What Is The Best Detox Plan?

What is the best detox plan? Our forum members share their thoughts on stopping the increase of toxins in the body. Learn more about what to expect while detoxing, best products, items, foods, and more...


TOPIC: What Is The Best Detox Plan?

The Question:

Detoxification has become very popular amongst those in the health community, but the methods vary from each person.

What is the best detox plan?

What should I expect after following a detox plan?

What are the best products, items, foods, etc to use for detoxing?

Is it important to detox regularly? Why or why not?

Could a bodybuilder benefit from detoxification?

Bonus Question: Have you ever used a detox plan? If so, what were your feelings of it? If not, would you want to try one?

Show off your knowledge to the world!

The Winners:

Prizes:

        1st place - 75 in store credit.

        2nd place - 50 in store credit.

      3rd place - 25 in store credit.


1st Place - Mtguy8787
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Detox Plan
What Is The Best Detox Plan?

There are several aspects of a good detoxification plan, all of which must be used to get good results. There are 3 aspects of a good detox program:

    1. Cleansing wastes & toxins from the body.
    2. Reducing exposure to toxins.
    3. Providing the body with extra nutrition during the cleanse.


A Quick Summary Of A Full Detox Program

Each step will be discussed in greater detail later. Here is a quick summary of the various parts of the detox program.

Part 1: Cleansing Toxins From The Body:

Step 1:

The first, and the one which must be done first is to cleanse & open the elimination channels, particularly the colon. Cleansing the colon is usually done with herbal laxatives, but it can also be done with colon hydrotherapy. This must be done first in order to allow toxins to effectively be purged from the body. This process usually takes 2-3 days.

Step 2:

Once that is done, methods can be used to cleanse toxins from the liver, kidneys, blood, and skin. Various herbal teas are usually consumed in large amounts. Bitter herbs such as dandelion are used to stimulate and cleanse the liver.

Herbs such as parsley and yarrow are outstanding for cleansing the kidneys, especially in tea form. Herbs such as red clover, dandelion, and burdock are excellent for cleansing the blood, as well as other parts of the body. This is continued daily for 4-7 days after the colon cleansing.

Part 2: Limiting Exposure To Toxins:

This works in conjunction with parts 1 and 3. You can, and should use as many of these steps at the start of your detox program, up until the end of it. These guidelines are also useful for implementing in everyday life. There are 2 sources of toxins, ones from your environment, and ones that you consume. To limit toxin exposure, follow a few basic guidelines:

      • Be careful when working around chemical fumes of any sort, whether it be paint, cleaners, or detergents. When exposed to any sorts of fumes, always try to have maximum ventilation. If doing an activity like painting, always try to use a quality breath mask.

      • Be aware of chemical substances getting onto your body. Everyday substances.

      • Avoid foods with long ingredient lists. While on a detox program, the majority, if not all of your foods should be unprocessed, natural state foods. Fruits and vegetables should be eaten in high amounts. Carbohydrates and protein sources should be kept as clean as possible.

      • Limit drinks to water, teas, vegetable & fruit shakes, and possibly your post-workout shake.

Other Parts Of The Body:

When the main systems of elimination and toxin processing are cleansed, the body will be able to cleanse the other parts of the body. Therefore, even though we only focus on the colon, liver, kidneys, and bloodstream, this is a whole body cleansing program.

The most effective way to cleanse the deep corners of the body is to enable it to do so itself. We enable it to do so by focusing on these 3 main organs.

Part 3: Nutrition:

Every cell in your body is constantly being replaced. Some cells get replaced every few days, while others are replaced every few months. Without proper nutrition, not all of the cells will be able to be replaced.

As time goes by, the condition of various types of cells decreases. It is very important to get all the nutrients you need every day. It is even more important during a detox, as you may be flushing certain amounts of nutrients from the body during the process.


