Why Should You Cleanse and Detoxify Your Body? [Infographic]

Why You Should Cleanse and Detoxify Your Body?
Infographic from Purify Your Body

Cleansing and detoxification programs are now being talked about, recommended or offered by just about every health and wellness practitioner - at local health centers and spas as well as online.

Entire online communities now exist around detoxification.  Hundreds, even thousands, of individuals sign up for detox programs offered by famous online doctors and weight loss gurus such as Dr. Sara Gottfried and Jon Gabriel.  The internet is teeming with detoxification and cleansing protocols, and the number of books written on the subject are numerous.

Still some individuals remain skeptic. Maybe they associate detoxing or cleansing with some alternative medicine woo-woo.  Or they point out that their parents and grandparents didn't have to undertake formal or structured detox protocols or cleanses.  Or they argue that the body detoxes naturally.

Well, yes, the body has detoxification pathways but those pathways can become overburdened.  And, yes, our ancestors may have not done formal detox programs but they lived in significantly less toxic environments. As for medical woo, scientific research and studies indicates that healthy detoxification pathways in the body are an integral component of optimal health.

This infographic entitled "Why Should You Cleanse and Detoxify Your Body?" illustrates major sources of toxins in our current environment, why its important to cleans, which organs and biological systems filter and eliminate toxins from our bodies, and a few of the benefits of detoxifying and cleansing the body.

Infographic source and for more information, please visit Purify Your Body - Why Should You Cleanse and Detoxify Your Body?

Related:
Is Your Diet Toxic?
How to Naturally Cleanse Your Body
Whole Body Cleansing and Detoxification
15 Foods to Naturally Detox and Cleanse the Body
How to Do a Juice Cleanse the Right Way

Whole Body Cleansing and Detoxification [Infographic]

Why Whole Body Cleansing and Detoxification is Vital to Your Health
Infographic from BlessedHerbs.com.

This infographic entitled "Why Whole Body Cleansing and Detoxification is Vital to Your Health" highlights some of the dietary and non-dietary sources of toxin exposure as well as lists common symptoms that are often associated with toxicity.

Examples of Non-Dietary Toxins:

✘ Pesticides
✘ Prescription Drugs
✘ Cosmetics
✘ Heavy Metals
✘ Environmental Residues
✘ Cleaning Supplies

Examples of Dietary Toxins:

✘ Unwanted Bacteria
✘ Parasites
✘ Yeast
✘ Food Additives & Preservatives
✘ GMO (GM) Organisms

Common symptoms that you may be toxic:

⦿ Chronic Fatigue
⦿ Bloating
⦿ Indigestion
⦿ Skin Problems
⦿ Trouble Sleeping
⦿ Joint Pain
⦿ Bad Breath
⦿ Bad Body Odor
⦿ Constipation
⦿ Depression
⦿ Back Pain
⦿ Hemorrhoids
⦿ Respiratory Problems
⦿ Trouble Focusing
⦿ Sinus Congestion
⦿ Allergies
⦿ Sinus Congestion
⦿ Irritability
⦿ Mood Changes
⦿ Headaches

Four major detoxification pathyways (how the body detoxifies itself):

✔ Colon
✔ Liver & Gallbladder
✔ Lungs, Kidneys & Bladder
✔ Lymph Glands, Blood & Skin

Infographic source and for more information about cleansing, detoxing, natural and herbal remedies and other healthy living tips, visit BlessedHerbs.com.



Related:
How to Naturally Detox Your Body
15 Foods to Naturally Detox and Cleanse the Body
Benefits of Sauna Detox
Colon Cleansing Foods

Breathing for Health [Infographic]

Breathing for Health - Infographic from Huffington Post

Breathing is one of the body's most important detoxification systems.  It also directly and indirectly affects other aspects of our health.

Many health experts say that, unfortunately, most of us do not breathe "correctly".  That is, we routinely take short, shallow breaths and this type of breathing can cause various negative health effects in the body.

