Alcohol detoxification:Alcohol detoxification is used as a form of drug rehabilitation to treat alcoholism or other drug addiction. The process involves abstinence to clear the drug from the body, accompanied by social and environmental support during the associated physiological and psychological changes.
Metabolic detoxification:
An animal's metabolism can produce harmful substances which it can then make less toxic through oxidation, conjugation and excretion of molecules from cells or tissues. Enzymes that are important in detoxification metabolism include cytochrome P450 oxidases, UDP-glucuronosyltransferasess, and glutathione S-transferases. These processes are particularly well-studied as part of drug metabolism, as they influence the pharmacokinetics of a drug in the body.
Alternative medicine:
Certain approaches in alternative medicine claim to remove toxins from the body through herbal, electrical or electromagnetic treatments (such as the Aqua De-tox treatment).
Diet detoxification:Certain diets have an underlying assumption that the body accumulates toxins that must be removed, especially after periods of over-eating or the consumption of non-nutritious and processed foods. As with alternative medicine, the 'toxins' removed are undefined and are ascribed to foods, the environment and the body's own wastes.
Evian and marketing:
In 2004, Evian began to use the term 'de-tox' to market and sell their bottled water. Taglines included "De-tox with Evian," "Evian. De-tox," "Evian - Your natural de-tox," and "Drink at least 1.5L of Evian every day to help cleanse your system inside out." The marketing campaign has included a five-step process aimed at personal health. Although the first step advocates drinking any kind of water, the company claimed their particular water was particularly efficacious because it was filtered through a "mineral-rich Alpine region."
Methods of detoxification:
Drug de-tox is performed in many different ways depending on where one decides to receive treatment. Most drug de-tox centres simply provide treatment to avoid physical withdrawal to alcohol & other drugs. Ideally, a trained de-tox facility will incorporate counselling and therapy during de-tox to help with the psychological distress that the individual may experience as well. Less conventional methods for eliminating toxic substances from the body include the modification of the diet and addition of certain herbs and rituals such as colon hydrotherapy, body cleansing, juice fasting, and saunas.
De-toxing has therefore become a very popular topic in today’s society and there are many different ways of helping our body to eliminate toxins. Most programmes for systemic detoxification begin in the digestive tract with products that act either as laxatives or diuretics. These include the ubiquitous colon cleanse products. By helping our bodies to remove waste quickly, it may aid in lowering body burden over time. Easy practical ways to de-tox include cutting out certain things from our diet and focusing on eating more fruit, vegetables etc. Reducing our intake of caffeine or alcohol, stopping smoking and skin exfoliation are all recommended by different experts.
Essential oils can be used in conjunction with these methods to assist the body to get rid of unnecessary toxins. Grapefruit essential oil is said to be valuable for fluid retention, cellulite and other conditions where toxins are not being eliminated effectively and is reputed to be a detoxifier and stimulant of the lymphatic system. Juniper essential oil has been used for hundreds of years and in France was used as a tonic especially for a sluggish condition. It is also said to be a detoxifier. Rosemary essential oil is said to be an excellent tonic for the heart, liver and gallbladder and can help to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. Lavender is the fourth essential oil used in this blend and as well as blending excellently with the other oils it is said to have tonic qualities.