A Complete Breakdown Of The Detox Program

Part 1: Cleansing Toxins From The Body:

First Step: Colon Cleansing

Cleansing the colon is the first, and most important step of any detoxification program. If most people had to choose just one method of detoxing, colon cleansing would probably be the most beneficial, single choice. However, it is still just a single

Why is cleansing the colon important? Well, the colon is the largest source of elimination in the body. All of the bulk waste, and a large percentage of toxic wastes are eliminated through the large intestine. If the colon is not in prime condition, other detoxification methods will be much less effective, or even useless.

Imagine a wood shop covered in a layer of sawdust. The quickest way to clear the dust off of the equipment is with an air hose. However, if the vacuum/dust elimination systems are not functioning 100%, all that sawdust will go nowhere. Cleansing the colon is a must before moving on to other detoxification methods.

Is It Necessary?

Many people argue that colon cleansing is not necessary. The typical reasoning behind this is quite ridiculous. The first common reason given is that 'the colon already cleanses itself, so there is no need to do colon cleansing.' The second common reason is that 'cleansing the colon will flush nutrients from the body.'

In an ideal scenario, the elimination system operates fine on its own. But in today's world, that is rarely the case. The majority of the population is constipated to some degree. When this is the case, the effectiveness of cleansing other parts of the body will be greatly diminished, or even negated.

In some cases, the body may even reabsorb cleansed toxins through the colon wall. This is known as auto-toxicity. Therefore, it is very important to first cleanse the colon and to get it functioning properly.

The second common argument is that cleansing the colon can flush nutrients from the body. This is even more ridiculous than the first reason. Even if nutrients were lost, they could easily be replaced 10 times over with a simple nutritional shake. Nutrients are constantly being lost and used up. This is why consuming nutrients is an important part of diet.

How To Cleanse The Colon:

As most people have excess feces stuck in their large intestine, the first step is to clear all of that out. The second, ongoing step is to prevent it from getting clogged again. The first is best accomplished with the use of herbal laxatives. The second is accomplished by drinking plenty of water, and eating plenty of fruits & vegetables.

Herbal Laxatives:

There are many herbs that are effective for this purpose, and are easily available online, or from some health food stores. Laxative herbs have been used by almost all cultures in history. They are safe, when used with a bit of common sense. However, most laxatives have not been evaluated by the FDA. More information on specific products is given later.

If you have digestive tract problems, or you are using medications, it is advised to speak to your doctor before using laxatives. It is also a general recommendation that one should not use laxatives continually for more than 1 week.

Colon Hydrotherapy:

A much less desirable, but also effective means of colon cleansing. A 'colonic' basically pumps your large intestine full of water in order to clean it out. However, it can often take several sessions to get the job done. Personally, I much prefer using a laxative.

Using Laxatives:

The most effective form of laxative will come in powdered herb form, inside a gelatin capsule. This helps it to stay intact until it reaches the colon. I recommend taking a dose every 2-3 hours, until you get a good effect. Often times, you will need to increase the dosage by 1 capsule until you get the desired affect. Many people are so stopped up that it takes a higher initial dose to 'dislodge' the blockage in the colon.

        1. Until you get the desired effect (you will know when you do), take a dose every 2-3 hours.
        2. Start with the 1-3 capsules, and increase by 1 each time until you get the desired effect.
        3. Once you have gotten that effect take that same dosage 3 more times, every 2-3 hours.
        4. Continue to use that same dosage, 2-3 times per day for the remainder of the week, which is the duration of the detox program.

Example Scenario:

        • 7 AM: 3 capsules
        • 10 AM: Nothing has happened ? take 4 capsules
        • 12 PM: Nothing has happened ? take 5 capsules
        • 3 PM: First strong effect ? take 5 capsules
        • 5 PM: take 5 capsules
        • 7 PM: take 5 capsules

        • Morning: take 5 capsules
        • Afternoon: take 5 capsules
        • Evening: take 5 capsules

Notes On Laxative Use:

Unless you are experiencing pain in the gut, bleeding, or have some sort of diagnosed intestinal problem, don't be afraid to increase the dosage until you have gotten the desired effect. It is not uncommon to take a high dosage until you hit that 'sweet spot'.

