Not too long ago, when a friend mentioned they were going into detox, we raised our eyebrows, thought "ahem" and figured they had a drug or alcohol problem. Yet, although detox today may be substance abuse related, detox also means getting rid of any of the toxins that invade our systems inside and out.

We live in a world where technology often creeps ahead of cultural common sense and leaves us with preservatives that keep our food fresh and linger in our bodies, pesticides that protect our crops and leech into the groundwater, and viruses that quickly adapt to the antibiotics we create to combat them. All of this adds to natural allergens, like pollen and dust, which leave us fatigued and susceptible to illness.

Signs of Toxic Overload

Although our circulation and elimination systems (specifically lungs and liver) work hard to detoxify our bodies, with all the toxins that we encounter daily, these systems easily become overloaded. Fortunately, though, our bodies "tell" us when they can use some help. Some signs that your system may need detoxification help include:

• Chronic fatigue
• Obesity
• Frequent headaches
• Digestive problems
• Frequent colds and flus
• Allergies

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

Although this quote is often called a proverb, it's really attributed to Henry de Bracton, an 11th Century English jurist.

In the recent past, most of us were content to leave our health in the hands of professional health care providers. However, with both traditional health care and prescription medicine costs on the rise, it's worthwhile to consider Bracton's ancient advice.

Detox Resources

From day spas appointments to extended stays at health spas and clinics, a growing number of people find their ounce of prevention in detox treatments and programs that include body wraps, saunas, therapeutic massage (especially lymphatic massage), exercise and/or meditation programs (yoga is highly recommended), professional nutritional counseling and dietary assistance.

Although there are many outside detox resources, there are also many in-home ways to help your body rid itself of toxins.

Natural Detox

Like most roads to better health, you can help your body naturally rid itself of toxins through diet and exercise.

• Rresh fruits and vegetables are full of vitamins and antioxidants and help your body's elimination system as well.
• Exercise and meditation programs, like yoga, which focus on breathing properly, help your circulation system eliminate toxins.

Other homeopathic detox options include:

• Epsom salt soaks - Epsom salts are very useful in drawing toxins from the body, however do check with your health care provider before you try one.
• Detox teas - Sold commercially or find home-brew recipes on the Internet.
• Dietary supplements - Many herbs and plant extracts help detoxify the body.
• Dry skin brushing - Stimulates the lymph system and gets rid of those nasty old skin cells
• Contrast showers - The "contrast" is first hot (about 3 minutes) and then cold (about 30 seconds) brrr!

When Not to Undergo Detox

However, before you begin any detox treatment, check with your health practitioner to be sure it's right for you. Those who shouldn't undergo detoxification treatments include pregnant women and nursing mothers. In addition, experts agree that young children, the elderly, the chronically ill, and those with substance abuse problems as well as other serious conditions like exposure to industrial chemicals or radioactivity, should only begin detox under professional care. As a rule of thumb, look at detox as a preventative measure rather than a cure.