5 Tips For Eczema Treatment

Many people suffer from eczema and have been since they were children. In fact, eczema is the most common skin issue in children. When eczema flares up, it is very uncomfortable, causing itching and red skin. Even though it can be a painful issue, eczema treatment is fairly easy to do. Following are some tips for dealing with eczema without prescription medicine.

1- When there is a flareup of eczema, one of the most effective means of treatment is the use of antihistamines. This medication will help to ease the itchiness that often accompanies the eczema. The biggest disadvantage of using antihistamines is that it often makes the user drowsie. The advantage, is that they are readily available over the counter.

2- Another eczema treatment is to take a lukewarm bath. The bath does not need to be long, about five minutes is sufficient. After getting out of the tub, do not rub the skin dry, rather pat it. Patting leaves some of the water on the skin, leaving it ready to absorb moisutre from a lotion.

3- If the lukewarm bath is not an option, try a cold compress. Applying a cold compress to the affected skin will help to alleviate the itchiness and redness that are often symptoms of eczema. This eczema treatment is especially effective for children after they have fallen asleep.

4- There are some tips to follow that may help stop eczema flare-ups from becoming a problem. One of the most effective is to wear clothing made of cotton. The reason for this is that cotton breathes, therefore, it doesn’t cause sweating. Sweating will cause an eczema flare up. Do not wear clothes made of wool, as the texture will irritate the skin and will lead to the need for eczema treatment.

5- Some other tips to avoid the need for eczema treatment are also pretty simple. For example, keeping fingernails cut short, especially for children, will help to minimize some of the damage of scratching the itchy skin caused by eczema. If you or your child are allergic to dust mites or pets, exposure to them could cause the eczema to flare up. Keeping pets out of the bedroom can help keep the skin issue under control.

Prevent Sweating

Knowing that you need to better understand this topic I recommend that you take 5 minutes to read what we have to say.s Surly there are variety of ways and means to prevent sweating, but not all of them will work for everyone. Consequently the cause why there are virtually so many thousands of treatments and remedies to prevent sweating. s

The trick is to finding the right preventive method for you. And the central to that lies in knowing your body. Learned what your perspiration triggers are, knowing what conditions lessens your sweat, and what conditions makes your stop altogether. s

We need to know that antiperspirants and deodorants dont always work, and the product you have been using might have doomed its affectivity for you. Not everyone can use the same product for long time without the body beginning to build up some character of opposition against it. This is one good ground to rotate your antiperspirants and deodorants. It not only keeps your body on its toes, but it also gives it a much needful change.s

There are of course, other ways to forestall perspiration which doesn’t make use of commercially useable antiperspirants and deodorants. Some people find that the chemic substances and compounds to be found in these products are not to their taste and select the use of something nearer to nature, such as a crystal rock deodorant.s

These kinds of deodorants are supposed to work wonders, and although they dont preclude perspiring per se, it does help to rid of the odor causation bacterium which gives your sweat that stale odor. If you only sweat moderately, and want to only get free of the odor, then these crystal deodorants are just the thing for you.s

There are other methods with which you can forbid perspiring however, rather than just controlling the odor, and not all of these methods use the formal methods of medicine and treatment. Some of these methods which help you to prevent sweating tend more towards the holistic side of healing.s

And although these methods work just fine and can even be good for you, if you have an underlying wellness condition, are Taking medication, or are pregnant, you might first want to consult with your doctor to make sure that you wont put up any opposite effects from using these methods to forestall sweating.s

Herbal treatments and remedies are not the only way to go about holistic treatments however. You also have the alternative of using other methods such as Acupuncture and homeopathy to help you forestall sweating.s

If however, youre thinking about using any of these treatment methods to prevent sweating, you will want to make sure that you hire the services of a trained pro in that particular field… to learn more on this topic or other related information, please check our web site by following our link below…s

Thank you for taking the time to read my article it is greatly appreciated. Try searching through my other articles.s

Michael Malega presents several Prevent Sweating articles for your information. You can visit Michael’s web site at: Prevent Sweating http://www.excessive-sweating-problems.com/Prevent-Sweating.php

Natural Acne Cures – Simple and Effective Ways to Stop Acne

The condition of your acne will determine the treatment options. Treatment also depends on the oil balance of your skin, your gender and your existing medications. The most proactive acne treatment is with topical products (gels, creams) containing Salicylic acid, Benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, tetracycline, erythromycin or a retinoid. Many times a combination of these products is recommended.

