The Info Examiner

Think about doing a body detoxification or colon cleansing program to start off the new year. Detoxing is a key factor in weight loss, wellness and disease prevention. Our contemporary life and the rising cost of health care necessitates that more than ever. Most of us are exposed to hundreds of toxins every day. That, combined with poor choices in diet, lack of exercise, insufficient nutrition and lack of water causes our livers to get congested with its detoxification functions.

The outcome is fatigue, depression, sluggishness, poor complexion and a impaired immune system, which then makes us sensitive to to many types of disease and possibly even cancer.

Body detoxification and internal cleansing are most known as seasonal activities, performed several times a year for 3 or 5 or 7 days, and then it’s complete. We then slip slowly back into our habitual diet and lifestyle, and before we know it, it’s time for another detox.

Although the seasonal body detox is a smart lifestyle choice that should be acted on by most all of us, more important is cleaning up our daily routine. A better idea than the seasonal body detox program is a detox lifestyle, where you preclude as much as possible the need for a full-on detox program. Here are some excellent measures for creating a detox lifestyle for yourself.

Keep fresh fruit, organic if possible, washed and ready to eat. Arrange the fruit in a bowl in your kitchen or dining room. Instead of getting a from the cupboard when you need a quick something, choose a piece of fruit instead. When you can, buy organic fruit.

Dry skin brush several times a week. Purchase a medium soft natural fiber brush (you’ll find them where they sell loofahs). Brush your whole body, feet and legs first, butt and torso, then hands and arms. Avoid delicate skin areas. Take a few minutes to do this before your shower. You’ll give your skin a healthy little detox and energize your body to boot.

Drink fresh lemon squeezed into hot water first thing before breakfast. Your liver will get a good cleansing from it and it will sometimes stimulate your colon. Heat a cup of water, squeeze in the juice of half a lemon and sweeten with some honey, maple syrup or agave nectar. A cup of hot water and lemon is a great little mini-cleanse before you start your day.

Drink more water. If you do nothing else for your health and longevity, drink more pure water, unsweetened and unadulterated. Aim for 3 quarts a day. Other beverages do not count as your daily water requirement. One exception: uncaffeinated herbal tea.