Detoxify your body with five cleansing techniques

Friday, September 13, 2013 by: Linn Cole
Tags: detox methods, elimination diet, niacin flush

(NaturalNews) Contaminants in air, food and water attack our cells and even our DNA, contributing to disease and aging. When toxicity in our body reaches a threshold, we often start to exhibit symptoms including frequent colds, irritated eyes, headaches, fatigue and much more. To enjoy improved health, make detox a daily, weekly or monthly routine. Explore the five ways below to find a method that is convenient and effective for you.

Exercise

The skin is the largest detoxifying organ of the body, eliminating toxins through sweat. Heat-producing cardio exercise like dancing or running will encourage a gentle cleansing effect. Increased oxygen intake during exercise also contributes to detoxification. Make sure to shower after working out to ensure that compounds in sweat aren't reabsorbed. For a more intense cleansing experience, try Bikram yoga, also known as hot yoga, which is performed in a heated room.

Niacin flush

To make the most out of visiting a sauna, try the niacin flush every day for seven days. This powerful technique even helps to break addictions. First, take one gram of vitamin C and 100 mg of niacin, or vitamin B3. 15 minutes later, begin aerobic exercise and continue for 30 minutes. The niacin flush will show as your skin begins turning bright red. When this begins, enter the sauna. Stay for 20 or 30 minutes and drink water as needed. Leave at the first sign of faintness. This routine is not recommended for those with heart disease unless a physician is involved.

Hot towel scrub

The hot towel scrub is a simple and comforting way to cleanse on a daily or weekly basis. In the morning, after work or before bed, run a washcloth under hot water, wring it out and rub it vigorously over your body for five to ten minutes. The friction sloughs off dead skin cells, while the heat opens pores and assists with the breakdown of fat. Try standing in front of a mirror while doing it for a greater sense of connection with yourself.

Detox bath

For another more rigorous detox regimen, take a detox bath twice a day for three to four days. Add four cups of Epsom salt, two bags of Traditional Medicinals detox tea, and two bags of digestive enzyme tea or four opened capsules of digestive enzymes to the water. This bath is not only cleansing, but also counteracts excess acidity in the body. For a more relaxing experience, add three droppers of kava extract, a few drops of lavender essential oil, or both.

Elimination diet

For long-lasting resolution of chronic health issues like congestion and mental fog, an elimination diet can be a potent cleansing aid. At the most basic level, eliminate common foods that acidify and contribute to body toxicity, including refined sugar, fried foods, meat and dairy products. Allergens like gluten, wheat and corn may also be removed to see if improved energy and/or digestion results. For a more powerful cleanse, shift to a diet devoid of processed foods and eat only fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains and legumes. A further step is to refrain from cooking foods and to only eat foods in their natural and more nutritious raw form. At the far end of the cleansing spectrum is a juice fast, consisting of freshly-made fruit and vegetable juices. Start your cleansing diet with small changes to avoid excessive discomfort. You should consult your doctor and self-educate before undertaking a cleanse.

Sources of this article include:

http://www.healthy.net/scr/article.aspx?id=1558
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Cass, M.D., Hyla, and Patrick Holford. Natural Highs: Feel Good All the Time. Avery, 2002. Print.