Have you heard of people “detoxing”, but aren’t sure what that really means? Detoxification is the active purifying of the body, performed as an internal cleanse. Once you’ve detoxified your body, you’ll feel lighter, cleaner, and healthier.

Why do you need to detox? Our bodies are assaulted by a wide variety of toxins every day. You probably have to deal with at least some of the following: smoke (first or second-hand), exhaust fumes, pesticides, residual smells and air pollants related to chemicals, alcohol, preservatives, and a host of unhealthy foods. Our bodies end up stressed as they try to filter these contaminants through our kidneys and liver, and then try to eliminate excess waste products. Detoxification is like using a natural form of liquid plumber to remove impurities from your system and get your pipes clean and open.

Now you’re wondering how people actually use a detox program. First, you’ll want to do your best to escape environmental contaminants by staying away from second-hand smoke (or quit smoking), using an air purifier, drinking filtered (or otherwise pure) water, abstaining from alcohol and caffeine, and limiting your sugar and fat intake. Fast from everything but organic fruit and vegetables while detoxing; this will give your body a break from heavy foods and artificial addidtives. You’ll want to drink plenty of water and tea.

What should you do to promote regular bowel movements? Senna tea and water are key elements to a healthy elimination diet. Pack your diet with as much raw fruit and vegetables as you can handle. Many people choose to juice during a detox session, or to live on the Master Cleanse lemonade concoction of lemon juice, water, pure maple syrup, and cayenne pepper. Set a period of time for your cleanse so you will have the self control to finish out the commitment.

After your detox program is complete, you’ll want to slowly go back to your old diet. Detox as often or as infrequently as your body demands, using health symptoms as cues.

If you want to detox, but you want an inexpensive, gentle, all-natural detox program you can do yourself, this is it. A simple detox plan is all you need. Follow this detailed plan over the course of a week for an effective cleanse.

On Monday and Tuesday, you’ll want to begin your cleanse by eliminating sugar and fats from your meal plan. Promise yourself you will not drink alcohol for the next seven days. Replace caffeine with non-caffeinated drinks for the next seven days.

Next you’ll take your diet to another level, removing meat, dairy, and processed foods, committing to a strictly vegan diet from Wednesday on through the rest of the week. Try to drink at least 50% more water than you usually do.

You’ll take the final plunge on the last three days of the detox plan as you commit to an organic, raw fruit and veggie diet plan for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Your weekend detox plan should entail all of the following: For the long weekend, you will want to hydrate often with a combination of filtered water, fasting support tea, Master Cleanse tonic (mix lemon, water, and pure maple syrup and top with a dash of cayenne pepper), and senna tea.

To avoid headaches or breaking the fast, east a piece of fruit every two hours or so. Consume a variety of fruits and vegetables. Scrub all produce to eliminate pesticides.

Faciliate bowel movements. It’s important to let your body’s urges guide you; don’t hold anything in longer than is neccessary.

Get plenty of sleep. Your body needs to put its energy to cleansing and renewing.

Massage therapy is a perfect accompaniment to detoxing. A good massage will encourage your body to process and release waste products. For best results, get a full-body, hour-long, deep-muscle or Swedish treatment. Mention the fact that you are detoxing, and drink water before and after the massage.

Exercise gently. Consider hiking, walking, or going to a yoga class.

Take the time to care for your skin, which is your biggest organ. Enjoy lengthy showers, soaping up with all-natural products. Use the body brush on dry skin, exfoliating and stimulating your pores to release even more toxins.

On Monday, you’ll want to return to your normal habits slowly. Take this detox opportunity to change bad habits as you carefully reintroduce favorite foods, drinks, and activities.