Detoxification, or detox for short, is a process by which toxins are removed from the body in order to purify it. These toxins are stored in our body fat where they wreak havoc on our liver, causing it to malfunction. This malfunctioning in turn causes the rest of our internal organs to stop metabolizing fat effectively.

Our bodies and metabolism are designed to eliminate these toxins naturally via our skin, lungs and kidneys. However, our bodies are unable to keep up with this constant contamination and our bodily systems become blocked. This is due to the fact that there is an ever increasing amount of toxins that we breathe in from the polluted air around us, as well as from our food and water supply. This build up of toxins can result in weight gain and fatigue, to name just a few health problems.

Therefore, detoxifying our bodies on a regular basis can help rid ourselves of these toxins that rob us of our health and energy. Here 10 great tips on how best to detoxify your body:

1. Eat Organic

Fruits and vegetables that are organically grown are not covered in chemicals and pesticides as the fruits and vegetables that are commonly found in the local grocery store. Meat that has been mass produced is full of growth hormones that are then passed into your body as soon as you bite in to it! Try to buy only certified organic meat and free range chicken.

2. Eat More Fiber

Not only does fiber keep your energy up, it also decreases the rate at which your body digests carbohydrates. Fiber also helps your body flush out metabolic waste.

3. Use Herbs

Herbs that have been proven to cleanse and protect the liver are great to take during a detox. These include milk thistle, burdock and dandelion root.

4. Drink Green Tea

Green tea contains anti-oxidant properties that are beneficial for your health as well. The main antioxidant is EGCG which helps the body burn fat. Other antioxidants found in green tea include: vitamins A, C, and E. Green tea also contains polyphenols which work by reducing the amount of time that the toxins are in your system.

5. Drink water

Drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day, or 2 quarts, is a great way to keep your body properly hydrated and your strength up.

6. Remember Your Vitamins

Because our bodies are subjected to such harsh toxins on a daily basis, it has become vitally necessary for everyone to be on a vitamin regimen. If you only choose one vitamin, as opposed to a multi-vitamin, you should choose vitamin C as it helps protect the liver.

7. Use Natural Beauty Products

Often overlooked, the beauty products that we use on a daily basis contain a myriad of preservatives, toxins and other substances that have been proven to be poisonous to both our skin, health and our environment. Added to beauty products to increase the shelf life, they can cause adverse affects with prolonged use. Instead, detoxify your skin and allow it to breathe better by using only natural and organic beauty products.

8. Utilize Your Shower Better

Taking a shower is a great way to end a hard day. However, most public water systems are also home to pesticides, toxic bacteria, viruses and even traces of human and animal waste. To avoid taking a contaminated shower, purchase a shower head that has a built in water filter. Filtering your water is great for your skin, hair and health.

Another way to best utilize your shower is to practice hydrotherapy. This is done by taking a rather hot shower for at least 5 minutes with the water running down you back. Immediately turn the hot water off and the cold water on and stand under it for about 30 seconds. Repeat these steps three times and then jump into bed, covering yourself up with blankets, for at least 30 minutes, if not for the whole night.

9. Dry Brush Before Showering

Most natural health food stores carry dry brushes. Purchase one and dry brush your skin just before you jump into the shower each day. Dry brushing your skin helps by removing all the dead skins cells that are on the surface of your skin, as well as any toxins. Dry brushing will leave your skin glowing.

10. Exercise

Exercising increases your detoxification success rate by increasing the amount of toxins that are eliminated through perspiration. Try learning a martial arts based exercise system such as Qi Gong, as it has specific exercises designed to help with detoxification and cleansing. Remember to take deep breaths in order to allow oxygen to circulate through your entire body.

Photo Credit: mckaysavage