How detoxification can benefit your body What exactly is body detoxification? Detoxification programmes come in many different forms, but generally speaking, the term detoxification refers to a short- term measure, the primary purpose of which is to eliminate toxins from the body that have accumulated over time. You may ask, “why is detoxing necessary”? Well, unfortunately, in these modern times, a lot of our water and food contains chemical compounds which can be alien (and frequently poisonous) to our bodies. We're exposed to an ever-increasing number of toxins every single day - even the air we take in contains such substances. The liver is the body’s primary detoxification organ. Every toxin absorbed into your body (no matter whether consumed, drunk, inhaled or assimilated into the skin) will wind up at the liver. Even so, the liver is just one component of a wider set of detoxification systems in the human body and its primary role is to transform contaminants into forms more easily processed by the other organs making up: • the digestive system - nutritional medicine places much emphasis on the condition of our intestines and bowels with regards to the well-being of our liver, lymphatic system and immune system; • the urinary system - the kidneys receive toxins which have been converted and made water soluble by the liver, such as the end products of medications, organic chemicals, yeast and hormones; • the lymphatic system - this system filters the bloodstream of poisons and waste. Lymph nodes have copious amounts of white blood cells that engulf bacteria; • the respiratory system - gas exchange is the main purpose of the lungs; inhaled oxygen is given to the blood and carbon dioxide is exhaled. The respiratory system includes a range of ways to minimize the quantity contaminants coming into the body. For instance, the hairs in our nose trap dust and pollutants, which are eliminated when we blow our nose; • the skin - the skin is our largest organ of elimination and, if it is functioning well, we can expel lots of water soluble toxins using this method. Sweat has a similar make up to urine and is a very important cleansing fluid, which explains why exercise is so important for good health. Accordingly, by and large, our bodies have the ability to contend with most toxic compounds to which they are continually exposed. Yet, we can experience difficulties if nutritional needs are not being met and/or the level of nasty toxins becomes way too high. For instance, skin complaints such as acne, eczema and psoriasis are sometimes treated by conventional medicine as ailments of the skin itself, when in truth, they're often actually external signs of inner toxicity. In these circumstances, a body cleanse and detox programme may be required. So how does a body cleanse and detox work? The body is designed to make use of natural substances, consisting of vegetables and fruits as well as other pure foods, herbs and phyto-chemicals from plants. Any foreign, artificial compounds released into the body will produce some reaction from the immune system. Though there are numerous cleansing programmes at your disposal, they can deviate rather a lot in their operation and results. Quite a few concentrate on a particular system of the body, like the digestive system (and the bowels in particular, e.g. through colon cleansing), or a particular health goal (such as losing weight). Others may detoxify the liver, or the blood or look to help the function of the kidneys or skin. An entire body cleanse and detox programme, in contrast, involves combining all of these detox regimes, which can then help to revive the body’s organs to their best level. Virtually all detoxing regimes that promote proactive changes in lifestyle will have some positive effect on overall health and well-being, but of course, there are additional factors to consider for the long-term, for instance a reasonable eating plan, taking regular exercise, drinking pure water etc. In terms of how they actually work therefore, each programme would need to be considered in turn. By way of example, a detox programme focussed entirely on the digestive system will often involve a greater intake of natural, unprocessed plants (such as living or raw foods, high in digestive enzymes). These foods will contain the dietary fibre required for stimulating good bowel elimination. These foods will also normally contain the required levels of vitamins and trace minerals to feed the eliminative organs mentioned above. Dietary supplementation Naturally, shifting nutritional and lifestyle habits for the long run can be quite a sizeable challenge - specially with the challenges and time constraints of modern-day living. Whether undertaking a short-term body cleanse and detox, or looking to introduce key lifestyle changes to lose weight, deal with a critical health problem or perhaps just improve upon your general health, it may be helpful to include dietary supplements as part of the wider programme for additional support. * Before changing your diet or taking health supplements, it is recommended to consult your doctor or qualified health practitioner (particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or on medications).        © Specialist Supplements Ltd 2011 This is an information site only!  0845 094 3627 Shape and Weight Management Shape and Weight Management Total Gut Therapy Programme This is a digestive system support programme, which is designed to be undertaken in conjunction with improved eating habits and a sensible exercise regime.   Liver Support Programme This programme should follow or be used at the same time as the Colon Cleanse Programme, as part of a full body cleanse and body detox.   Immune System Support Programme A weakened immune system leaves the body vulnerable to illness and disease, especially at times of seasonal shift from summer to autumn, with the arrival of a new generation of germs.     [Home] [Health Information] [Exercise] [Detoxification] [Colon Cleansing] [About Us] [Contact Details] [Sitemap] [HTML Sitemap] [Diet] [Dietary Fibre] [Fat Burner] [Metabolism] [Slimming] [Slimming Pills] [Weight Loss] [Meal Replacements] [Blog] [Slimming Products]