This infographic entitled "Change Your Breathing, Change Your Life" from Huffington Post illustrates and explains some of the many ways breathing impacts our health including how "correct" (controlled, long and deep breathing) can:

❤ Stimulate brain growth

❤ Improve heart rate variability

❤ Lower stress levels

❤ Alleviate anxiety and negative emotions

❤ Reduce testing anxiety

❤ Lower blood pressure

❤ Alter gene expression

Additionally, certain deep breathing techniques - like those often used in yoga and meditation - are thought to prevent premature aging, detoxify, and increase the metabolic rate.  For example, it is thought that the additional oxygen received from exercise (particularly exercise performed outdoors) boosts metabolism and helps to burn fat.

Together with reducing and managing stress (another big consideration in weight loss), deep breathing techniques may have the potential and effect of helping you to lose weight.

For additional reading and listening on this subject, we recommend:

Breathing: The Master Key to Self Healing from Andrew Weil, M.D.

The Healing Power of the Breath: Simple Techniques to Reduce Stress and Anxiety, Enhance Concentration, and Balance Your Emotions from Richard Brown M.D., and Patricia Gerbard MD

Infographic source and more information:  Huff Post The Third Metric:  How Changing Your Breathing Can Change Your Life

Related:
Heart Healthy Foods
Is Your Diet Toxic?
How to Naturally Cleanse Your Body
Top Foods that Chelate the Body of Heavy Metals

Why Dehydration Makes You Fat and Sick [Infographic]

In his book, Water: For Health, for Healing, for Life: You're Not Sick, You're Thirsty!,  Dr. F. Batmanghelidj explains why and how persistent dehydration leads to various chronic diseases, illnesses and ailments (including overweight and obesity) and cites 46 vital reasons why our bodies need adequate amounts of water every day.

Much of what Dr. Batmanghelidj so thoroughly explains in his book is reflected and summarized in this fantastic infographic entitled "Why Dehydration is Making You Fat and Sick".

It is thought that chronic dehydration is linked to fatigue, high blood pressure, asthma, allergies, high cholesterol, digestive disorders, bladder and kidney problems, constipation, joint pain or stiffness, premature aging, excessive weight gain and obesity.

Research suggests that drinking plenty of clean, fresh water (while forgoing sodas, commercially prepared fruit juices and caffeinated beverages) helps to relieve pain and aids in the healing various illness and diseases.

General good health is essential to maintaining a healthy weight.  Drinking enough water is further thought to have a direct impact on preventing weight gain and promoting weight loss.

Many health experts now advise drinking about 8 ounces of water immediately upon waking and again right before sleeping, about 16 ounces of water before and after each meal and throughout any exercise or physical activity session.

Some health professionals advocate drinking lemon water first thing in the morning as being one of the best ways to detox the liver, kidneys and other organs. Lemon water is thought to cleanse and purify the blood, eliminating poisonous bile from the body and flushing out other toxins that have accumulated during sleep.

It should be noted that each individual's daily water requirement is different and depends of various factors, including weight, activity level, diet, medication and climate.  For more information about your body's water requirements, see this Daily Water Chart.

Related:
How to Naturally Cleanse the Body

Infographic Source: Bittopper.com - Dehydration

Infographic: Aloe Vera Benefits

During my Panchakarma, an intense ancient Indian detox treatment, the Ayurvedic practitioner instructed me to take several ounces of whole leaf Aloe Vera gel every morning.

It is thought that the gel contained in the leaves of the plant helps to absorb toxins as it moves through the digestive system.  The gel is known to have strong laxative compounds which aids in bowel movement and elimination, another important component of detoxification.  When ingested, the gel is also believed to soothe and cleanse the digestive tract, aiding in digestion.

Detoxification, cleansing and improved digestive function are all associated with weight loss and healthy weight maintenance.

Aloe Vera is a succulent that has been grown as a medicinal plant and used in both internal and topical herbal health remedies for thousands of years, some of which are described in this infographic entitled "12 Health Benefits of Aloe Vera".

As usual, certain research support some of the health claims relating to the use of Aloe Vera - particularly its use as a topical skin treatment for certain conditions.  Other studies suggest that internal use (ingestion) of Aloe Vera may have some side effects and risks.  Before taking Aloe Vera orally, it is recommended that an individual learns about the possible risks, side effects and cautions and/or consults with a qualified health care provider.

