Types Of Detox Therapies
There are numerous Detox Therapies to choose from. They are chosen depending upon the person’s goals, their lifestyle, the current state of their health and whether there are other goals such as weight loss or healing of a health challenge. Some types of detoxing are more intrusive than others. Some are less natural than others. The length and degree of detox matters too. If you are planning a full system cleanse, it’s a good idea to do that under the guidance of a qualified detoxing practitioner, particularly if fasting. The major detoxification therapy categories are: fasting, specific diets, vitamin therapy, colon therapy, chelation therapy, and hyperthermia. Detoxification therapies run the gamut from self-directed fasting to intravenously-administered synthetic drugs, and none should be undertaken without medical supervision. Although there is limited research data available to prove that detoxification therapies work, proponents report lower blood pressure, reduction in blood fat levels, and better vitamin and mineral absorption as benefits. While there is no doubt that processed food contains additives and preservatives, that drinking water is far from pure, and that air is contaminated, more scientific studies need to be performed to prove that a particular therapy can purify the body of these toxins.
Detox Therapies:
There are different approaches to detoxing. The most extreme method is fasting – which involves abstaining from all foods and drinking only water, herbal tea and juices over a short period.
1.Fasting:
Fasting has a tendency to slow the digestive system, so it can be counter-productive and is not recommended for most people. Your body is more likely to benefit from a gentle program that does not place it under pressure. A detox is most effective if it is done over a day or two. During this time eat little and often, having only fibre-rich, healthy foods such as raw or lightly cooked fruits, vegetables and grains. Do several sessions of gentle exercise and rest as much as possible. Drink plenty of water to help flush toxins away. You can also drink fresh juices and herbal teas. Massage can help to speed up the detox process and brings a pleasurable, relaxing element to the day.
Types Of Fasting:
A.Juice Fasting: Juice fasting is the king of detoxification methods because it nourishes the body, especially with live enzymes which jump start’ a sluggish immune system and provides nourishment for sustaining the fast for long periods of time.
Stages Of Juice Fasting: Here is an overview of the detoxification stages during a juice fast. The time periods are a general estimation:
Stage 1 (Day 1 To Day 2): On the first day of fasting, the blood sugar level drops below 70 mg/dl. To restore the blood to the normal glucose level, liver glycogen is converted to glucose and released into the blood. The first wave of cleansing is usually the worst. Headaches, dizziness, nausea, bad breath, glazed eyes and a heavily coated tongue are signs of the first stage of cleansing. Hunger can be the most intense in this period unless the enema is used which quickly assists the body into the fasting state by ending digestion in the colon.
Stage 2 (Day 3 To Day 7): Fats, composed of transformed fatty acids, are broken down to release glycerol from the glyceride molecules and are converted to glucose. The skin may become oily as rancid oils are purged from the body. People with problem-free skin may have a few days of pimples or even a boil. A pallid complexion is also a sign of waste in the blood. You may feel hungry for the first few days of the fast. This effect is temporary. The desire to eat will disappear. Lack of hunger may last 40 to 60 days, depending on whether you are on water or juice.
Stage 3 (Day 8 to Day 15): On the latter part of an extended fast, you can experience enhanced energy, clear-mindedness and feel better than you have felt since childhood. On the downside, old injuries may become irritated and painful. This is a result of the body’s increased ability to heal during fasting.
Stage 4 (Day 16 to Day 30): The body is completely adapted to the fasting process. There is more energy and clarity of mind. Cleansing periods can be short with many days of feeling good in between. There are days when the tongue is pink and the breath is fresh. The healing work of the organs is being completed. After the detoxification mechanisms have removed the causative agent or render it harmless, the body works at maximum capacity in tissue proliferation to replace damaged tissue. While a short fast will reduce the symptoms, a longer fast can completely heal. Homeostatic balance is at optimum levels. The lymphatic system is clean except for a rare discharge of mucus through the nose or throat. After day 20, the mind is affected. Heightened clarity and emotional balance are felt at this time. Memory and concentration improve.
Stage 5 (Breaking the Fast): The sticky, toxic, mucoid coating on the intestinal wall is loose, and the first meal frees it from the intestinal wall. Toxins enter the blood through the colon. The gallbladder dumps its waste in a heavy discharge of bile. This can cause an instant bowel movement upon eating followed by intense diarrhea. If the symptoms are too uncomfortable, an enema will help.
2.Water Fasting:
This is a stringent and effective way to detoxify your body because it forces the metabolism of body fat and thereby releases stored toxins in the body fat into the bloodstream for elimination as the fat oils are used for fuel. Only the very healthy should go on short water fasts because the toxins released could overwhelm toxic and sick bodies.
C.Lemon Juice and Honey Fasting:
This is less stringent than water fasting as it supplies some basic nutrition and the cleansing progresses at a level that is more comfortable than water fasting alone.