There sure is a lot of confusion out there regarding acne prevention. Some people say to scrub your face all day, eat the right foods, avoid sweat, exercise, and on and on. Unfortunately, these have nothing to do with acne prevention.

In the case of severer forms of acne, dermatologists may prescribe the less physically invasive route of oral medicine. Some common antibiotics, used to curb the development of the P. acnes bacteria and reduce inflammation are doxycycline, tetracycline and minocyclyine. The common topical, benzoyl peroxide, may be used with antibiotics such as sulfur, erythromycin or clindamycin. There can be disturbing side affects to antibiotics, depending on the drug and the individual’s sensitivity. Changes in skin color, an increased propensity for sunburns, dizziness, and stomach problems can occur. Tetracycline is contra- indicated in children and pregnant women. The antibiotic route must be taken with caution and with awareness of problems. Substances such as minocycline and tetracycline can even affect the potency of oral birth control methods.

Since many people think that the only people who are constantly plagued by acne are teenagers, the thought of acne has been closely coupled with adolescence. When a professional businessman or woman enters a room and is suffering from acne, he or she is looked upon as unprofessional, and all those traits that are normally associated with adolescence.

Among popular alpha hydroxyl acids, glycolic acid is one of the most commonly used. It has similar results with a chemical peel. Even when used in strong concentrations, glycolic acid has only few negative side effects. Long-term day to day use may also have a beneficial effect on acne scars. Glycolic acid is also effective in increasing skin resistance to ultraviolet light, improving moisture retention, as well as the general skin condition. However, even though it is quite effective and has only minor side effects, it is better to use as part of a more complex skin care system.

A dermatologist may use acne lazer surgery in the most severe acne cases to dig to the very core of a pimple and clear it completely. The lazer device is designed so that it is weak enough not to cause any additional damage beyond the area being treated. Most experts consider this lazer surgery very safe, but as with any surgery there is always at least a small opportunity for unexpected consequences.

Stay Tuned to Day Long Freshness

Sweating is a normal response to environmental or bodily heat. It can be accelerated due to pain, panic stress, ill health, or an emotional disturbance. When air is dry, evaporation of sweat takes place rapidly so that we don’t notice it on our skin, but when the weather becomes hot and humid, the moisture lingers on and we get soaked in perspiration. As an elimination organ our skin allows sweat to pass out from the pores and rid the body of impurities, just as kidneys send out waste products through urine and the liver breaks down pesticides and other chemicals and shunts them off.

Sweat is 99 per cent water while the rest is made up of salt, fat, lactic acid, uric acid and potassium. Since the body stores tiny amounts of environmental toxins in fatty tissues, it’s possible that even these may turn up as well in the sweat.

There are two types of sweat glands located in the dermis of the skin. The eccrine, found all over the body chiefly on the soles of the feet and palms of the hands, prepares plenty of clear sweat that is low in organic matter and is odourless though it can take on the smell of certain liquids or foods that have been consumed.

The other is the highly sensitive apocrine which becomes active after puberty and produces a milky secretion that breaks down into fatty acids on mingling with local bacteria resulting in offensive odour. Since the apocrine glands remain stagnant in babies and the young, they smell sweet. Though we all have the same number of sweat glands per skin area, the amount of sweat varies from person to person. On average, women perspire less than men but those engaged in strenuous activities sweat much more. In men the sweat glands exude a hormone called testosterone which by itself is odourless. However, a host of bacteria known as ‘coryneform’ located in the armpits convert testosterone into substances that emit a seductive musk-like odour so typical of those sexy sweaty shirts!

During middle-age, people with a weak digestive system are not able to metabolise foods like fish, eggs, nuts, legumes and liver and they discharge strong odours. Coffee, colas and chocolates also tend to stimulate the apocrine glands – concentrated in moist areas of armpits, breasts, naval and the groin – so more sweat oozes out from the pores.