Related:
Healing Herbs and Spices: Aloe Vera Juice and Gel

Further reading:
Aloe Vera: Science and Safety (NIH)
Vitamins and Supplements Lifestyle Guide: Aloe Vera
Medical Science Embraces the Healing Power of Aloe Vera

Infographic Source:  JuiceUpYourLife

Infographic: Spring Detox Health Tips

Spring Detox Health Tips [Infographic]

Holistic health experts recommend cleansing the body of harmful toxins on a regular, daily basis, preferably with healthy food, herbs and activities like meditation, yoga and exercise.  This infographic entitled "Spring Detox Health Tips" illustrates six simple detoxification suggestions, including:

❤ Sleep - a good night's sleep reduces stress and boosts metabolism

❤ Stretch - a stretching break gives muscles a shot of oxygen for improved circulation

❤ Exercise - daily exercise helps the body detoxify naturally

❤ Exfoliation - gentle exfoliation keeps skin looking and feeling fresh

❤ Lemon Water - drinking lemon water in the morning cleanses the digestive system


Related:
Is Your Diet Toxic?
How Sleep Aids in Natural Weight Loss
Dry Skin Brushing (Skin Exfoliation Technique)
Health Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water
DIY Aromatherapy Detox Bath

Infographic Source: Institute for Integrative Nutrition

Infographic: Your Amazing Liver

This wonderful, informative infographic gives us a few key facts about one of our most important organs: the liver.

In understanding the many vital functions of the liver, it becomes clear why it is necessary to regularly cleanse and detoxify the liver in order to keep it functioning properly.

An impaired, sluggish or fatty liver can lead to or cause many serious medical conditions and health problems, including overweight and obesity.

Highlights from the infographic include:

What the Liver Does

❤ Provides immunity against infection
❤ Regulates blood clotting
❤ Produces and excretes bile
❤ Metabolizes fats, proteins and carbohydrates
❤ Activates enzymes
❤ Stores glycogen, vitamins and minerals
❤ Detoxifies and purifies the blood
❤ Excretes bilirubin, cholesterol, hormones and drugs

Symptoms of a Sluggish, Fatty or Impaired Liver

✔ Headaches
✔ Dark urine
✔ Loss of appetite
✔ Constipation or diarrhea and light colored stools
✔ Bruising easily
✔ Anxiety and depression
✔ Mental Confusion
✔ Hormone imbalance
✔ Exhaustion and fatigue
✔ Food allergies and chemical sensitivities

Support for the Liver

❤ Eating healthy, organically grown foods
          ►  Know Your Labels: What Are You Eating?
❤ Reducing protein consumption
          ►  Are You Eating Too Much Protein?
❤ Counting simple carbohydrates
          ►  Carbs and Your Diet
❤ Avoiding antibiotics and antacids
          ► Abuse of Antibiotics in Our Food
❤ Reducing or avoid alcohol and Acetaminophen
❤ Avoiding environmental toxins
          ►  Top Ten Ways to Reduce Exposure to Cancer Causing Agents
          ►  Environmental Health 101
❤ Cleansing (detoxing) regularly
          ►  5 Herbs Your Liver Will Love
          ►  15 Foods that Cleanse the Liver

Infographic Source:  The Alive Academy

Infographic: Garlic Medicinal Properties Uses

Garlic is one of nature's healthiest foods (considered a superfood) and oldest cultivated plants.  For thousands of years the world over, it has been valued for its medicinal properties and used in various natural healing remedies, both internally and topically.

Garlic is a member of the allium family of vegetables and is related to onions, leeks, scallions, shallots and chives.  It is anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory across all body systems.  Its unique nutrient composition is thought to (among other things):

✔ Reduce the risk of certain cancers
✔ Lower blood pressure and cholesterol
✔ Prevent hardening of the arteries
✔ Reduce risk of blood clots
✔ Destroy bacteria and viruses
✔ Enhance detoxification

Further Reading:
What's New and Beneficial About Garlic
All About Allium Vegetables


Infographic Source:  Pharmacognosy's Topics - Medical Plants (Garlic)

Infographic: Health Benefits of Cabbage

This infographic highlights the nutrient composition and the many health benefits of cabbage.

