Detox for the Body

If you've been feeling lethargic, congested or overweight, a detox diet may seem an attractive method for addressing your health issues. Detox diets attempt to deal with physical ailments brought on by exposure to toxic influences in the environment. Specific detox methods vary, but usually involve removing the toxicity through a restricted diet.

Significance

Chemicals in the environment contribute significantly to health problems. The Centers for Disease Control has detected levels of toxins such as arsenic and bisphenol A in the general population. Toxins could be introduced into the body through food, water, air or absorption through the skin. Removal of the offending substances from the outside environment is essential, but in an effort to flush chemicals that have already been ingested into the body, the detox diet is a proactive step that health conscious individuals often employ.

Features

Detox for the body typically involves a period of strictly regimented dieting. Often a liquid fast of several days transitions to several more days of meals consisting of unprocessed foods such as vegetables and brown rice. The emphasis is on avoiding any artificial food additives and eschewing excess fat, sodium or caffeine. This regimen of natural foods continues for up to ten days, depending on the program, and is followed by a gentle reintroduction to more standard dietary fare.
Some detox programs include dietary supplements such as herbs, vitamins or protein drink mixes. Other therapies, like colonic irrigation, dry skin brushing and steam baths are also employed.

Types

Popular detox regimens currently include the Master Cleanse, which requires drinking up to 12 glasses of water mixed with lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne pepper. The Martha's Vineyard Diet Detox involves vegetable juices, supplements and enemas. The Fast Track One Day Detox Diet requires one day of juice fasting, followed by several days of gradual food reintroduction.
New detox programs are constantly appearing in the health and nutrition sections of bookstores, each with their own unique, and sometimes dubious, claims of health benefits.

Misconceptions

Though proponents of detox regimens sometimes make extravagant claims as to their effectiveness, no conclusive scientific evidence exists to support the idea that toxins stored in the body are released through dietary changes.

Warning

Care must be taken to ensure that detox diets do not cause dangerous depletion of potassium levels in the blood. Other side effects such as headaches, weakness and bowel disturbances can result when undertaking a detox regimen. Pregnant women should not undergo detox dieting, and everyone should consult their physician before embarking on a detox program.