Toxins take a toll on our bodies and on our livers, which were not designed to handle a full load of assaults day in and day out. These foreign invaders sneak into our bloodstreams where they get dumped all around the body and in both connective tissue and fat. This literally turns us into walking toxic bombs.
Why Toxins are Bad
The worst part about toxins is that they like to linger. They stay in the body and eventually cause imbalance and disease. Toxins may come from the air, from personal care products, from foods, from water and from any number of products and chemicals that we are exposed to.
According to the Global Healing Center, we are exposed to over 2 million toxins on a daily basis. Just one package of synthetic sugar contains over 10 thousand toxic compounds. The body can effectively handle only 1 million toxins, leaving another million to attack the body.
Detoxing with Heat
While there are many ways to detoxify, sauna therapy is one method that has received much attention. The skin, sometimes known as the “third kidney,” is an amazing organ that can aid tremendously in the process of detoxification if we just expose it to the right atmosphere.
Many cultures that experience great longevity many not have access to a sauna, but they live in tropical environments where the daily temperature encourages their bodies to sweat and release toxins.
Nancy Sokol Green, author of Poisoning our Children, talks about the importance of sweating out toxins. ” On the fourteenth day of detox, I started experiencing allergic symptoms such as eyelid swelling while I was in the sauna!… I was actually beginning to reek of the pesticides that had been sprayed in my home… Several of the patients at the clinic who were sensitive to pesticides had to stay away from me as I triggered adverse reactions in them.”
Elizabeth Lipski writes in her book Digestive Wellness, that low temperature saunas and steam baths are the most effective way to sweat out toxins lodged deep within our bodies. These may come from pesticides, drugs and pharmaceuticals, among other things. Be sure to drink plenty of water before and after your sauna treatment.
Saunas have an added benefit on top of detoxification. Studies have shown that some cancer cells object to heat and will die at about 104 degree F, leaving healthy cells to survive.
How to Detox in a Sauna
The best temperature for detoxification is between 110 and 120 degrees F. This will allow most people to stay in the sauna for about 45 minutes. Sweating is slow and steady at this temperature, and you will not get overheated. Relax in the sauna, focusing on your breathing and visualize the body dumping all of its toxins. Sauna therapy is best three to five times a week.
Adding Herbs
Consider adding some herbs such as lavender or eucalyptus to your sauna. Lavender will help reduce stress and high blood pressure, while eucalyptus is great for clearing sinuses and reducing chest congestion if you have a cold.
Warning
If you are pregnant or have a heart condition, it is best not to use a sauna for detoxification. Exercise is a great alternative and will also boost immune function, increase circulation and elevate your mood.
-The Alternative Daily
Sources:
http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/health-hazards-to-know-about/daily-toxin-intake
