A toxin is a chemical that can occur naturally or synthetically in the environment. Toxins are a type of poison that can harm our body both internally as well as externally. There are two types of toxins - endotoxins and exotoxins. Endotoxins or internal toxins are produced in the body, when the food breaks down in the large intestine and through metabolic processes in the cells. These toxins share a similarity with free radicals. External toxins or exotoxins can be either chemical or microbial. These toxins enter the body through contaminated food, water and air. Toxins can also be created by the presence of harmful bacteria and yeast. The body is naturally designed to process and eliminate toxins. The organs that are employed for the elimination of these chemicals are the kidneys, the liver, colon, skin and lungs. Toxins from the body are rid through urine, feces, perspiration and exhalation. The liver breaks down the harmful toxins into harmless byproducts that are eliminated from the body in the form of stools or through kidneys in the form of urine. Sometimes the body gets exposed or tends to accumulate the toxins, that it becomes a necessity to eliminate them from the body. Some general symptoms of toxins in the body are chronic fatigue syndrome, insomnia, showing sensitivity towards certain food products or chemicals and body odor. Indications of Toxins in the Body The effects of toxins can vary according to the level of these harmful chemicals in the body. The results may also be different in individuals, based on the exposure to these chemical compounds. Problems in the Gastrointestinal Tract: The gastrointestinal tract is an important passage for the elimination of toxins from the body. Certain problems of the gastrointestinal tract can increase the levels of toxins in the body. Individuals who have a high amount of toxins will show symptoms like inflammation in the lining of the tract, constipation, hemorrhoids, stomach ulcers, pain in the abdominal region, indigestion and diverticulitis. Imbalance in the Hormonal Levels: A synthetic agent called xenoestrogens, which when enters the body tends to act like the female hormone, estrogen. This toxin can cause hormonal imbalances in women, leading to symptoms of endometriosis and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). In men, this toxin can decrease the sperm count by elevating the level of estrogen. Inflammatory Conditions: Toxins, being foreign bodies, can trigger a series of inflammations. The white blood cells present in the body try to fight against these external factors. The inflammation can lead to various health related disorders like Alzheimer's disease, asthma, heart diseases and arthritis. If an individual is already suffering from any of the above mentioned diseases, then the toxins present in the body can make this condition severe. Problems Related to the Skin: The skin eliminates the toxins through the process of perspiration or sweating. At times, the pores in the skin get clogged with toxins, triggering many allergic reactions. These reactions can lead to a various skin related problems like rashes, psoriasis, acne and eczema. Cognitive Problems: An overload of toxins can lead to many cognitive problems like loss of memory, mood swings and foggy thinking or unable to think clearly. An excess of toxins or overexposure to toxins can also cause symptoms similar to dementia, even in young people. Ways for Getting Rid of Toxins from the Body The presence of toxins in the body can lead to various neurological disorders and heavy metal toxicity. So in order to ward off these problems, it is very essential to detoxify the body of the chemicals. Given below are some methods to detox your body, that will help flush the toxins from the body and restore health of the organ systems;

• Drinking several glasses of water everyday is a natural and basic way to detoxify the body. Water cleanses the body system and eliminates the toxins through sweat or urine. Water also keeps you hydrated.
• Include plenty of fiber in your diet in the form of beets, broccoli, seaweed and artichokes. Fiber helps in digestion of the food and also detoxifies the body.
• Add spices like coriander, cumin, turmeric and fennel seeds in your food since these spices function as a detoxifying agent and cleanse the body.
• Stress is known to increase the level of toxins, and the liver's ability to detoxify gets diminished. So practice meditation and yoga to de-stress and boost your immune system.
• Eating fruits like pomegranates and oranges is a natural way to stimulate the process of digestion and detoxification. These fruits also promote healthy eating and naturally reduce the level of chemicals in the body.
• Avoid consumption of alcohol, smoking and caffeinated drinks, as these not only make the toxin levels shoot up but also can harm the body. These toxins can also cause plaque in arteries. Instead you can consume natural juices like vegetable or fruit juice.

Toxins in the body have to be eliminated before they can cause further harm, sometimes leading to the impairment of certain organs. In rare cases, the accumulation of toxins can also be fatal. So it is advisable to follow a proper health regimen and go for a routine checkup to the physician, in order to curb any ailment that may be prevailing. Stay healthy!