Nearly every moment of every day, our bodies are being attacked and polluted by harmful toxins. These toxins can exist in the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the environment we live in. Highly prevalent toxins, like those found in gasoline fumes and cigarette smoke, cosmetics, pesticides, and other harmful pollutants are not always easy to avoid. Eating organic and natural foods and living a healthy lifestyle is one way to cut down on the actual amount of toxins that are absorbed or ingested into our bodies.
Another way to rid ourselves of harmful contaminants is through detoxification therapy. The purpose of detoxification therapy is to rid our bodies of all harmful toxins, resulting in a healthier body and sense of well-being. When harmful toxins are removed from the body, it also allows our immune system to function better, helping to reduce the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other problems.
There are a few varieties of detoxification therapies available to choose from. Simple, self-regulating therapies include special diets or fasting. Other forms include chelation therapy and colon therapy, among others.
In regards to fasting, one cannot simply decide to fast and refrain from eating. There are specific guidelines and fasting diets that should be followed. Consulting a specialist in such matters is recommended. Advocates of fasting recommend this type of detoxification in varying degrees, from once a month to every weekend for the first few months. Fasting usually comprises a period of only a few days, typically a weekend. During fasting, one should also refrain from all substances like cigarettes, coffee, and sometimes medications. Traditionally, during the fasting period, you are allowed only water and/or fruit and vegetable juices, or other healthy beverages, depending upon which type of diet you are on.
Detoxification diets can vary from therapist to therapist, but typically revolve around consuming raw and natural foods, mainly fruits, vegetables, and grains and nuts. The length of time you would be instructed to remain on the detoxification diet can also vary.
Chelation therapy involves an intravenous drip being administered in order to remove harmful toxins and heavy metals. This form of detoxification therapy is given in a series of weekly sessions, usually for a few hours at each session, and can last almost a full year, depending upon how many sessions you choose to partake in each week.
Whereas chelation therapy is clean and somewhat relaxing, colon therapy is a rather stark contrast. As the name implies, this form of detoxification therapy is focused on your colon and the build up of fecal matter. It is said that over a period of time, individuals tend to build up large quantities of fecal matter in the colon, whereby toxins can continue to leak into the bloodstream, causing more damage to our bodies.
In colon therapy, a colonic irrigation machine is used to pump water into the colon in order to loosen the compacted fecal matter. Then the individual receiving the treatment is allowed to evacuate his bowels, and the procedure is repeated. Colon therapy is recommended for everyone and should be practiced at least once a year. Colon therapy is also said to help reduce constant bloatedness and other unpleasant sensations or ailments in the stomach and intestinal area.
If you are interested in partaking in some form of detoxification therapy, you should see your physician or someone familiar with such practices to help you determine what method of detoxification may be right for you. If you are pregnant, or suffer from kidney problems, diabetes, or other afflictions, you will definitely need to consult your physician before attempting any of these detoxification therapies.