Excessive chronic-sweating called ‘hyperhidrosis’ can be due to genetic disorder, tension, low blood sugar, obesity or menopause. Sweating can be controlled by maintaining proper personal hygienes sometimes, pouring water on the body does suffice since our skin is an amazing self-cleansing organ but when dirt, dust, dead cells and stale make-up clog pores and hamper the skin’s natural functions, a proper cleansing is required to remove accumulated pollutants without disturbing the skin’s normal balance.

Soap and water are commonly used for bathing and most soaps have fine floral notes that leave the body refreshed and relaxed. But enough water must be used to clear impurities as well as any soap residue.

Applying body lotion or talcum powder after the bath adds to the effect of freshening up. Talc absorbs moisture and diminishes body odour though it lasts for a short while. Lotions and perfumes too repress body odour temporarily and that also aesthetically. However they don’t fight bacteria and when sweat overpowers the scent, a stale whiff survives.

Deodorants do a neater job to control body odour and keep delightful day-long fragrant freshness. They contain antiseptic ingredients and choice essences that destroy bacteria and keep the skin sweet-smelling. Deodorants are available as sprays, roll-ons and deosticks.

Sprays: Formulated with active bactericidals and exquisite perfume, they must be used after stepping out of the bath. They should be sprayed carefully by holding the container away from the face and allowed to set before dressing up, as they can leave stains on clothes.

Roll-ons: A thick liquid rolls out through a ball at the mouth of the bottle when pressed on the skin. It feels sticky at first but soon a thin layer adheres to the skin’s surface and partly seals the pores. Less is better as excess deodorant may cause discomfort.

Deo-sticks: Most convenient to use by rubbing the stick on dry skin. As it has little effect on wet skin, make sure to wipe the body properly. It’s handy to carry in the purse and re-apply whenever one needs to freshen up. Some deo-sticks have a pronounced perfume to mask body odour.

Select a deodorant that works well for your skin and gives total satisfaction. If a product induces an itch or blisters the skin, avoid it and try some other brand. Use of any deodorant should be restricted to thrice a week as frequent application reduces its potency. Often, sweat dilutes the deodorant and, in the course of time, builds natural immunity to that particular product.

An anti-perspirant with its two-in-one formula has a long-lasting effect and doesn’t wash off or vanish easily. When it is applied a powdery coat forms on the skin and chemicals like aluminium, salts arrest the flow of sweat considerably while eliminating body odour. The right time to use an anti-perspirant is before retiring to bed at night as then it works for a longer time and makes the skin slow down on sweating.

ANTI-PERSPIRANTS

Some preservatives in antiperspirants can be harmful for those with tender, sensitive skins resulting in a rash. They should use phitikari (alum) containing sulphate of aluminium and potash on armpits, or rub the juice of onion, lettuce or mint leaves to curtail excess sweat and prevent body odour.

Hair follicles are ground for apocrine glands to set up body odour. When sweat doesn’t dry up, bacteria – the real culprits – take over and cause decomposition and let off a repugnant stink. Make sure the pubic area and armpits are clear of hair.

If you experience sweating of the scalp, where the skin’s natural lubricants are concentrated, rub eaude-cologne in hair roots before combing. This will help and the hair will also become more fragrant and bouncier.

Sweating of feet can be embarrassing when, on removal of footwear, a stench which is annoying to olfactory senses shoots up. Fungi thrive in warm moist places and increase rapidly between the toes. Best is to keep feet dry and clean and spray some talc or deodorant before stepping into well-aired shoes.

In warm weather, drink plenty of liquids which will prevent dehydration and aid in diluting apocrine gland secretions. Try to stay calm and relaxed and wear loose, freshly-laundered cotton clothes. Avoid synthetics as these prevent air-circulation and don’t permit perspiration to escape.

Most ultra-violet rays are harsh and bounce off concrete surfaces. Zinc, an effective ingredient in sunscreens is the white paste that we find cricketers apply below their eyes and lips to safeguard from the sun’s glare. Some cream products claim their sunscreen is sweat-proof and longlasting, yet no sunscreen is absolutely sweat-proof. The fragrant cleansers that we use to combat odour often merge with our skin chemistry and become identified as our particular body aroma. Some regard this distinct smell to be alluring as it often conveys signals of sexual intent.

