Belly Fat, Stress, Toxins and More: How To Detox and Cleanse The Body Naturally

     Everywhere you look nowadays, ads for the newest detox diet or colon cleanser confront you with their claims. Their claims include such things as being able to remove toxins from your body, deal with hormonal causes of belly fat, release stress, and help you a better state of health. Some of the cleansers and diets promote strict liquid diets, while others recommend fasting, and still other the taking of various herbal pills.

But, even though many studies have been done on this topic, hard scientific evidence that such approaches really work is still hard to come by. There are even claims made by certain physicians (such as Dr. Michael Picco, a gastroenterologist working at the Mayo Clinic) that detox diets and cleaners may actually have some side effects that are harmful rather than helpful.

The human body is an incredible thing. It was created to be able to filter toxins on its own very efficiently, contrary to what you may have heard from the companies selling the products. There are ways, however, that you can ease your body's burden, and help it along. What follows are some excellent ways you can rejuvenate your body (so it can deal with toxins, dead skin cells, belly fat, stress, and more). And the great thing is, they are all completely free.

1. Learn to breathe deeply.

Study how you typically breathe. It could be that you tend to hold your breath for short periods of time, or breathe in short, shallow bursts. Help decrease your body's stress level by practicing slow, rhythmic breathing.

Choose a quiet time where you can rest for five minutes undisturbed. Take a slow, deep breath, watching that your stomach (and not your chest) rises as you breathe in. Slowly exhale after five seconds. Repeat this process for five minutes. If you keep doing this often enough you will soon be breathing deeper unawares throughout your day as well. This is a technique called "conscious breathing", and it allows more oxygen to be drawn into your body. This, in turn, helps you body to carry out its tasks more efficiently.

2. Exfoliate to renew your skin.

Exfoliation is a simple and quick way to get rid of dead skin cells, promote the growth of new skin cells, improve circulation, and give your complexion an overall healthy glow. Although there are many exfoliate skin cleansers you can purchase, a natural skin scrub made from olive oil and brown sugar works just as well, or even a gentle soap and damp washcloth.

Exfoliation is good for your whole body. Using a long handled brush or an exfoliating body wash, scrub your whole body in circular motions before you bathe. You will love the way it clears your pores and gets rid of the dead skin cells. Belly fat, stress, dirt, dead skin cells, and more... all scrubbed away.

3. Sweat every day.

Although most of us do not enjoy sweating, it is actually very good for your body, as it enables your body to release stored fluids. (Be sure to replace those fluids, however, with plenty of water.) The best way to achieve a cleansing sweat is not by visiting a sauna but by doing aerobic exercise. Sweating through aerobic exercise will not only improve your skin tone, but it will also work on your belly fat, stress level, and quality of sleep.

4. Use fiber and water to promote digestive health.

Two of the most effective and healthiest colon cleansers available are water and fiber. Fiber makes your digestive system work hard, as it is a difficult substance to break down, and this hard work keeps it in good shape.

It is vitally important to get enough water for our bodily functions. Some of the results of staying well hydrated are improved skin, better joints, and more effective filtration of toxins.

It is recommended that you try to drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day, and consume a minimum of 30 grams of fibre.

5. Practice daily stretching.

Yoga and stretching in general are beneficial to the body and mind. Besides relieving stress and keeping your muscles limber, they also help keep your blood flow and circulation running smoothly.

Giving your full body (all the major muscle groups) a good stretch 2 or 3 times each week is more than adequate. Remember that a good stretch feel like a gentle tug.

These five activities will help you with cleansing and naturally detoxing your body. Try to focus as well on what toxins and "bad foods" you are giving your body to start with. Choose healthy, natural foods as much as possible, and treat your body right. It is the only one you have, after all!

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