In addition to being a nutritional powerhouse, cabbage is rich in anti-oxidant vitamins and a compound called indole-3-carbinol, which is thought to both inhibit and cleanse carcinogens, thus making cabbage a potent detoxification food.

Low in calories and high in dietary fiber, cabbage is also an excellent healthy choice for those on a diet to lose or maintain weight.


Cabbage is a member of the cruciferous (or brassica) family and is closely related broccoli, cauliflower, kale and turnips.  Varieties of cabbage include:

Green cabbage
Red cabbage
Savoy cabbage
Bok Choy
Chinese cabbage (also called wombok or napa cabbage)

Cabbage should be consumed in both raw and cooked form, as both appear to offer different health benefits.  When cooking cabbage, quick steaming  is recommended over other cooking methods.

Further reading:
Eating Healthy with Cruciferous Vegetables
Types of Cabbages

Infographic source:  Unknown - please contact us for credit.

Infographic: Health Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water

Lemons are known to have many medicinal and healing properties and are thought to naturally aid, relieve, improve, prevent or cure a variety of medical conditions, as this infographic explains.

Drinking lemon water on a regular basis (but especially in the morning upon waking) is one of the easiest and best ways to detox the liver, kidneys and other organs by cleansing and purifying the blood, eliminating poisonous bile and uric acid from the body and flushing out other toxins.

Lemon water is also effective in restoring the body's pH balance, which is essential to overall good health and is thought to aid in weight loss.


Related:
Lemon Medicinal Properties Uses

Infographic Source:  Unknown - please contact me for credit.

Infographic: Health Benefits of Broccoli

Broccoli, a member of the cruciferous vegetables family, regularly appears on superfood, super veggies and weight loss foods lists because it is an excellent source of many important nutrients, is low in calories and high in fiber, and is thought to have detoxification, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cancer and other disease prevention benefits.

This beautifully illustrated infographic entitled "Health Benefits of Broccoli" explains some of the reasons why broccoli is so healthy for us and includes a recipe for broccoli and pear juice.


Infographic Source: Oasis Advanced Wellness

Further Reading:
Broccoli - What's New and Beneficial

Infographic: Benefits of Sauna Detox

Source

Benefits of Detox Sauna Infographic Source

This infographic is entitled "Benefits of Sauna Detox from Drug and Alcohol Abuse".   Although it is aimed at recovering substance abusers, the information it contains is very useful to anyone who is undergoing detox for any reason, including weight loss and general health improvement.

Both steam baths and dry heat saunas have been around for thousands of years in some cultures and are thought to greatly aid in the elimination of all kinds of toxins that have accumulated in the body, whether that be through ingestion of certain foods, prescription and OTC drugs and medication, or exposure to chemicals.

During the intense Ayurvedic Panchakarma detoxification, a steam bath or sauna is employed as a daily ritual.

Dry brushing the skin before a steam or dry heat sauna is thought to great enhance its benefits.

Related:  
Is Your Diet Toxic?
Top Foods That Chelate the Body of Heavy Metals
Spring Detox Health Tips
DIY Aromatherapy Detox Bath

Panchakarma Journal: Dry Skin Brushing

Skin Brushing 101 - Infographic from
GreenSmoothieGirl

Panchakarma

Panchakarma (or Pancha Karma) is an Ayurvedic program of intense detoxification, purification and rejuvenation.


Dry Skin Brushing

One of the most valuable things that I learned during Panchakarma was the importance of dry brushing your skin on a regular (preferably daily) basis.  This simple and easy action, which only takes a few minutes, is thought to have many amazing health (and beauty) benefits.


Health and Beauty Benefits

❤  It removes dead skin cells and cosmetics, unclogging pores and allowing the skin (our largest organ) to breathe and function properly  

❤  It improves the skin's critical role in effectively detoxing the body and cleansing the lymphatic system, thereby boosting immunity and aiding in digestion

❤  It prepares the skin to better absorb nutrients, such as the healing herbal oils used in Abhyanga (Ayurvedic massage)

❤  It aids in eliminating toxins during perspiration, dry heat or steam sauna, including Svedhana (Ayurvedic steam bath)

❤  It tones and tightens the skin by increasing blood flow and stimulating blood vessels and nerve endings, improving the general appearance of skin

❤  It increases circulation to the skin and stimulates cell renewal, growth, repair and healing in underlying, tissues, veins and capillaries - hence, gently dry skin brushing is recommended for cellulite and varicose or spider veins

❤  It is thought to help reduce fat deposits, thereby aiding in weight loss

❤  Its significant impact on removing metabolic wastes and allowing various organs such as the liver and kidneys to function more optimally is also thought to aid in weight loss

How To Dry Brush

There are many good instructions and infographics (like the one I have included, source below) online that explain how to dry brush.

