The early Chinese used detoxification as part of their weight loss routines to remove poisons from their bodies. In modern times detox has become more fashionable as a way to improve health and even to slow down the aging process. Modern science has developed detoxification methods that are not only easy to do but have many proven health benefits.
The theory behind detoxification is that toxins build up in the tissues of the body over time and accumulate in cells where they interfere with the function of other cells or even cause cancer. Some scientists believe that the best way to prevent the buildup of toxins in your cells is through cleansing. The theory behind cleansing is that cleansing can remove the build up of toxins in the digestive tract, the skin, the lungs, the kidneys, the bowels and the blood. There are three methods that are commonly used in detoxification: the herbal flush, the master cleanse and the fast.
The Herbal Flush is done by taking a hot bath with very little food in it or by drinking large amounts of tea or water. The theory is that the herbs in the hot water will draw out toxins from the kidneys, liver, intestines and all other parts of the body. They should not be taken long before going to bed because this could stimulate a false detoxification. The master cleanse takes you on a fast for ten days and includes very little food intake and only enough water to substitute what you may have eaten during the day. It is not advisable to drive while on the detoxifying diet and there are certain foods and liquids that are prohibited as well. Many people have claimed to have lost a great deal of weight while on these diets but it is hard to measure exactly how much weight is lost because the body goes into shock on the detoxification and does not return to normal for some time.