What is the Largest Organ of Elimination? (Hint: it’s not the colon)

So, what is the largest organ of elimination? A common misconception of detoxing is that the colon is the most important organ to “cleanse” and the only one that matters. Did you know that your skin is actually your largest organ of elimination? 

Your skin is an indicator of your health and level of toxicity and can reflect our diet and lifestyle choices: it's the mirror to internal health. Clear, radiant skin can be a sign of healthiness and a toxin-free body. Blemished, sallow skin, on the other hand, can signify harmful toxins being ingested or not being properly eliminated from the body. 

You may also experience hives, eczema, very dry or oily skin, dark eye circles, puffy eyes or rashes if your dermal system is not working properly.

5 Main Detoxification Systems in the Body

         1.   Respiratory - lungs, throat, sinuses, nose

If you frequently cough or wheeze or experience shallow breathing and nasal congestion, your respiratory system may have high toxin levels.

         2.   Gastrointestinal - liver, gallbladder, gut

Signs of a toxic digestive system can include indigestion, heartburn, bad breath, constipation, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, protruding abdomen.

         3.  Urinary - kidneys, bladder, urethra

Kidney stones, fluid-retention and dark-colored urine mean a highly toxic urinary system.

         4.  Skin - sweat and sebaceous glands, tears

You may also experience hives, eczema, very dry or oily skin, dark eye circles, puffy eyes or rashes if your dermal system is not working properly.

         5.  Lymphatic - lymph channels, lymph nodes

You can suffer from sore or swollen lymph nodes if your lymphatic system is not working well.

All of these systems must be functioning optimally to be able to clear the body of unwanted and harmful substances and eliminate toxins and wastes. When toxins cannot be eliminated efficiently, the body will also store them in fat cells, joints, muscles, arteries, liver and other organs.  Over time, these stored, unreleased toxins lead to tissue and cell damage which in turn makes the body more vulnerable to disease and illness.

While whole body herbal detox programs are the most common method of detoxing and cleansing the body, it is also helpful to increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially raw and organic. A healthy vegetable diet is very supportive to the body while using a detox program and also in between. Raw fruits, vegetables and leafy greens are well known for their pH balancing and detoxifying properties. The nutritional components found in raw fruits and vegetables promote optimal cellular functions, which supports the body in eliminating toxins. Adding freshly made vegetable juices will also support the body in removing these unwanted wastes. Eating a diet with a focus on fresh fruits and vegetables, raw and organic preferred, is a great way to reduce toxic-cell overload. However, in conjunction with a fabulously health diet, a whole body herbal detox program is still recommended at least once or maybe twice a year.

In Health,
Naturally Botanicals, Inc.
www.naturallybotanicals.com