Your body is a very remarkable system of organic engineering, working to eliminate undesirable substances and toxins via its natural detox system – the liver, kidneys, lungs, skin, and digestive and lymphatic systems.

Generally toxins are dealt with and cleared out routinely and efficiently, but a healthy detox ’spring clean’ provides the body with extra help in coping with an increased toxic load.

The digestive system

Your health is often governed by your digestive system. Everything you eat travels from the stomach to the intestines where nutrients are absorbed and waste is eliminated via the bowel.

Food is broken down by digestive enzymes and ‘friendly’ bacteria in the gut. If these are out of sync, due to poor diet, stress, over-use of antibiotics, food intolerances or toxin overload, food remains semi-digested and problems such as constipation, leaky gut, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), nausea and bloating arise. Food itself can also become toxic if not digested properly.

The liver

This is the most complex human organ and it is responsible for handling almost everything that enters the body. It has hundreds of functions including the removal of toxins from the bloodstream.

It is the body’s main natural detoxification tool, removing and neutralizing poisons, drugs, alcohol and nicotine. Once made ’safe’, these substances can then be eliminated from the body via the kidneys, lungs and bowel. So if you’re ever feeling a bit low and lethargic, a liver detox could be just what you need to get your system going again.

The liver also converts the energy from food into the metabolic nutrients that are needed for cells to function efficiently.

Optimum health depends on the efficient functioning of the liver. If it becomes overloaded with toxins, these are not eliminated completely, and are instead stored in the liver and in fat cells throughout the body.

If our liver is unable to function optimally, due to our diet and food choices, over time, the level of toxins in our system builds up and can lead to many seemingly “unrelated” diseases and conditions.

Signs that may indicate an unhappy liver range from: headaches, IBS, poor digestion, bloating, depression and mood changes to the more serious problems of hepatitis and cirrhosis.

The kidneys

These organs basically act as filters to clean the blood. They are responsible for the removal of urea (a toxic waste product from the liver), removal of excess ions (such as sodium) and adjustment of water content in the blood.

These waste products are then eliminated in urine, via the bladder. During this filtration process, the kidneys reabsorb useful nutrients and recycle them for further use. It is very important to drink plenty of water at all times to help the kidneys carry out their function efficiently and help prevent toxin levels from accumulating too much.

The lymphatic system

This system carries toxins, unwanted waste, dead cells and excess fluid to the lymph nodes, where the waste is filtered before being passed into the bloodstream. Poor circulation and a weakened immune system may be signs that the lymphatic system is not functioning efficiently. Higher levels of toxins are believed to slow down your lymphatic system. There are many detox drinks that can offer a “quick fix” to help our bodies eliminate toxin build up.

The lungs

When we breathe, the lungs deal with air-borne pollutants, such as carbon monoxide from traffic pollution. They allow oxygen to enter the bloodstream and waste products to be removed as carbon dioxide.

Correct breathing is essential if the body’s metabolism and organs are to work properly. However many of us do not inhale enough oxygen and so do not expel all the unwanted waste gases.

Catarrh, blocked sinuses and a constant runny nose are signs of a poorly functioning respiratory system. Practicing natural detox methods like deep breathing can help tremendously in this area.

The skin

This is the body’s largest organ. Every pore eliminates waste and sweat, and the sebaceous glands help to remove toxins. The skin reflects what is happening inside our bodies.

Clear skin reflects a healthy digestive system.

If we are stressed, run down, or have over-indulged, this can show up in a dull, lifeless complexion, or as rashes, spots and blemishes. A healthy detox diet and drinking plenty of water help to promote clear skin.