All You Want To Know About ‘Detox’

Our body has a natural detoxification system where various organs of our body work towards cleaning our internal system. Amongst them, liver and kidneys are the most important organs which act like a filter and have a major role in cleansing our body and purifying the blood. Liver is the place where all waste matter and toxins are processed and converted into substances that can be eliminated through the kidneys. After processing, liver distinguishes between the nutrients we need to absorb and the dangerous or unnecessary substances that must be filtered out of our bloodstream via kidneys.

Practiced for centuries by cultures around the world, detoxification is about resting, cleansing and nourishing the body from inside out. It is the process of removing waste matter impurities and harmful toxins from the body and purifying the blood. By removing toxins and feeding the body with healthy nutrients, this process of detox can help protect the body from various diseases and renew our ability to maintain optimum health. We may get toxins from either the food we consume daily (especially the processed foods), medicines or drug usage, environmental exposure and so on. Poor digestion also leads to toxin build up in the body. Due to improper digestion, faulty eating habits and poor lifestyle, people are likely to suffer from constipation as well which is one more reason for toxic bowel. If the bowel is not clean toxic matter remains in the bowel for a longer time giving more time to intestinal bacteria to ferment it which is likely to give rise to health problems. Another reason of toxicity is stress which triggers the body to release stress hormones into the system. While these hormones can provide the ‘adrenaline rush’ to win a race or meet a deadline, in large amounts they create toxin build up in the body and slow down the detoxification process in the liver.

Do you need to Detox if your liver and kidneys are working optimally?

An overtly toxic body hampers the normal functioning of these organs. When the liver is clogged and overburdened with toxins, it cannot do a very effective job of processing nutrients and chemicals that we consume which in turn hampers the elimination process of kidneys. Hence depending on the exposure of the toxins even people with healthy liver and kidneys need detox.

How frequently do you need to Detox?

The frequency of Detox will vary from person to person. This could be highly individualized depending on the lifestyle and biochemical parameters of the individual.

People with sedentary lifestyle, altered body rhythm, chronic stress, exposure to toxins, excess consumption of refined, processed or junk food or unhealthy addictions may need frequent detox.

Also people with weak liver and kidneys will have altered SGPT, SGOT, alkaline phosphatase, urea, creatinine, BUN levels (in your LFT and KFT) such people would need regular Detox.

As against this, for healthy people, it is advisable, to do Detox post the festive season as that is the time when they have gorged on excessive sweets and delicacies.

Which herbal drops are preferred for Detox?

When you are on the lookout for Detox, here are the 4 most effective drops.

1. Cumin: It is hepatoprotective (liver protective) and nephroprotective (kidney protective) in nature. An excellent detoxifier as it eliminates toxins from blood. Cumin herbal drops also act as a digestive stimulant since it enhances the release of bile and gastric juices for improved digestion.
2. Cinnamon: A powerful detoxifier of the entire body, specially the stomach and pancreas. It helps manage high BP, cholesterol, diabetes and menstrual cramps.
3. Rosemary: It is an excellent liver cleanser. It also protects the liver from damages like chemically induced liver cirrhosis. A potent antioxidant that also reduces chronic stress and fatigue.
4. Tulsi: One of the most traditional healing herb that helps to detox, stimulate and recharge your body functions. Apart from being a powerful hepatoprotective it is also anti-spasmodic (spasm relieving), anti-tussive (cough relieving), anti-emetic (nausea relieving), anti-ulcer (ulcer relieving), anti-allergic (allergy relieving), anti-asthmatic (asthma relieving), anti-pyretic (fever preventing), etc. Traditionally, Tulsi leaves were taken first thing in the morning. It is also known as a metabolic booster as it even counters metabolic stress. Because of this property of Tulsi, it is even incorporated in teas and marketed as Tulsi teas. The market is flooded with Tulsi tea projected as natural detox. Tulsi purifies and cleanses your body of all the toxins. A more viable and better option would be to use these herbal drops in warm water for detoxification.