If that 'sweet spot' is a very high number, it is OK to cut it down after you have taken several more dosages to flush the colon out. If you only go up to 4 or 5 capsules, it is ok to use that for the rest of the detox program.

To maintain optimal colon function during this cleanse, it is important to consume A LOT of fruits & vegetables. High fiber choices are the best. If you have a juicer, making fruit & vegetable blends to drink is also a good idea.

Step 2: Cleansing The Liver, Kidneys, & Bloodstream:

Once you have gotten your colon clear and running smoothly, it is time to start introducing the cleansing products. Most cleansing products are made from various herbs, but it isn't necessary to purchase any special formulas or concoctions.

Simple teas that you make yourself from straight herbs are usually the easiest, cheapest, and most effective way to go. You can purchase herbs in extract form, but the majority of these are of inferior quality. Teas are easy to make, and are the most effective way to use these herbs.

Consume 1-2 cups of each type of each category of tea per day. More can be consumed for a stronger detox. The first time you detox, you may want to consume less. If you detox again shortly after, you should be able to handle more. One method is to detox for 5-7 days, take a 2-3 week break, and detox again for 5-7 days, with higher amounts of tea.

Liver Cleansers:

Most herbs with a bitter taste will stimulate and cleanse the liver. All of these can be consumed in tea form. Some of the most common and effective examples are dandelion root (not from your front yard), yarrow plant, and yellow dock.

Kidney Cleansers:

Herbs that cleanse the kidneys are generally milder in taste, and will stimulate the production of urine. Examples of herbs that stimulate the kidneys are parsley leaf, dandelion root, yarrow plant, corn silk, and uva-ursi leaf. Important: When drinking these teas, it is important to consume a lot of extra fluids, as you will, and should be urinating a lot.

Blood Cleansers:

Many of the same herbs that are liver and/or kidney cleansers are also great at cleansing the blood stream. Just as with the others, these herbs are best in tea form. Some common, and effective examples are dandelion root, red clover blossoms, burdock root, garlic, and licorice root.

How To Make Teas:

Making an herbal tea is very simple. If you purchase teabags, it is as simple as steeping it for several minutes or more. If you have raw herb, it is still just as easy to make teas. For leaves, flowers, and any other above-ground parts of the herbs, use a mesh tea ball. For the roots, a slightly different, but just as simple process is used.

While on a detox program, it is important to use filtered water. Reverse osmosis or distilled water is best. There are two reasons for this. First off, reverse osmosis and distilled water are free of nearly all contaminants. Second of all, pure water will be able to absorb more of the herbal compounds. Water that has a high mineral content will not be able to absorb nearly as much.

For Leaves, Flowers, Or Stems:

        1. Bring a pot of water to a boil
        2. Pack a mesh ball full of herb. You can even use two mesh balls for greater strength
        3. Put the mesh balls into the hot water
        4. Let it steep for at least 2 minutes. You can steep it as long as you want, but taste it occasionally to test whether or not you can handle the strength. Swish the ball around occasionally.
        5. Pour into a cup and drink. If there is powdered herb in the water, you can pour it through a paper coffee strainer. The brown ones are the best to use, as they contain far fewer chemicals.
        6. Add a small amount of honey to taste, if desired.

For Roots:

        1. Soak the roots for at least 4 hours in a glass container of water. The exact amount of herb used is not important. I recommend one large handful of herb per half gallon of water for a stronger tea, or 1 handful per gallon for a more mild tea. Most of these herbs are cheap anyways.

        1. Bring the same water to a boil, with all of the herb in it. Turn the heat down to a light simmer, place a lid on the pot, and boil for approximately 30 minutes.

