Body cleansing and detoxification are popular subjects as our world is becoming more polluted and our foods are more processed. Add to this that people are realizing drugs or pharmaceuticals rarely cure anything and always come with side-effects, especially with long-term use. And along with all this knowledge, we are figuring out that our bodies need help eliminating these waste products.

Many times you may hear that the body is capable of detoxing itself. While this may be true, when the body is over-burdened this job will become more difficult.

A good example of the body not being able to "detox" itself is in the case of excess weight. I once read a "Board Certified Nutritionist" claimed that we don't have to worry, if we eat something and the body can't use it, it will simply eliminate what it doesn't need or use. Unfortunately, science and common sense have proven this is simply not true.

If our bodies were capable of eliminating all waste on its own, then we could easily eliminate excess calories, fat and protein. We would not have to worry about gaining weight if we consume more than our body can use. But we know this is opposite of what reality is.

In fact - if you over eat, your body stores the excess calories that are not used. If you eat too much protein or too many fried foods, your body stores it and you get a mushy or fat appearance.

In addition, biologists know that fat cells store excess nutrients, such as amino acids, that your body doesn't use. The Centers for Disease Control have found that fat cells store toxins, such as organochlorines, which are a byproduct of pesticides.

Many chemicals, pesticides, flavor-enhancers, and preservatives are added to our foods. These toxins may be in trace amounts which are proven to not harm, but research only tests how one type of toxin in a person's blood will affect you. The CDC will tell you the average American has 218 toxins in their blood!

It is becoming widely accepted that these many chemicals and preservatives do have adverse effects. They have been linked to Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cardiovascular disease and even cancers.

We know that some chemicals like perchlorate, common in drinking water, adversely affect the thyroid. Mercury can cause tumors or tremors and many pesticides are banned in the United States (yet we import foods that are treated with them).

These are all valid reasons to be proactive and help your body cleanse. Degenerative disease is prevalent in our society with no end in sight. These diseases don't just happen. In fact, medical professionals advocate using healthy lifestyle choices as a means of prevention.

You can be pro-active in your health. Being aware of what is happening to your body is the first step to taking charge of your health. Helping your body cleanse or detoxify can be one of your tools to use as a healthy lifestyle choice. It doesn't cost much to change to a healthy diet and any herbs will probably be less expensive than pharmaceuticals. Here are some pointers to help you get started.

Cleansing is your body's ability to physically clear built up waste. One way you can help is to take a fiber supplement with herbs that can assist this process. A body cleansing diet is simply eating "clean" by eliminating junk foods and processed foods and replacing them with mainly fruits, veggies and unprocessed proteins.

Detoxification is the body's ability to kill or neutralize toxins. For example, your body has a gene coded to turn alcohol into water so it can remove it from your system. This is an act of detoxification naturally performed by your body. When a foreign substance is present and your body has no gene encoded, it may store it. A body cleanse can help to eliminate this storage.

It is well know that food can be your first medicine. The nutrients and phytonutrients found in fruits, veggies and proteins help your body build its immune system, keep all your organs strong so they can cleanse and detox and do their jobs. Some herbs and foods even bind with toxins to help remove them from your body.

On the other hand poor food choices can slow or inhibit your body's natural cleansing and detoxification abilities. And they will not provide the nutrition to make new healthy cells to replace dying, diseased ones.

Try a cleansing or detoxification program and find out for yourself. Take care of your body so it can take care of you. You have nothing to lose but waste.