Detoxification is the act of flushing out toxins that are present in the body. This is a natural process, through which the body eliminates all unwanted wastes and substances. At times however, one may need to induce detoxification artificially, this is when detox programs and diets come into play. Alcohol detox refers to the process of cleansing the body of all toxins, which have accumulated in the body, on account of regular consumption of alcohol. Excessive intake of alcohol over a prolonged period of time, can cause severe kidney and liver damage. Although drinking, to a large number of people may appear harmless, consuming alcohol regularly however, can lead to the accumulation of sugars and toxins and ultimately alcoholism or alcohol addiction. The dependence and over use of alcohol can very often pose to be a serious health hazard.
One form of alcohol detoxification would be to cut out all alcoholic beverages for a period of about 4-5 moths. It is important to bear in mind that, if in case you are a heavy drinker, then such kind of abstinence could lead to withdrawal symptoms, such as depression, mood swings, trembling, irritability, sweating and hallucinations. Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is an important part of any detox process. A diet that is rich in protein and fiber is recommended. Water is a very important part of this diet. Make sure that your body is adequately hydrated by drinking a minimum of 8-10 glasses of water per day. This will help the kidneys in flushing out all the unwanted wastes.
A large number of patients are advised on consuming plenty of hypoglycemic substances, since alcoholics generally have sugar problems. Chamomile tea and parsley are both very effective alkaloids. This simply means that they will help in stimulating kidney functions, which in turn will aid the detoxification process. Three to four cups of chamomile tea a day is recommended. In addition, it will also leave you feeling fresh and rejuvenated. Asparagus is also beneficial, as it acts as a blood cleanser, strong diuretic and a stimulant for the kidneys. It has to be consumed in the raw form, as cooking it, destroys all its nutritional value. Licorice root is also recommended, as it is an excellent detoxifier. It has antibody, antiviral and antioxidant stimulating qualities that help in treating both liver and kidney ailments. Exercise also forms a part of this detox regime. Try and get at least 30 minutes of exercise regularly.