Detoxification, or Detox as it is commonly known, is the process by which a person attempts to rid his or her body of harmful and addictive substances, usually alcohol or drugs. Detoxification is highly recommended by alternative health practitioners, regardless of the physical challenges a person might face. It is rare that health providers will come across an individual who doesn't have a need to detoxify. Even people with very serious conditions can benefit from a supervised, gentle cleansing. Detoxifying the body also helps expel potentially carcinogenic heavy metals.

Stress is probably the least understood and most prevalent health risk factor. In many cases, the effects of stress can make the colon and its contents toxic. The colon tends to accumulate thicker layers of old toxic waste than the other areas of the digestive system, the majority of which is from the small intestine. If the small intestine contains blockages around the duodenum area, the secretions from the pancreas, liver and gall bladder ducts containing useful enzymes get blocked, thus greatly impairing digestion.

Colon detox cleansing includes the intake of juices, broth and herbs as well as holistic treatments, sauna, yoga postures and meditation. Plenty of rest and relaxation is also advised. All these factors work together towards cleaning out the intestines and giving the body time to heal.

Colon detox cleansing may cause reactions in older or weaker people and may include headaches, skin eruptions or dizziness. These side effects are short term and a person is able to bounce back to perfect health in a few days. Non-vegetarians are more prone to reactions than vegetarians, as they tend to have more waste to get rid of.

Once the entire gastrointestinal tract is cleansed of hardened mucoid matter, the body is better equipped to absorb the nutrients from the food. The transit period of the food moving through the digestive tract becomes shorter. A detoxification program helps bring the body back to a clean and healthy state and the energy spent on digestion now becomes available for other bodily functions such as the mind.