical condition such as diabetes. Check with your doctor, first.

There has been some debate recently over whether a detox is really necessary. In an ideal world, our body should be able to cope with any toxic exposure. However, in today’s world, simply relying on drinking more water and increasing exercise is not sufficient to eliminate the cocktail of toxins that we accumulate over the years.

These toxins are present in the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink and from various products that we use daily for personal hygiene or cleaning. The effect of this toxic build-up over the years manifests in a variety of health problems. Common symptoms are feeling tired all the time (TATT), frequent colds, migraines or headaches, poor sleep, allergic conditions, poor concentration and skin disorders to name just a few. These can lead to more serious conditions such as heart disease and cancer.

The body has a number of organs and systems for detoxing:

Our lungs breathe out toxic gases; our kidneys purify the blood and eliminate toxins in the urine; our skin, which is regarded as a third kidney, allows toxins to be released through the pores; and our digestive system processes our food and eliminates toxic waste.

Disclaimer: The information in this article should not be regarded as medical advice. If you are receiving medical treatment or taking prescribed medication, you are advised to consult your GP or health practitioner before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.