One of the big natural health treatments being touted these days is body detoxification for the benefits it offers such as clearer skin, more energy, and better mental clarity as well as a healthier immune system. The problem with many of those pushing this as a cure all remedy for everyone is that they often aren't warning people about the dangers of detoxification.

The process has been used for centuries all over the planet to help cleanse the body and revitalize over worked internal organs. Proponents boast that by eliminating toxic build up in your body you will benefit from a stronger immune system and be better armed for fighting off disease. Toxic build up occurs in virtually everyone due to our environment, and with toxins coming from inadequate unhealthy diets as well as alcohol and drug use. The treatment plans range all the way from just using high fiber foods like brown rice and herbal mixtures to professional colonics.

Body detoxification is a medical treatment and needs to be approached that way by consulting a physician first. There are many people who should not take part in these treatments at all due to the risk involved and there are also side effects to be considered. Here are some of the things that you need to know.

First off, children and the elderly generally should not participate in detoxification programs. The elderly many times suffer from an imbalanced immune system and the cleansing program can disturb it further. Children as well as teenagers require a healthy diet and good nutrition and the majority of cleansing programs require fasting which is not recommended for most children. Others who should not participate in detoxification programs are people with eating disorders and those with diabetes or low blood sugar. Pregnant and nursing mothers are also counted among those who should avoid cleansing treatments due to the process depleting needed nutrients for the baby.

If you are taking any prescribed medications you must consult with your doctor before considering a cleaning program. Due to the way the process occurs, residual medicine in fat stores can enter the blood stream and your system may also begin to metabolize the medicine better, both of which could result in an overdose.

Another way to detoxify your body is by fasting. Some cleansing programs call for fasting, or going without solids for anywhere from a day to a week. The only things entering the body are water and juice. I recently did one of these for over three weeks and lost over 40 pounds. Those who say this method is beneficial report that during fasting, fat cells and toxins burn away. Remember, fasting really depletes the body of vital nutrients and calcium.

Death, possibly from detoxification triggering a heart attack, has been reported for some undergoing intensive detoxification programs. Those fatalities were linked to previous health conditions such as drug abuse and undetected heart problems so it is important to understand that these types of programs should not be taken lightly.