I notice whenever my son is constipated, his eczema worsens. You might have noticed the same thing in your child or yourself. To deal with constipation, first you have to find out the cause. There are many factors which contribute to constipation. Here are some of the common causes of constipation:

Releasing toxins from tissue and organs faster than the body can expel them can lead to constipation because of the increased toxins in the colon during cleanses and detoxification. This is why cleansing and addressing the organs of elimination (colon, kidneys, lungs, skin and lymph) are recommended prior to cleansing organs of detoxification (liver/gallbladder) and general cellular detoxification. Slowing the rate of cleansing is sometimes necessary to prevent constipation while on a detoxification program.

To aid your body rid of toxins, try to increase your intake of raw fruits and vegetables. Go for organic produce if possible. Fruits and vegetables, besides rich in vitamins and minerals, it delivers live anti-toxin enzymes to your body. These enzymes are easily destroyed by cooking and boiling. For this reason, we need to eat raw. If you have been eating raw food, you will notice easy and regular bowel movement with nearly ordourless excreta.

Besides enzymes, the fiber contained in raw food is a great help in the digestion process as it serves to cleanse the blood. A full body detox diet plan using raw vegetables and fresh fruits is especially recommended for young individuals whose bodies have been subjected to high levels of alcohol, burgers and pizzas.

For a healthy detox drink, squeeze three oranges, two mandarins and half a red grapefruit and enjoy first thing in the morning. Lemon juice with honey is also a brilliant drink to enjoy while on a full body detox diet as it can also be enjoyed warm in place of tea or coffee. Lemon is an excellent cleanser.

We decide what to put into our body. Everyday most of us choose to introduce toxins and chemicals in our body from the cleaning supplies we use, lotions, shampoos, medications, and even our food. The rule of thumb is here try to go as natural as possible. By just be more aware and making small changes in our daily lives make a great difference. Instead of harmful chemical laden detergents, why not try using baking soda and vinegar instead? Buy organic food whenever possible. Avoid processed food and canned food. These food is devoid of any nutritional values. If possible, try to go for natural homeopathic alternatives instead of your usual over-the-counter medications. There are many types of homeopathic remedies though, the safest is the water-based type and avoid the alcohol or lactose based variety. Little daily changes makes a great difference!

We are constantly exposed to environmental toxins, such as air pollution and radiation. We can try to avoid these toxins in the environment , but it is impossible to avoid it totally. The increase of these toxins requires the requirement of selenium. Many of the benefits of selenium are related to its role in the production of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase. This enzyme is responsible for detoxification in the body and each molecule of this enzyme contains 4 atoms of selenium. Selenium supplementation has been found to protect the liver in people with alcoholic cirrhosis. However, selenium from food sources is the safest and the best utilized by our body. Increase your intake of brazil nuts, broccoli, brown rice, chicken, dairy products, garlic, onions, molasses, seafood, vegetables and whole grains.

Another mineral you need to include in your diet is zinc. Zinc has important antioxidant properties which can help neutralize free radicals and prevent the damage they cause. Zinc is a constituent of the important antioxidant enzyme Superoxide Dismutase. Zinc is needed for the proper absorption of Vitamin E (yet another important antioxidant). Food sources include: egg yolks, fish, lamb, legumes, mushrooms, pecans, oysters, poultry, soybeans, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, parsley, and kelp.

Many might not realize that one of the cause of dry skin is dehydration. Dry skin is a way to tell you that the body needs water. One way to keep yourself hydrated through out the day is sipping hot water. When the water is hot, it is able to reach the finer tissues of the body. Hot or warm water is better at moisturizing, lubricating and flushing out toxins compare to cold water.

Well, not all of us like hot water especially hot water from the kettle. So here is what you can do to make a nice hot drink for hydration and detoxification.

Fill a saucepan with 3 pints of water, add 2 slices of fresh ginger and a couple of black peppercorns. Set it to boil for 10 minutes. Any chlorine in the water will evaporate, and the water will absorb the benefits of the ginger and black pepper. Once it’s boiled for a few minutes, strain it into a flask and keep it by you for the day. This is great for headaches and fatigue.

Alternatively, you can have a cup of hot water with lemon juice. Lemon flavored water taste great and it has cleansing properties too.