        1. Most of the roots should sink to the bottom, and there should be minimal particles floating in the tea. Pour through a wire or paper strainer into a cup, and drink.

        1. Add a bit of honey to taste, if desired.

Part 3: Nutrition:

Eating large amounts of highly nutrition foods during a detoxification plan is an important part of getting the best results. Many of these foods will also aid in the cleansing process. The bulk of the foods should ideally consist of fruits & vegetables, particularly ones high in fiber.

As a bodybuilder, protein needs will still need to be met. But it is important to choose the cleanest sources of protein to eat while on a detox plan. Essential fatty acids are always important, and a detox plan is no exception. A fish oil, flax oil, or a blend is the best way to get these nutrients while on a detox plan.

Fruits and Vegetables:

All fruits and vegetables are great to eat while on a detox program. High fiber choices are great. So are other types. Just eat lots, and lots of them. A large portion of them should be raw. Carrots, celery, apples, berries, beets, pineapples, watermelon, oranges, etc, etc. All of them are good choices.

For a detox program, organic produce is best, as they will have greater amounts of nutrients, and they will also be free of chemical sprays often used in the growing & shipping of commercial produce.

Juicing:

Juicing is great to do on a detox plan. You don't have to do it, but you certainly can. You can experiment with all sorts of fruits and vegetables, and make all sorts of blends. Any fruit and vegetable is a candidate for juicing. Organic choices are best, but if you cannot get organic, use whatever you can. Experiment, have fun, and give your taste buds a treat.

Protein:

Choose the cleanest sources of protein possible while on a detox plan. Wild game meat, or organic, pasture fed meat is a FAR superior choice, especially while on a detox plan. Organic, range-free eggs are the best choice.

Foods like beans and whole grains can also provide a source of protein. A whey post workout shake is alright, but for the most part, leave the supplement cabinet locked up during a detox plan.

Fats:

The essential fatty acids Omega-3 and Omega-9 are always important. The easiest way to get these are with flax seed or oil, and/or fish oil supplements.

Salts:

Flushing the body during a cleanse will also flush a higher amount of minerals from the body. Salts are an essential nutrient, and it is important to get plenty. Avoid table salt, as it is far different from unrefined salt. The best salt to use is unrefined rock salt or sea salt.

Unrefined salt contains numerous trace minerals. Over 70, in fact. These minerals other than sodium only account for 2-3% of the weight, but they still make a huge difference.

I suggest consuming 1-2 teaspoons of quality salt 3-4 times per day. You will need much more, as you will be consuming a large amount of fluids.

Nutritional Supplements:

I am always a fan of green food supplements, and I am even a bigger one during detox plans. You should already be eating a ton of fruits & vegetables, so it may not be necessary. But it certainly wont hurt, and using one can still help you to get the best possible nutrition. Many green good ingredients are also excellent detoxifiers. Some good green food ingredients are:

Eating Guidelines For A Detox Program:

      • Consume various fruits and vegetables throughout the entire day. This will make up a large part of your detox diet. Be sure to stock up on LOTS of fruits and vegetables before beginning a detox program. If you're hungry, reach for an orange, apple, or carrot stick rather than chips, a sandwich, or some hot dogs.

      • Juicing is great. If you have a juicer, use it. If you don't, that is fine. Just eat tons of fruits, and vegetables.

      • Eat the cleanest sources of protein possible.

      • Drink a large amount of water and teas.

      • Don't forget to consume a quality salt. Table salt is not a good choice.


Summing It All Up

Cleansing Program:

Clean the bowel first for 2-3 days, until you are sure that all of the extra waste has been cleaned out. A smaller amount of laxative should be used throughout the whole detox program in order to keep the colon functioning 100%.

After the 2-3 day mark, begin consuming large amounts of herbal teas. I would recommend at least 1-2 cups of each category of tea, i.e. liver cleaners, kidney stimulator, and blood cleansers. More can be consumed. If you start to feel signs of illness, tone it down a bit. This is continued for 4-5 days, for a total of 7 days.

