What is Detox?

Are we aware of what we eat? Both conventional and natural healthcare systems agree that nutrition plays a vital role in health. When it comes to healthy eating, there's a huge variety of approaches. Some believe in fasting and others believe that detoxification is the best way.

One thing all doctors agree on is that "junk food" has a negative impact on health. But, what is junk food? Many assume it's fast food. However, food that is prepared quickly is good for us. When you prepare food quickly, much less vitamins and minerals are lost.

Perhaps the implication is that junk food is overly processed food.

What happens to harmful chemicals in junk food?

There's a school of thought that says they reach our major organs including the liver. From there, they may travel to other major organs or tissues in our body.

As a result, one may start to feel tired and lethargic. In the worst-case scenario, one may even get sick.

Detoxification is a process we can undertake when we want to "cleanse" harmful chemicals that may have accumulated in the body.

So how do you start and do a detox?

Again, there are different schools of thought. Many naturopaths and herbalists believe that herbs can help us detox. For thousands of years, certain herbs, fruits, and vegetables have been associated with detoxification.

You can choose to add these herbs, fruits, and vegetables to your daily diet or take them in the form of supplements. Since many of us lead busy lives, taking the time to prepare special herbs, fruits, and vegetables for eating and drinking is not always practical. This is where supplements come in.

Detox at Home - Do It Yourself!

Detoxification at home is definitely possible. Once you have your supplements at home, you need to start taking them as directed. It is very important to be consistent and not miss a dose.

For example, taking your supplements first thing in the morning is very important. Throughout the day, remember to drink plenty of fluids. The best fluids you can drink when detoxing include water, herbal tea, and some vegetable juices.

Red juices are some of the best detox juices you can add to your diet. Pomegranate juice is good for you, but so is tomato and beet juice. All three are rich in antioxidants that help you detox.

Another vegetable associated with detoxification is carrots. All of these are rich in vitamin and lutein. This is a carotenoid related to vitamin A.

Celery juice is another juice worth adding to your daily routine when detoxing. It is full of potassium. This micromineral helps the body maintain a healthy fluid balance. Therefore, celery is an essential part of any detox program.

Taking additional antioxidants is another way to detox for better health. Antioxidants inhibit our bodies from absorbing harmful chemicals and free radicals. They prevent oxidation, which is the process behind many health problems and diseases.

How do we know that antioxidants are beneficial to us?

Evidence for the health benefits we get from antioxidants comes from all over the world - not just from Western countries.

China conducted one of the largest trials regarding the health benefits of antioxidants. Back in 1993, a Chinese study concluded that antioxidants have a clear positive effect on health.

The study covered a period of five years and involved 30,000 residents in Linxian province, China. During this period, there was a 20% decrease in stomach cancer cases among the participants in the study. All participants took additional antioxidants that positively affected their health.

This is just one study. There are also many others that point to the link between fewer toxins in our body and good health. Trying a detox remedy will not do you any harm.

Medical Opinion and Conclusion

There is widespread agreement among doctors that diet is linked to good health. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and fish can clearly help us live longer and stay healthier.

Stop for a moment and think about it, and you will realize that this natural diet will benefit you greatly.

When you want to restore your body to a more natural state of good health, detoxification can help.

Since we are constantly bombarded by pollutants, there is a strong possibility that continuous use of detox remedies and supplements can help us live better, healthier, and consequently happier lives.