And see what someone has to say on this subject: “A horse sweats, a truckman perspires – but a woman glows!” So don’t let your apocrine glands get you down even if you lead a hectic life and are always on the go!

Armpit Sweating

A person who sweats excessively knows that sweating need not be limited to armpit sweating alone. You can sweat in other places on your body such as the genital area, around the toes of your feet (which can lead to athlete’s foot if you’re not careful), as well as be able to sweat on your hands, your forehead, your face, your back.

The list can be fairly long, but suffice it to say that you can sweat just about anywhere on your body. Armpit sweating however is the most common form of sweating and the one which most of us tends to focus on, even if we suffer from excessive sweating of other areas on the body.

That said, armpit sweating is also the area which is targeted the most by the deodorant and antiperspirant companies. They focus on these areas rather than any other place on your body for the simple reason that most people only ever experience armpit sweating.

This is the reason why we are bombarded by product after product of underarm deodorant or antiperspirant. The next sweat prone area to make the advertising campaign list is that of the foot. And a good thing too, just think of the big mess we would be put into if it were drilled into us that we also needed to eliminate facial sweating, or back sweating, or your scalp from sweating!

Most people are already very conscious of any type of armpit sweating be it excessive or normal, and will go to any lengths to cover up or prevent any signs that they are sweating. This is a phobia that has gradually manifested itself in our collective conscious to the extent that we will feel dreadfully embarrassed if we are caught unawares and find dark sweat stains under our arms.

And although having a sweat-induced odor about your person is most definitely not something to be proud of, do we really have to go through mind numbing embarrassment every time that we experience more than a light sweat and find that we are starting to smell very slightly “off”?

True, you don’t want to meet anyone you know when you’re in this condition, but then again, that’s what deodorants and things are there for, to help us with these little problems that life presents to us.

The best thing that you can do for armpit sweating of any kind is to have a good daily hygiene routine. Couple this with a good diet, (and by this think of one that is primarily free of such foodstuffs as onions and garlic!), use a good deodorant and you should be just fine. Besides, you know that if you ever need it, there are othr treatment options available to you.

Tips for finding the best fit with plus size clothes

Today, it’s more and more frequent to be overweight and obese (obesity can be defined as being much more than “overweight”); these persons, in most of cases are not happy for their conditions and they are just the main buyers of plus size clothes. The psychological consequences can be unpleasant for them and one of their most difficult problem to resolve, if they desire to improve their look before the positive effects of their last diet, is just what to wear for being smart and appearing a bit less fat, given that this seems to be the problem.

If I had to give an overweight friend of mine some advices on what clothes to buy, the first thing I would avoid is making whatever reference or consideration on their excessive weight, also as a joke and especially with women who seem to be the most psychologically fragile about their body’s look and weight; I would be very diplomatic for not hurting her or him. For ex., if I had to tell my friend this cloth is of the right size while she or he would like better an inferior one, I should only say: “OK, I think the first size you have tried is the right one for you”, But never: “OK, I think this is the right size, not the other; you’re too big, you know”. The truth is a beautiful things but, sometimes, it “kills” and it should be used carefully because I don’t want to lose my friends so easily.

This regards HOW to give my friend a tip. The other delicate issue is WHICH clothes to recommend to improve their look, bearing well in mind that these clothes mustn’t be uniforms or masks that my friends don’t like but accept to wear only to appear smarter to the others. The solution is a little compromise although the cloth is not just the last fashion; surely, I wouldn’t recommend to a young (and round) woman a pair of low-belt or adherent pants or the short t-shirts or blouses that leave uncovered her big belly because it would make her ridiculous and grotesque.

Instead, I would advise a long dress that doesn’t let anything uncovered, rather abundant to smooth the excesses of fats here and there in her body, with clear colours like white, yellow, brown, blue, green, and red but not brilliant; then, with decorations or stripes that make more luminous and never uniform her appearance. I would avoid black or gray because these are depressing colour that would turn her into a big black mass, underscoring her weight in excess.

