According to Dr. Henry Lindlahr, a great nature cure therapist, when morbid matter and toxic wastes accumulate in our human body, various ailments would start to surface. Therefore, in order to heal our body effectively, we need to work towards eliminating such waste matter and poisons.
Detoxification is the science of reinforcing body's own intrinsic power to detoxify itself, as a result of which it bounces back to its natural healthy state. It can help to build up our body's own resilience. We want to minimize the total toxic burden on our physical body by opening the doorways of elimination i.e: bowels, kidneys, lymph, skin, lungs etc. even as the body continues to receive nourishment in the form of food and drink. A holistic detoxification program not only enhances restoration and renewal at the gross physical level, but also at a subtle emotional and spiritual level. This explains the science of detoxification.
A normal, healthy body is supposed to naturally detoxify itself by flushing out all its self-produced toxic waste. When toxins are retained and stored in the body the condition is called toxemia. Besides purging the blood and tissues with toxic residue, detox cleanses and rejuvenates the entire excretory system and clears clogged bowels and blocked lungs, etc. It also flushes out sluggish kidneys and bladder.
No matter what detox program you choose, make it a point to drink at least 2-3 liters of pure water everyday. If possible drink alkaline water, so that those acids and other toxic wastes are quickly neutralized, diluted and flushed away and released from the tissues throughout your body as a result of your detox regimen. An effective detox program also removes impurities from the blood through the liver where toxins are usually processed. Other organs like kidneys, intestines, lungs, lymph nodes and skin also participate in the removal of toxins.
Fasting for a short period of time is yet another way for a human body to promote the clearing of toxins. During the fast our organs rest, getting enough time to revive and rejuvenate themselves, which further the process of cleansing. While on a fast, make it a point to include mild exercises like Tai Chi to stimulate your liver in order to eliminate common toxins from your body. This also holds good for elimination through the skin, kidneys and intestines. By including Pranayam (Yoga's deep breathing exercises) you can have improved circulation of blood, which would bring more oxygen to your blood leading to the expulsion of toxins through the bloodstream.
In order to achieve the desirable result of your detox program you must alter your diet by cutting out the intake of all sugar, caffeine, nicotine, etc. The ancient Indian system of India called Ayurveda recommends avoiding deep fried food, spices, chilies, and all other sour acidic food like pickles.
It has been observed that after the period of an active detox program most people tend to relapse and get back to their old faulty lifestyle. As the proverb goes, prevention is better than cure. After reaping the desired results from a good detox program one should radically change one's lifestyle in such a way as to avoid junk food and stop being couch potatoes. Keep doing adequate exercises suitable for your age, weight etc, but avoid too much strain.