Cleansing
and Beyond:
Simple Solutions
for Better Digestive Health
Research has shown that eliminating harmful toxins
from your body can help promote healthy digestion and liver function,
which is why many experts believe that supporting the body’s
natural internal cleansing process is an essential step on the
path toward optimum wellness. That process involves the liver,
lungs, kidneys, colon (or bowel), skin, blood and lymphatic system,
collectively referred to as the Seven Channels of Elimination,
and below are some of the most effective ways in which you can
support those channels and help your body purge unwanted toxins.
Dietary
changes.
Adhering to dietary guidelines is a very important
part of detoxification. Toxins cannot be eliminated while they
continue to enter the body. Because the kidneys are unable to
function properly without sufficient water intake, drinking plenty
of water during a cleanse is a necessity. Consuming a high-fiber
diet that includes plenty of fruit, vegetables, legumes, nuts
and whole grains is also important. That is because fiber helps
to absorb and eliminate toxins as it passes through the digestive
tract.
Herbal cleansing
programs.
The use of herbs for internal cleansing may
have begun with the Sumerians nearly 5,000 years ago. Likewise,
many ancient cultures relied on herbs as their only medicine.
Although there are countless herbs with medicinal properties,
approximately 25 are used regularly for cleansing and detoxification.
The fall into one of two categories—those used for purification
and those used for revitalization. Purification herbs are used
to purge the organ systems. Revitalizing herbs help soothe and
strengthen the organs.
Saunas, steam baths.
The skin—the
body’s largest organ—eliminates waste via perspiration.
Heat causes toxins to be released from the cells into the lymphatic
fluid. Because sweat is manufactured from lymphatic fluid, the
toxins from the lymph are released when the body perspires. Saunas
(dry heat) or steam baths (wet heat) create sweat intentionally
to help release toxins from the skin.
Colon hydrotherapy.
Another
way in which the colon can support the elimination process is
through colon hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy is water therapy, and
colon hydrotherapy is the therapeutic application of water
into the colon. In contrast to a traditional enema, colon hydrotherapy
involves repeated infusions of filtered, warm water into the
colon. Many patients have been able to overcome chronic constipation
problems through colon hydrotherapy. Unlike chemical laxatives,
which may encourage dependency, colon hydrotherapy actually helps
to tone the bowel so that it resumes normal function.
Nutrient supplementation.
Supplementing
the diet with extra vitamins and minerals, particularly those
with antioxidant properties (vitamins A, C, E and the minerals
selenium and zinc) and B vitamins, may prove beneficial. A multivitamin
and mineral supplement may be used to support the body as it
purges toxic chemicals.
Exercise and deep
breathing.
Exercise is an important part of the detoxification
process. Breathing deeply helps eliminate toxins from the cells,
and since the lymphatic system is actually part of the immune
system, it can also help enhance immunity. |
