Body Detox 101: The Good And The Bad

Detoxification, or detox as it's commonly known these days, is a method used by many to rid their bodies of all the toxins that build up over months and years of eating and drinking the wrong things and bad living habits. A body detox is one way to get rid of all the gunk that's accumulated, but there are good ways and bad ways to do that.

Did you know that our bodies are polluted on a daily basis? Are you aware that in the United States alone, trillions of pounds of over 9,000 different chemicals are produced every year? Where does it all go? Most of it eventually ends up in the air, the water and the ground. We are now technologically able to measure the amount of pollutants in our own bodies, and you won't like what you hear. Which is why a body detox suddenly becomes an appealing suggestion.

For first timers considering a body detox, there are some things you should know. A body detox is mainly designed to cleanse the colon, where everything that the body doesn't need or use ends up anyway. The colon is also commonly known as the 'sewer system of the body'. A body detox should be performed, according to those who swear by it, when certain signs tell you it's time for one: frequent fatigue and low energy, recurring headaches, excess weight, frequent colds, gas, bloating, skin problems like rashes and a protruding belly or what most women refer to with a scowl as a 'pooch'. These are just a few of the signs that can be indicators that you're polluting your body. Be aware however, that many of these signs can also be a sign of illness. Listen to your body.

A body detox is performed by completely changing eating and drinking habits, and for some, this is a life-changing event. There are many different kinds of body detox methods and it's up to you to decide which is right for you. For your body detox, should you use herbal pills or merely drink tea or water for a few days? Two of the most popular body detox methods are DrNatura and the Master Cleanse body detox diets. These have both fans and detractors and it's up to each individual to decide whether any body detox method is safe or healthy.

Be aware that most doctors frown upon current body detox methods, with good reason. Physicians know that the body is more than capable or ridding itself of wastes without any help from the outside or a body detox. Many body detox methods require drastic diets and measures that can't be good for a person over the long run. Doctors also suggest that by just changing eating and living habits, we can achieve the same results as a body detox method. These changes include eating a proper and well balanced, nutritional diet and maintaining a regular exercise regimen. Quitting smoking or drinking is one of the best things we can do, they suggest, as well as laying off the high-fat, high-sugar diets that we've all become accustomed to. Whichever method you decide to choose for a body detox, use common sense and listen to your body.