Usually, feelings of illness during a detox is caused by the toxins that were stored in the organs being excreted into the blood stream. This is why it is very important to drink lots of fluids and keep the colon functioning at 100%. If the toxins cannot be eliminated quickly, they will simply cause you to feel sick, and will eventually get re-absorbed into the organs.

Reducing Exposure To Toxins:

This should be done at day one of your detox program. During your detox, avoid as many sources of potential toxins as possible. When using fume producing household agents, be sure to have maximum ventilation.

Nutrition:

This should also begin on day 1, and should continue throughout the whole program. Follow the guidelines given earlier.


Problems Of Toxicity In The Body

Varying levels of toxicity in the body are a factor in nearly all health problems. It may not be the only cause of a problem, but it is almost always a factor. Toxicity in the body usually begins to show itself as minor, irritating problems, rather than major health ones.

Common problems like coughs, colds, sore throats, allergies, skin problems, headaches, weakened immunity, etc, probably have toxicity as a factor in the majority of cases.

Toxicity in the body usually causes many problems in both direct and indirect ways. An example of a direct cause would be a toxin causing problems with breathing & the airway. These sorts of effects are easier to study. The indirect problems are no less significant, though.

For example, certain toxins in one's body might weaken the processes that produce immune cells. As a result, the immune system is weak most of the time, and frequent colds or coughs are the result. The cause is not direct, but it may still be a primary factor.


Sources Of Toxicity In The Body

Toxins From Our Environment:

Most of us are exposed to some form of toxins on a daily basis. Some people are exposed to more than others, but we all get some degree of exposure. Unless you are a hermit living off the land in Siberia, you can be sure that some amount of toxins are being absorbed from your environment.

Even though many of these will not cause problems from short term exposure, they are still building up in the body. Later on, these will cause all sorts of problems, if they are not dealt with. Common sources include things like:

      • Pollution
      • Fumes from everyday chemicals & substances
      • Physical contact with chemicals, both common and uncommon
      • Exposure to chemicals in jobs such as painting or factory work

Toxins From Consumption:

Back when our grandparents were children, this was not a major problem. Most of the foods were relatively unprocessed, and contained far fewer man-made additives. In today's culture, most of the foods that people eat on a daily basis have an ingredient's list a mile long.

Common ingredients that were once thought safe are continually being found to cause problems. It is a good idea to avoid foods with long ingredient lists as much as possible. Sources of toxicity though consumption include:

      • Ingredients found in many foods
      • Tobacco, alcohol, pharmaceutical and recreational drugs
      • Food containers and cookware such as plastics & Teflon
      • Chemicals applied to produce, either during the growing process, or before shipment


Plastics & Toxicity

Many of the plastics used for food & liquid storage today have been proven to leech harmful chemicals into its contents under normal conditions. The 2 most common and widely studied chemicals are Bisphenol-A, and styrenes.

Both of these are toxic to the body. Bisphenol-A is believed to effect the reproductive hormones, and possibly brain function. Styrene are a probable carcinogen. Numerous groups are continually studying the harmful effects of these chemicals.


A Guide To Plastic Types

Nearly all plastic containers have a recycle code on them, usually located on the bottom. This code is a number 1-7, and is found inside of the triangular recycle symbol. This number indicates which type of plastic it is. The plastics that are regarded as safest are recycle codes 2, 4, and 5. Plastics that should be avoided for food use are numbers 3, 6, and 7.

#1: Polyethylene Terephthalate, Or PET/PETE:

This is used for nearly all bottled water and soda products. Its safety is debatable. While this plastic is generally regarded as safe for single-use, repeated use increases its chance of leaching a chemical called DEHP.

This chemical is known to disrupt endocrine function, and may also be a carcinogen. Even though this plastic is currently approved for single and repeated use, it is best to avoid repeated use of these bottles, and recycle them when possible.

