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The Best Way to Cleanse the Body

The body is a self-cleaning and self-healing mechanism. But sometimes the body needs a little help with extra cleansing or detoxification. There are times when the toxins, wastes and debris accumulate and overburden the body's own cleaning abilities. This is the best time to detoxify the body to get the various organs and processes running more effectively. While some medical doctors think that cleansing the body is unnecessary, there are many alternative healers who advocate a total body cleanse on a regular basis for optimum health.

  1. Consider Fasting

    • Fasting is one of the best ways to detoxify the body, according to many alternative practitioners. Patricia Bragg, Ph.D. in her article "Fasting for Detox" on the Pure Inside Out websites, writes, "During a fast, energy is diverted away from the digestive system, since there is no food to mobilize it, towards the metabolism and immune system." Fasting also burns fats. With no food entering the body, the fat reserves are used for energy. Bragg suggests a two- or three-day fast. Anything longer and without medical supervision could be dangerous. There are many different ways to fast so it is important to get advice from a professional holistic doctor who is knowledgeable about fasts.

    Drinking Plenty of Fluids

    • Fluids flush out the body. The water is able to wash away any harmful substances in the body. Healthy fluids like water and juices are good fluids for the body. Fruit or vegetable juices nourish the body and help create the fluids the body needs like blood, bile, sweat and tears. The Mayo Clinic in its article "Constipation" reports that the amount of fluid a person needs depends on weight, height, gender and physical activity level. Other experts, like the American Dietetic Association, suggest a daily intake of at least 64 ounces of fluids.

    Exercise Regularly

    • Exercise helps to remove toxins from all areas of the body. The Mayo Clinic in its series of articles called "Healthy Lifestyle," reports that exercising "stimulates intestinal activity." Physical activity helps the cleansing process in the digestive system. One of the many benefits of exercise is that it helps to clean the body by burning fat where toxins are stored. Try to exercise every day, even it you just walk. Start slowly with an exercise regimen if you have been sedentary for a while. Seek medical advice if you have health problems.

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