The first thing to do in order to begin a body detox program is to get rid of all the chemical based toiletries and household products you have been using. So, it is time for all those cleansers, shampoos and deodorants to go. Replace them with nature based products instead. Also strictly abstain from the temptations of alcohol, caffeine, cigarettes, unsaturated fat and refined sugars.

Stress is another silent enemy. A temporary pumping up of adrenaline is very good to meet that extra deadline, but regular stress causes your liver to slow down the detoxifying process.

Before embarking on any body detox program it is best to know which one is best for you. The duration of the program may vary from 7 days to more than 2 weeks.

There are quite a few other popular and useful detox methods from which to choose. Here are a couple of body detox plans and the benefits they have to offer:

1) Body Detox Program #1: Cleaning supplement packages, which are easily available in the market. They usually contain fiber, vitamins and minerals, and are good for cleansing.

2) Body Detox Program #2: There was an ancient practice in many cultures of following the regimen of drinking only water one day of the week. Needless to say, it is extremely effective as a body detox program.

It is, however, important to remember that after a detox program is over, you have to follow it up with an overall healthy lifestyle. Here are some post body detox program diets that you should follow:-

a) Eat brown rice and organically grown fruits and veggies with plenty of fibers. Also include cabbage, broccoli, radishes, seaweed etc in your diet.

b) Drink green tea and eat dandelion roots, burdock and milk thistle to cleanse your liver.

c) Remember to take plenty of Vitamin C to produce glutathione to maintain your liver.

d) It is advisable to drink 2 quarts of water everyday and inhale deeply to cleanse and regulate oxygen in your body. Also, think positive thoughts. It helps reduce stress levels.

e) For Hydrotherapy, take a very hot shower for 5 minutes, and follow it up with a cold shower for 30 seconds. Then, lie down for 30 minutes, and you will be fresh and cleansed.

f) In order to remove toxins through your pores, you can dry brush your skin or try detoxifying patches and foot baths. Perspiring in a sauna to get rid of toxins through sweat is another great idea.

g) Exercise regularly. Go for daily walks and practice yoga or qigong.

A word of warning though; There may, however, be certain side-effects to all this. Some of these include:-

i) Bad breath

ii) Headaches

iii) Body odor

iv) Fatigue

v) Skin rashes

vi) Mucous discharge

vii) Abdominal gas and rumbling.

viii) Cold feet and hands

ix) Joint pains

x) Sleeplessness

But remember that not everyone suffers like this. In my first body detox program, I had terrible headaches and body pains for the first two days. But I did not give up. And now, I am extremely proud of myself.

After my first body detox program, which continued for 6 weeks, I have continued living a healthy lifestyle. I exercise regularly, and try to detox at least twice a year, you should too; it really works!