What it really all comes down to is a desire to live a healthier life. There are so many reasons that toxins build up in our bodies over time, and when this happens it can cause all sorts of problems.

What are these problems you ask?

Take a look at this list of what can go wrong when you have a toxic system:

• IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
• Bloating
• Stomach pain
• Constipation
• Weight gain
• Chronic fatigue
• Acid reflux
• Skin and hair problems
• Parasites
• Insomnia and other sleep problems
• And many more

While it’s nearly impossible to avoid toxins from entering our systems completely (they’re EVERYWHERE), many common illnesses and conditions can be avoided or improved by doing a few things to help remove excess toxins from your body. Many people find that a proper cleansing improves their condition significantly and decide to make it part of a regular health program.

Why do the toxins build up in the first place?

A combination of poor diet and lack of exercise can lead to many issues including parasites living inside your body. Poor digestion often results, leaving unprocessed foods inside the body resulting in problems due to built up waste and toxins. This “old” waste can even weigh several pounds as it builds up over time.

There is good news, though… while you can’t totally prevent your exposure to toxins, you can “clean house” so to speak and then practice certain habits that make it less likely for toxins to build up again, or at least as much as before.

Of course I should note that some detox drinks taste better than others and there are actually several drink recipes included in my “Basic Body Detox“ guide. It’s always a good idea to start with one you think you’ll actually like.

Ok, so back to the lemon thing… I know how helpful it can be to include a bit of lemon in the water you drink. In addition to helping with detoxification, it actually helps the water taste better for many people who don’t normally enjoy the taste, and it adds a few vitamins as well. I’ve always liked water – if it’s filtered – so drinking plenty of it has never really been a problem and I’ve ignored the lemon thing for the most part.

Well, the other day I was at the grocery store and saw a big pile of lemons in the produce aisle. I thought it would be wise to give the old water and lemon drink a try once more (without the cayenne for now) so I bought ONE lemon.

This morning I cut the lemon into 4 pieces and squeezed the juice of one section into an 8 ounce glass. I then filled it up with filtered water from the fridge and… I actually enjoyed it! In fact, I would have enjoyed it even more with a heavier concentration of lemon juice. Tomorrow I think I’ll try half the lemon and see how it goes. And who knows.. I may need to plant a lemon tree of my own if this habit catches on!

Body detoxification is simply a way of describing the process of removing toxins and waste that have accumulated in the body, primarily the colon. Often you’ll hear colon cleansing and detoxification used in the same discussions.

One of the positive side effects of a cleansing and/or detoxification program is feeling a bit lighter when it’s over. Because years of toxins and waste are often removed during the process, it’s not uncommon to lose a few pounds. This alone can increase energy levels significantly.

Because toxins built up over time can cause the digestive system to feel stressed, another benefit of a detox is that these types of pressures will likely be relieved. Most often this problem happens when your intestines are filled with toxins and they need to work harder than normal to move matter through at a proper rate.

Also, once toxins are gone, your body is better able to process and receive the vital nutrients and vitamins it needs to function properly everyday. You’ll likely feel healthier and have more energy for everyday activities when your body is properly fueled and able to use the nutrients you give it.

Most importantly, everything will be in top working order after a cleanse or detox in most cases. Sometimes we just need fresh start or a healthy tune up and that’s often what a detoxification program can provide.

Be sure to check out my book, “Basic Body Detox“… you’ll discover tons of information about detoxification programs and how you can start having a lot more energy than you do right now!