Your body may be sending you signals that you need to take a break from alcohol. It may be time to detox alcohol from your body if you are feeling run down & tired, having digestive problems or experiencing achy muscles. If you drink & party regularly & have any of these symptoms, a simple alcohol detox may be for you.

With repeated or long term use, alcohol can cause liver & kidney problems, addiction & weight gain. While drinking & partying often seem harmless, ingesting alcohol on a regular basis can lead to the build up of toxins & sugars & eventually to alcoholism, or addiction to alcohol. Overuse & dependence on alcohol can have serious health risks as well.

However, most of us don’t have a serious problem, & use alcohol socially. Even so, what can we do to limit the long term effects of alcohol usage?

In its simplest form, an alcohol detoxification program simply involves abstaining from alcohol for a period of time & allowing the body to eliminate all traces of the substance from the tissues & blood stream. Most healthcare professionals recommend at least one to four weeks of no alcohol. However, if you are a heavy drinker or suspect that you may be an alcoholic, cutting back or switching from hard liquor to wine for the first few days or a week may be easier for you to handle. Many people who have developed a dependence on alcohol will experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms like sweating, trembling & an almost overwhelming craving for alcohol.

Allowing your body a “vacation” from drinking may eventually lead to healthier habits, as you experience increased energy & vitality after your body begins to recover. During this period, take the chance to also do a colon, liver & kidney cleanse. Many report an increase in energy, sexual drive & function & a decrease of appetite after the detox period.

Allow your body to recover & rest. Take a break from alcohol for a month & you may be surprised at how great you feel!

About the author: Sandra Kim Leong publishes information on detoxification & cleansing. Based on today’s diet & environment, she feels that detoxification should form part of one’s regular regime. Please visit her site at http://www.detox-cleansing.com for more information on colon cleansing, liver cleansing, kidney cleansing, etc.