#2: High Density Polyethylene, Or HDPE:

This plastic is one of the more stable types, and is not known to leach plastic under normal conditions.. Many water bottles are made with this type of plastic. Many water bottles are also made with plastics known to leach bisphenol-A, so check the recycle code on the bottom when purchasing a water bottle. If it is #2, you are good to go.

#3: Polyvinyl Chloride, Or PVC:

This is used in both food and commercial applications. It is known to leach several types of harmful chemicals in normal conditions. It is commonly used in plastic bags, food wrap, and some water containers. Avoid this type of plastic whenever possible.

#4: Low Density Polyethylene, Or LDPE:

This plastic is also used in many food applications, and is considered to be safe under normal conditions. As with all plastics, avoid storing acidic, highly alkaline, or very hot liquids in it. Sunlight can also trigger breakdown of certain chemicals in some plastic, so it is best to keep all plastic food containers out of extended periods of direct sun.

#5: Polypropylene, Or PP:

This type of plastic is softer, and is somewhat milky in color. It is also regarded as safe for use in normal conditions. Many water containers made of this type of plastic can be purchased fairly inexpensively.

#6: Polystyrenes, Or Styrofoam:

Polystyrene leaches styrenes, even under normal conditions. Heat causes many more styrenes to be leached. Styrofoam is commonly used to make disposable cups and food containers. It is wise to avoid styrofoam whenever possible. Especially avoid using it for hot liquids.

#7: Polycarbonate Or PC:

The recycle code #7 includes all types of plastics that are not types 1-6. For food & liquid containers, this usually refers to polycarbonate. A polycarbonate container will usually have the letters 'PC' below the recycle code. Lexan is a brand-name polycarbonate, and is used to make many water bottles such as the popular Nalgenes.

Although popular, this type of plastic is known to leach bisphenol-A. Avoid this type of plastic, and be sure to check the recycle code when purchasing a new water bottle. Nalgene produces a line of water bottles made from #2 HDPE to provide an alternative.

Types Of Plastics
There are about 50 different groups of plastics, with hundreds of different varieties. All types of plastic are recyclable. To make sorting and thus recycling easier, the American Society of Plastics Industry developed a standard marking code to help consumers identify and sort the main types of plastic.

Sorting Logo Type Common Uses

PET

Polyethylene terephthalate - Fizzy drink bottles and oven-ready meal trays.

Recycling Logo

HDPE

High-density polyethylene - Bottles for milk and washing-up liquids.

Recycling Logo

PVC

Polyvinyl chloride - Food trays, cling film, bottles for squash, mineral water and shampoo.

Recycling Logo

LDPE

Low density polyethylene - Carrier bags and bin liners.

Recycling Logo

PP

Polypropylene - Margarine tubs, microwaveable meal trays.

Recycling Logo

PS

Polystyrene - Foam meat or fish trays, hamburger boxes and egg cartons, vending cups, plastic cutlery, protective packaging.

Recycling Logo

OTHER

Any other plastics - An example is melamine, which is often used in plastic plates and cups.


Plastics & Varying Conditions

All plastics will leach chemicals in certain conditions. Under normal conditions, some types are stable, but even these may start to break down under certain conditions. The most common conditions are high heat, prolonged exposure to sunlight, acidic substances, or certain alkaline substances.

Avoid storing things like soda pop, lemon juice, vinegar, or other acidic liquids in plastic containers. Also avoid storing salty liquids in plastic containers.

To be completely safe, it is a good idea to use glass containers around the house where there is less risk of breaking. For things like water bottles, and portable food containers, try to choose plastics that are numbers #2, #4, or #5.


After A Detox Plan
What Should I Expect After Following A Detox Plan?

You will most likely be more energized, and just feel better overall. Many of the smaller symptoms you experienced before it may disappear. Detoxing regularly can keep them from coming back. You are guaranteed to be healthier.