For a man, the rule I would follow is the same, avoiding the black (although still trendy) and also tight clothes; sweaters, jackets and generally sportive clothes are the best for him when young. Also the classic suit with tie wouldn’t be black or grey for the same reasons, but with fine stripes and little coloures squares, if my friend were older. I would avoid also too bright and uniform colours for him and for her because they obtain the opposite effect, enhancing the excess of body mass, either for young and old persons. In summer, rather abundant trousers and shirt or blouses would be the best, with white or very clear colours for not to increase their feeling of hot. During the winter, the necessity to wear heavy coats, sweaters and jackets simplifies much their choice but, also in this case, I wouldn’t advice her/him adherent clothes and dark colours.

Could Your Candida Be Celiac Disease?

Everyone has candida. It’s a bacteria that lives naturally in all human bodies, mostly in the small intestine and the mucous membranes. It doesn’t do anything harmful, and our bodies don’t notice it. When it is allowed to flourish, though, it becomes problematic. The condition of system-wide candida symptoms is called candida dysbiosis.

The symptoms of candida dysbiosis are fatigue, headaches, weakness, the feeling of being “hungover,” diarrhea, nausea, and memory loss, among others. Yet it’s vital to note that another condition — celiac disease — has many of the same indications. Could your candida actually be celiac disease instead?

First, let’s consider the causes. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder of the small bowel that is caused by an abnormal reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat, and similar proteins found in barley and rye. Candida can be caused by taking antibiotics or hormones, or by alcohol, stress, or a poor diet. Candida and celiac disease have entirely different causes, in other words, even though some of their symptoms are the same.

Celiac disease and candida often share these symptoms: chronic fatigue, weakness, headaches, general flu-like achiness, joint pains, chronic sinus problems, allergies, irritability, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and gas.

On the other hand, these symptoms are common in candida but NOT in celiac disease: dizziness, cold sweats, sore throat, low-grade fever, chronic athlete’s foot, heart pains. If your symptoms include any of those, celiac disease is probably not what’s ailing you.

If you suspect you have celiac disease, it’s imperative that you get diagnosed properly as soon as possible. The condition is often misdiagnosed. Many of its symptoms suggest not just candida but irritable bowel syndrome and several other ailments. To accurately diagnose celiac disease, a blood test is needed. Other tests, such as an endoscopy, may also be necessary.

It’s important that if you think you have celiac disease, you don’t stop eating gluten products on your own before getting tested. Doing so may decrease the symptoms, but it will also make it harder to detect the disease when you do get tested. Instead, continue on with your regular diet until your doctor confirms you have celiac disease.

Once the diagnosis has been made, you’ll have to make some changes. There is no “cure” for celiac disease; the only way to deal with it is to stop eating foods with gluten in them, and to continue on that diet for the rest of your life. Fortunately, many food manufacturers are making gluten-free versions of their products, and some health insurance providers even reimburse patients for the cost of these special foods.

After undertaking a gluten-free diet, your intestines will be able to heal themselves. In the vast majority of cases, all the celiac-related symptoms go away. Occasionally, a celiac patient will find that even with a gluten-free diet, the symptoms remain, sometimes because the disease persisted for so long that the damage to the intestines was irreparable. In these rare cases, steroids may be used to combat the symptoms.

The worst plus size fashion mistakes and how to avoid them – Part 2

First of all, there is no shame in being a plus size person; it is a shame when a plus size person tries to dress like there friend in the size 2 skirt. I myself am a plus size woman. One of the biggest mistakes that a plus size person makes in their choices of clothing is they try to “squeeze” into their clothing. If you have to “squeeze” into it, then that particular item or size is not meant for you. We of the larger persuasion tend to look like sausages packed in a casing, when wearing clothes that are to small, not very flattering. If they don’t have that item in your size, then find something similar, in your size, if possible. Another mistake, is bright-colored big print patterns. Many plus size clothes have these huge print patterns on them; this is a no, no. Quite a few of these patterns makes a large person look like a billboard for weight loss. If you have to have prints, then small dark prints are a much better way to go. If your are a top-heavy individual than stick with the small dark print patterns on your shirts and sweaters. If your weight is well balanced, heavy on the top and bottom, then you can get away with patterns that are a little bigger, but stick with the dark colored print. Printed dresses are good, as long as the colors are not too bright. A perfect example is a white dress with navy blue flowered print, that would give the illusion of being well-balanced. A printed dress has print all over, so it does not focus on one particular area. Printed skirts and pants are a different story. Skirts and pants focuses on your hips, so you really want to be carefully about how much attention you want to draw to this are. keep this area in dark colors, this give a slimming effect. Imagine a size 22 coming at you in a bright yellow pants, what area would catch your eye? When shopping always think about how you would look at a plus size person wearing the same thing. There is nothing wrong with being plus size, just remember that just because they made it for a plus size person , doesn’t mean you that it was meant for you.

