How Does Detoxification Work
Detoxification is a fancy word for cleaning your blood. There are many programs available to help, but your body actually has its own way dealing with toxins. There are two major systems involved with detoxification: anti-oxidation, and the detoxification process in the liver.
Oxidation is best illustrated by looking at rust, which is a reaction of metal to oxygen. When free radicals come in contact with the body, oxidation can occur. Oxidation causes all kinds of problems, such as allergies and certain types of sickness. The body has a natural anti-oxidation system which includes vitamins such as C, E, B2, bioflavonoid, beta-carotene and other substances to prevent oxidation. Oxidation occurs at the cellular level, so detox must occur there as well. Any deficiency of these in the diet causes problems removing toxins.
What a good full body detox does is also remove impurities from the blood through the liver. The liver is an important organ, and is where toxins are processed. The body also uses other organs such as kidneys, intestines, lungs, lymph nodes and skin to remove toxins. Most toxins are not water-soluble. When toxins enter the liver, two groups of enzymes break down the toxins into water-soluble substances to be excreted via the kidneys and other organs. When this system is not functioning properly, toxins can go unfiltered and your whole body suffers.
There are several ways a body detox program boosts your body’s clearing of toxins. Fasting for a short period of time is usually part of any full body detox. When you fast, your organs rest. This gives them time to rejuvenate themselves and assist with the cleansing. In addition to fasting, a good detox program will stimulate the liver to eliminate common toxins from your body the way it should have been doing all along. This also extends to elimination through the skin, kidneys and intestines.
Circulation is always a big part of any natural body detox. Boosting circulation of the blood through exercise, deep breathing, and other means helps toxins be carried quickly out of the bloodstream. The simple act of breathing deeply brings more oxygen to your blood, thereby allowing for faster elimination of toxins. Even though oxygen contributes to oxidation, lack of oxygen can also cause serious problems. Blood flow helps push more blood through the liver, allowing more toxin removal.
Diet is another major component of a body detox program. It is important to get rid of any toxins in the diet. It is usually necessary to cut out all sugar, caffeine, nicotine and other harmful chemicals from your body. This is one of the most important components, and it is helpful to continue giving your body nutrients even after your program is complete.
Abstaining from using certain chemicals also aids in toxin removal. Free radicals come from many household products. Perfumes, shampoos, household cleaners, sunscreens, and much more all contain toxins that get stuck in your body if there is no way to eliminate it. This is why abstinence and diet are two important ways to keep your body cleansed.