Dextoxing is also a great way for people to counteract aging. People who look like they are 30 when they are 50 probably live a very healthy life, and/or detox regularly.


Best Products
What Are The Best Products, Items, Foods, Etc To Use For Detoxing?

Herbal Products:

The majority of detox products are made from various herbs. Companies would have you believe that the best products are complex, and secret blends of 30 different herbs. This is a marketing technique, and nothing more.

The most effective herbs for a detox are simple choices. You have probably heard of many of them. There are many effective herbs that all have the same effect. You do not need more than 1 or 2 of each kind.

Sources Of Herbs:

I recommend purchasing herbs to have on hand for future use. In order to preserve dried herb, it is important to store them in a cool, dark place. A sealed glass jar is a good place to store dried herbs in. These herbs can be used to make teas during your detox, or at any other time.

Laxative Herbs:

Senna Leaves & Pods

This is probably the single most effective laxative herb. It can be purchased at many health food stores, or from many sources online. It is a good idea to stock up on a good senna product in order to use each time you detox.

Parts Used: Leaves And Pods

Recommended Usage: Tea or Powder in capsule form

Liver, Kidney, & Bloodstream Cleansers:

Burdock Root:

Burdock is a common weed in many parts of the country. However, it is just as effective of a cleanser as it is common. The roots are great for overall cleansing of the liver, bloodstream, and kidneys. It also helps to purge toxins that are just underneath the surface of the skin.

When consuming a lot of burdock tea, you may experience a lot of itching. This is caused by toxins that were just under the skin's surface being purged out. Frequent cool showers will help to rinse this off.

Corn Silk:

Corn silk is a great stimulator and cleanser of the kidneys. You can buy dried corn silk, or you can take it from fresh corn. If you use fresh corn silk, be sure to only use silk from organic corn. The silk is exposed, and will readily absorb sprayed pesticides and herbicides. This herb is best used as a tea.

Dandelion Root:

Dandelion roots are very bitter, and are an excellent liver cleanser. It also helps to cleanse the bloodstream and the kidneys. Be sure to use good quality dandelion root. Don't dig up the roots if you live in the city, or if you spray your lawn with fertilizer, weed killer, or other sprays. These are best used as a tea. You may want to add a small amount of honey, as it can be quite bitter. However, a certain amount of bitter taste is beneficial.

View Dandelion Products Here.

Green Tea:

While not as strong of a detoxifier, green tea still has its uses. It is good, mild tea, and is something that is good to drink year round. It is also palatable, especially with a tiny bit of honey added to it. While not as powerful of a cleanser, it is something that can be consumed on a daily basis, and will help to improve your health.

View Green Tea Products Here.

Licorice Root:

This is good for absorbing toxins in the bloodstream. It also has a mild laxative effect. As with all herbs for this detox plan, I recommend this in tea form.

View Licorice Root Products Here.

Parsley Leaf:

Yep, I am talking about the plant that chefs use as a garnish. Don't use commercial parsley, though. Be sure to get organic parsley, or quality dried herb. The tea has a milder taste, unlike the bitter dandelion root. Parsley is an excellent kidney cleanser, and the tea can be consumed in large amount. Be sure to drink a lot of water & fluids when drinking parsley tea, as you will be urinating a lot.

Red Clover Blossoms:

Great for absorbing toxins from the blood stream, as well as the rest of the body. The blossoms are the part used. If you buy dried herb, be sure to get blossoms that are still purple. Blossoms that have gone brown are much lower in quality. The tea is mild tasting compared to many other herbs.

Uva-Ursi Leaf:

This is an outstanding kidney cleanser & stimulator. Pre made teas can be purchased online, or you can buy the raw herb and make it yourself.

Yarrow:

This herb was very popular with the Native Americans, and they used it for many purposes. The tea is an excellent overall cleanser. It has a slightly stronger taste, although nothing like the bitter herbs. It can take some getting used to, but some people find it an enjoyable drink.