Treatment Methods For Excessive Sweating

Sweat is something normal, that everyone experiences when they exercise, stay in the heat or they’re under pressure. However, a lot of people have problems with it on their feet, hands or underarms. It can be embarrassing for them, though it’s not their fault, since it’s a disease called primary focal hyperhidrosis. 5% of all people suffer from this disease, and a lot of them will not even ask help from a doctor because they’re embarrassed.

Sweating Can Be Treated

Despite what a lot of people think, excessive sweat can be treated.

Some of the usual therapies are:

1. using antiperspirants on the skin;
2. removing the sweat glands through surgery;
3. doing a sympathectomy, which removes the link between the sweat glands and the sympathetic nerves;
4.using iontophresis, which uses small electric currents to block sweat glands;

Even though you can remove the sweat glands, not all people will go for this option, since it can leave scars under your arms. Just like the removal, the sympathectomy can have some side effects, like rebound sweating or surgical problems. The iontophresis has its own set of problems, like the fact that it doesn’t work that great and you need to do the treatment regularly.

Besides the choices I already mentioned, people will sometimes get rid of their problem by using anticholinergics, which work by blocking neural transmitters. These transmitters usually control sweat glands. It does work for a lot of people, but it does have some side effects for the patients. Some of these side effects can be bloatedness, blurred vision, constipation or dry mouth.

Fixing Your Sweating Problem

Recently, something appeared that fixes the problems with sweating that a lot of people have. This product uses Botox (botulinum toxin) to make the sweat glands inactive. One of the most used remedies, Botox will also make sweat glands to be blocked.

The side effects that come with Botox are rather limited, since the treatment is local. By doing sessions of just twenty minutes of Botox, you will not longer sweat between 6 and 12 months. All you need is one or two sessions per year, and you can get rid of sweat. A lot of people will enjoy life much better if they don’t have to worry about sweating.

How to Body Detox & Uses of Detox Foot Patches

We live in a toxic age. Our water Is laced with heavy metals. The air we breathe is polluted with carbon byproducts. What we eat is chemically enhanced or genetically modified to last longer, taste better, and fill us up with superfluous calories. Even our body’s burning of fats, proteins and sugars for energy creates waste. So cleaning out our guts has to be a good idea, right?

Yes and no. Our body can clean up its own mess, The body does not passively soak up toxins like a sponge. It has defences and resources which constantly act even while you sleep. When toxins enter your body, these are swiftly dealt with. But if our body can take care of its own waste, why do we sometimes feel bloated enough to want to stick a plunger down our gut? Pro-detox experts think we can do with some extra help.

Experts thinks that the body is already detoxifying itself all along, but we live in a toxic environment. We suffer from stress, breathe little fresh air, some smoke & drinks, we also ate foods that are grill which produces dangerous carbon. Detoxifying is a means of strengthening our bodies to cope with these stresses. If we ignore stress-proofing your body, and you may face chronic diseases such as insomnia, fatigue, gastric problems, poor skin and premature aging due to the accumulation of toxins over the years.

Contrary to what we think of detoxifying as literally flushing out blockages in our intestines, there are many detox methods available in the market.

Some detox experts propose herbs and vitamins that suitable for detox, some uses detox foot patches; some encourages vegetarian diet or detox fruits diet.

Herbs used in detox diets are actually meant to strengthen the eliminating organs so that they work better. Herbs fortify the organs with nutrients. Detox foot patches derive from natural trees roots are proven to be non-toxic, they have no side effects, unlike chemical drugs. This detox foot patches are sticks under the foot, and overnight it works via drawing toxins away from our body to the patches, detox foot patches also include negative ions which can helps to refresh our body.

