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Natural Internal Body Cleansing

Internal body cleansing or detoxification is a trendy way to lose weight, but making the decision to do a body cleanse will do more than help shed extra pounds. Cleansing allows the body to rid itself of toxins taken in through food and drink, the skin and respiration. A successful cleanse requires patience and dedication, but you may find that the long-term effects of well-being and health are well worth it.

  1. Definition of an Internal Cleanse

    • Body cleansing is the process of removing accumulated toxins from the body through healthy diet options, rest and relaxation, fasting and herbal and vitamin supplements. Unhealthy habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol or caffeine and consuming refined or processed foods add harmful substances to the body. When these are replaced with organic, natural foods and healthy lifestyle choices, the body is better able to discard these substances and stay healthy.

    Types of Cleanses

    • Whole body cleanses rid the entire body of accumulated toxins, but specific cleanses can be done for different parts of the body. Gastrointestinal flushes deal with bowel and digestive problems. Gallbladder, liver, and kidney cleanses help to detoxify filtering organs. Frequent sufferers of urinary tract infections may benefit from a bladder flush, while those with acne may try a cleanse designed to clear the skin. Commercial cleansing products can be purchased, or a cleanse can be done by following a specific diet for a specific amount of time.

    Side Effects

    • Detoxifying the body can lead to uncomfortable temporary side effects. Sometimes during a cleanse the body will mimic symptoms of past illnesses or conditions. If the body detoxifies too rapidly, you may experience a Herxheimer reaction, or a healing crisis as your body eliminates toxins that have been released more quickly than the body can handle. Other side effects include diarrhea, aches, rashes, head or chest colds, nausea, fatigue and ear infections.

    Benefits

    • A body cleanse removes stimulants such as sugar, caffeine, tobacco and alcohol from the diet, allowing you to sleep better. Since you are getting better quality sleep, drinking more water and eating healthier foods, your skin looks better and you lose weight. As toxins are removed from the body, the immune system is boosted and is better able to fight off illness. Psychological effects of a cleanse include mental clarity and a sense of spirituality and well-being.

    Warning

    • Cleansing the body may aid in treatment of specific symptoms of a condition, but it is not a substitute for actual medical treatment or a cure for any condition. Speak to your doctor to ensure you are healthy enough to cleanse. Cleansing diets are only done for a short time; if done longer they cause serious damage to the body. Cleansing should not be done if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, a child, teenager, or senior citizen, or if you have diabetes, heart or similar medical conditions, or an eating disorder.

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