Yellow Dock:

A bitter herb liver stimulator. The roots and leaves are both used. The roots have the strongest effect. You can make a tea out of either part, or with both. As with other bitter herbs, it will probably take some getting used to the taste. Add a bit of honey if desired.

Other Useful Supplements & Products:

Activated Charcoal:

Activated Charcoal, also known as burnt wood, has been consumed by humans, along with herbs, for thousands of years. It is capable of absorbing thousands of different toxins, which is why it is used in filters. As it passes through the digestive tract, it will help to absorb all sorts of toxins from the intestinal walls.

Mix 1-3 teaspoons with juice, stir, and drink. The taste is actually not that bad, and it is easy to take once you get used to it. You can do this 1-2 times per day while on a detox program. It will make your bowel movements black, but this is ok. Be sure to only use charcoal from a quality source.

Don't try using anything from your campfire pit. An internet search for 'activated charcoal' will turn up many results. I suggest getting a container of straight powder, rather than capsules.

Charcoal is another one of those things that people have been using effectively for a very long time, but is still 'not yet evaluated' by the government.

Fish Oil:

Fish oil is a quick and convenient source of the all-important omega-3 fatty acid. Aim to get 2-6 grams of total omega-3 per day.

View Fish Oil Products Sorted By Top Sellers Here.

Flax Oil:

Another good source of omega-3. Be sure to store in a cool, dark place, as it can spoil easily.

View Flax Seed Products Sorted By Top Sellers Here.

Green Food Powders:

Green food supplements are an outstanding source of numerous vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Many of the common ingredients such as wheat grass or barley grass will also aid in detoxification.

View Greens Food Products Sorted By Top Sellers Here.


Importance Of Detoxification
Is It Important To Detox Regularly? Why Or Why Not?

In today's world, a regular detoxification is becoming more and more important for maintaining a healthy body. People eat worse than ever, are exposed to more pollution, more chemicals, and more toxins. Even many fruits and vegetables, which are a key part of any healthy diet contain toxic chemicals in the form of pesticides, herbicides, and preservative chemicals.

These toxins build up in the body over time, and will eventually start causing all sorts of problems, both big and small, if they are not removed. While you may feel healthy and strong today, it still does not mean that these toxins aren't accumulating in your body.

It is important to detox regularly to flush the buildup of toxins out. This should be done a minimum of once per year. Ideally, a good detox program should be done 3-4 times per year.


Bodybuilders & Detoxification
Could A Bodybuilder Benefit From Detoxification?

Bodybuilders, as well as all individuals who want to stay healthy can benefit from a detoxification plan. Many of the symptoms caused by toxicity may be directly affecting performance and recovery.

Problems such as headaches, lack of energy, itchy skin, weak immunity, slow recovery, and even certain joint problems are all probable results of toxicity. In addition to being healthier, and feeling better, regular detoxing may directly improver performance in the gym and results.


Bonus Question
Have You Ever Used A Detox Plan? If So, What Were Your Feelings Of It? If Not, Would You Want To Try One?

I do an intensive 7-day detox plan 2 or 3 times per year. I change my diet to mostly raw food, along with a few protein shakes to help maintain muscle. I drink probably 14-15 cups of various teas per day during these detox plans. I feel that this is a key part of me staying healthy, disease free, and hopefully helping me to remain functional when many others are hobbling around on canes.

Each time I do this, I feel much, much better. My energy levels tend to be higher, and I know for a fact that I am greatly helping to keep myself much, much healthier.

References:

    1. www.holisticmed.com
    2. chetday.com
    3. www.detoxreviews.com
    4. healingtools.tripod.com
    5. www.vrp.com
    6. www.enzymestuff.com
    7. www.healthy.net
    8. altmedicine.about.com
    9. www.care2.com
    10. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
    11. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Styrene
    12. thegreenguide.com
    13. trusted.md