Be detox savvy

Detox programmes aren’t for everyone. While most detox diets appear safe as they use natural herbs, and advocate a switch to fruits and vegetables, don’t let that lull you into complacency. It can be harmful to health if not done properly. For instance, you shouldn’t fast if you are anaemic and your body doesn’t have sufficient iron. Those whose health is affected by tumours, bleeding ulcers, cancer, blood diseases, active pulmonary diseases, diabetes, gout, liver, kidney and cerebral diseases should not fast or detox. They should consult doctors for advise. For instance, special fasting programmes consisting of only water or juice should be done no longer than 14 days, this should be done with caution. Other detox programmes like using detox foot patches are much safer and can be followed for up to one and a half months.

What to do

Detox programmes vary in intensity and duration. Some let you gradually shift from your usual diet to raw fruits and vegetables, as well as herbs and vitamins prescribed to suit your body’s needs. You never actually do juice or water fasting alone. Such fasts deprive your body of essential nutrients and can harm your health. Sometimes, using detox foot patches, massage and dry body brushing are incorporated into the programme to improve blood circulation and lymphatic drainage so that your body can flush the toxins out more efficiently.

A good and effective detox programme should support the elimination organs like the liver, kidneys, colon and the lymphatic system. The most important and simple thing to do during detox is to drink 1.5 to two litres of water a day to flush out toxins and waste products.

Who would benefit from a detox?

Most of us, it seems. Rare is the individual who doesn’t keep a hectic lifestyle, indulge in alcohol and/or a diet nigh in fat, sugar, and salt but low in vegetables and fruit. If you’re feeling constantly fatigued and stressed, they’re already signs that your body can do with some detoxifying.

Before you start on any programme, get clearance from your doctor. Here are some organ-specific programmes from detox experts:

Liver : What it does: Its main function is to filter toxins for excretion. Blood that passes through the intestines can reach the heart and lungs only after passing through the liver. How to detox it: detox plans for the liver can range from simple to advanced. A basic plan, for instance, includes milk thistle, dandelion (from health stores in capsule form), and a vegetarian diet with no alcohol for one to three weeks. You can repeat it every six months.

Kidneys : What they do: These are the other filtering organs that cleanse the blood of waste products. The kidneys contain millions of tiny filtering units called nephrons that separate nutrients from waste, then send waste into the urine. How to detox them: Drink two cups of dandelion-leaf tea and one cup of nettle tea a day to flush out the kidneys and help with fluid retention. If that’s too much liquid to take, stick to the dandelion-leaf tea. Take the mix for six to eight weeks, one cup twice a day.

Skin : What it does: Sweat glands carry waste products, primarily urea and ammonia, from the body to be excreted in the form of perspiration. How to detox it: Ginger or marigold tea is a good remedy to try. Drink a cup two to three times a day for up to four weeks.

Intestines : What they do: The small intestine absorbs nutrients, leaving waste material to enter the large intestine or colon, then the rectum for elimination. The large intestine also absorbs needed water and minerals. How to detox them: one teaspoon of psyllium husks (from health stores) mixed in 150ml of juice or water. Drink it before bed, followed by 250ml of water afterwards. Take the mix for six to eight weeks, one teaspoon once a day.

Probiotics, the supplement of the moment, can also give your intestines a boost. Look for those that contain 15 billion organisms per capsule. “Take them for four weeks, then give your system a break for one to two weeks. This is to allow your digestive system to build a conducive environment for the good bacteria to thrive in. You can continue the course for half a year.

Gall Bladder : What it does: It stores bile – a fat-digesting and acid-neutralising liquid that is continually secreted by the liver. How to detox it: Blend the juice of two grapefruits with one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Drink this two to three times a week for six to eight weeks.

Conclusions:

For a detox starting point, a brief abstinence from rich foods and alcohol will do the trick. Stop eating rich foods and drinking alcohol for a period of time. Instead, drink plenty of plain water and eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. For further improvement alternatives, water and fruits detox programme, herbals or using detox foot patches is a good choice.

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