The human body is extremely sophisticated, performing a huge range of essential functions simultaneously right around the clock. Among these functions is the crucial one of filtering out and eliminating any materials that could cause the body harm. Over the centuries, as technology has developed, the toxins to which humans are exposed have changed and the body has adapted to deal with new ones, but in the last 60 years there has been a massive increase in the number of chemicals in our air, water, food and everyday surroundings. Are we still coping? Or are we heading for overload?

Detoxing should never be entered into suddenly, without preparation or after a period of excess. Indeed, many medical experts advise against it altogether because of the harm it can do if you're body is not ready to deal with the mass release of its stored toxins. However, follow the gentle, step-by-step approach in this section and you can begin to cleanse you system, but you must be aware that you will not get rid of 40 years' worth of ingested toxins with just 7 days of good behaviour. Get ready for the long haul if you are serious about improving your health.

Detoxing isn't just about avoiding the foods and drinks that tax deliver and burden the digestive system; it's also about opting for fresh, natural foods that positively boost your metabolism and provide loads of health-promoting nutrients that strengthen your natural detoxification processes. The main aim of the diet is not weight loss, so do not start counting calories or jumping on the scales every day. The benefits will be measured in how well you look and feel at the end of your detox programme.

It is important to eat well when detoxing and avoid foods that challenge the system, but this is not the whole story. There are lots of other techniques that can support and intensify your detox efforts, helping you to shed more toxins and cleanse your whole system from top to toe. This section contains a run-down of the many treatments that you can try for yourself, in your own home using easy-to-find products.

None of the therapies described in this section are essential on a detox programme, but they would probably all help you to shed more of your toxin load. Some are extremely enjoyable, whereas others are decidedly not. The facts are here and it's up to you to decide. A really pleasant way to detox is to travel to one of the exotic spa locations that now offer a range of treatments in beautiful sunny surroundings. Read up on the therapies here first and you will know what you are letting yourself in for.

You have cleared your diet of artificial additives and are encouraging your body to detoxify, yet as you sit reading this section there are toxins all around you. They could be in the toothpaste and antiperspirant you used this morning, in the furniture you are sitting on, the carpet under your feet, and the cleaning products, paints and varnishes you have used all over your home. In the garden, they are in the pesticides that stop slugs eating your plants as well as the creosote on the fence. You may not be able to do much about the toxins in the air that you breathe- but for all the rest, there are safer alternatives.