This is how my Ayurvedic Therapist did it during my Panchakarma:

❤  Lightly brush dry skin daily before your bath or shower, beginning with the soles of your feet and work your way up. 

❤  Use gentle, circular motions in areas of cellulite or varicose and spider veins.  Otherwise, use long strokes toward your heart, avoiding breasts and the face.

                       13" Sisal Dry Body Brush                      

❤  Use a natural bristle brush intended specifically for dry skin brushing.  Select a brush with a long enough (optional: removable) handle so you can get to the hard-to-reach places, like your back.  Replace your brush every 6 or so months.  I like and use the 13" medium texture sisal body brush - pictured and available from Amazon.

❤  Ayurvedic Tip!   After dry skin brushing and before your bath or shower, take a few moments to give yourself a gentle massage using organic sesame or coconut oil.  These oils will nourish the freshly exfoliated skin.  The shower or bath afterwards will help to eliminate toxins.

Infographic Source

Infographic source and to learn more about dry skin brushing, please visit Skin Brushing 101 - GreenSmoothieGirl.


Related

Panchakarma Journal - Tongue Scraping
The Benefits of a Sauna Detox
Ayurvedic Oil Pulling
Tip of the Day: Dry Brushing Teeth









  

Healing Herbs and Spices: Aloe Vera Gel and Juice

Illustration:  Galtier-Boissière, Larousse Medical Illustré, Paris, 1912

During my Panchakarma treatment, my Ayurvedic practitioner had me take 2 to 4 ounces of Aloe  Vera gel every morning.  Aloe Vera is recognized in Ayurveda (and in the holistic and natural health community at large) as one of nature's miracles which offers many health benefits.  During Panchakarma, it is used to to help the detoxification process and as a tonic to aid in cleansing the blood, liver and digestive system.

Triphala - Powerful Ayurvedic Internal Cleanser

Illustration:  I. Pfeiderer

In preparation for my Panchakarma treatment next week, I've done quite a bit of research on Ayurvedic herbs and spices.  One of the herbal mixtures I discovered was Triphala.  In Sanskrit, Triphala means "three fruits" and is actually a mixture of three fruits:  Amalaki  (Amla or Indian gooseberry), Bibhitaki (Behada) and Haritaki (Harada).  Each of these fruits by itself has potent healing properties.  Combined, the mixture has a powerful detoxifying and rejuvenating effect.  Since detoxification and rejuvenation is the main purpose of Panchakarma, I decided to try Triphala on my own even before my treatment.

Triphala is widely available in tablet, Vcap, tincture and powder form.  The tincture and powder is consumed by first mixing it into warm water.  I did not want to be bothered with measuring and mixing and I don't care for tablets, so I opted for Nature's Way Triphala, 1500mg Vcaps   - an equal blend of the extract of the three fruits standardized to 45% tannins. 

I followed the recommended dosage of 3 Vcaps per day and almost immediately (within less than 6 hours) knew it was working because I had an unexpected and irregular bowel movement.  For the next week or so, I noticed both a marked increase in the number of bowel movements and changes in the poop itself.  Speaking of poop, everyone should be in the habit of examining their poop on a daily basis.

At any rate, after about 10 days of use, I feel significantly "lighter" in the abdomen and am not bloated after eating certain foods.  So, at least for me, Triphala is doing what it is purported to do:  improve digestive functions in the stomach, help move the food along the GI tract, aid in evacuating the bowel and act as an internal cleanser and detoxifying agent. 

Note that although Triphala is generally considered safe, it is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.

This information is provided for general interest and informational purposes only. It is not intended as guidance for medicinal use. Consultation with professional health care provider is always advised and encouraged.