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Body cleanses are healthy ways to remove built-up toxins, improve energy and concentration levels and achieve an overall sense of well-being. The type of body cleanse you choose determines the length of time it should be done for a successful outcome. It is important to do cleanses for only the time specified because some require drastic fasting periods or the use of herbs and supplements.

Function

Body cleanses have an important function, and that is to remove toxins and built-up waste in the colon and intestines as well as harmful parasites and free radicals. If you suffer from symptoms such as bloating, constipation, dull skin, mood swings or a lack of energy, using a body cleanse a few times a year will help to regulate health and improve life quality.

Types

There are various types of body cleanses, depending on whether you want to detoxify a specific organ or want a total cleanse. Colon cleansing removes the buildup of waste in the bowels and colon by using natural herbs such as psyllium husk. Drinking a tablespoon of psyllium husk powder in 8 ounces of water three times a day for one week is effective in cleansing the colon of parasites, toxins and build-up that cause a lack of energy, constipation and other digestive issues.

Master Cleanse is a total body detox that is used for a ten-day period. Because you consume nothing but lemon juice, grade B maple syrup and cayenne pepper mixed with water, the Master Cleanse purifies the liver and blood stream with lemon juice and cayenne pepper to increase energy and awareness, and it removes toxins and cancer-causing free radicals from the organs and skin. This body cleanse is popular, but many are unable to complete the full ten days due to the extreme calorie restriction.

Parasite cleanings are necessary to remove toxins and parasites from the digestive system. Parasites enter the body when you eat uncooked or raw food, swim in oceans or lakes--both of which contain bacteria and parasites--and live in areas with high pollution levels. Using natural herbs such as black walnut hulls, wormwood and cloves daily for three weeks will ensure that parasites and eggs are killed and removed from the body.

Benefits

Depending on how often you do a body cleanse, you may notice the benefits immediately. Those who undergo regular body cleanses see their skin become healthier looking as a result of removing toxins and free radicals, which speed up the aging process.

Organs like the kidneys and liver operate efficiently, helping to detoxify the body naturally through blood flow or lymphatic fluids. Detoxifying the organs will prevent a buildup, reducing the chance that they will become sluggish or unable to detoxify the body fully, which may cause you to be more prone to liver ailments, gall or kidney stones and other chronic ailments.

Body cleansing also improves the quality of blood, increasing the amount of oxygen and nutrients that are supplied to your organs. Cellulite and fat deposits are reduced because toxins are removed as opposed to being stored in fat cells.

Warning

Do a body cleanse only for the designated time or as deemed safe by a doctor. A lack of calories or nutrients may cause harm to the body or organs if a cleanse is done for a long period of time.

Prevention/Solution

Prevent toxic buildup by drinking at least 64 ounces of water each day to flush the system, eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables--which contain minerals, vitamins and fiber--and taking a multivitamin to provide complete nourishment to the body.

Do a cleanse at least once annually to remove toxins and parasite buildup.