Detox options for humans range from natural cleansing of your body to structured medical programs for substance abuse to alternative choices. There are diet detox programs to lose weight. There are many alternative methods available to detox your colon and other organs. However, there is no scientific proof that cleansing or weight loss detox programs are needed. Another form of detox is drug detox, to help people with drug and alcohol addictions.
Body Cleansing Detox
Scientists believe that the body will naturally detoxify itself through the digestive system. Doctors want you to have enough fiber in your daily diet to help with the digestion process, but there is no scientific proof that alternative cleansing programs are needed. There are people who feel strongly that it is important to use detox programs promoted for cleansing the body of excess chemicals and toxins that make your body sluggish over time. They believe that detoxifying your body will help with health problems, give you more energy, and improve your immune system. Pill, liquids, and special diets are used for various lengths of time in the many alternative detox programs that exist.
Detox Risks
There is no scientific proof that cleansing your body is needed, and there are health risks associated with products used for detoxification. Dehydration is an issue because these products can upset the electrolyte balance in your body. Electrolyte imbalance can affect your heart and other muscles, kidneys, and nerves. When you use products with fiber and laxative properties for a detox program you may experience side effects such as cramps, nausea, diarrhea and sore throat. Fiber and laxative use can also interfere with food and medication absorption and prescription drug effectiveness. Doctors believe that your digestive system is the body's natural way to get rid of wastes. If you want to use a cleansing program, always talk it over with your doctor first.
Drug Detox
When you are addicted to drugs or alcohol, you have a dependence and may not be able to control it. Addiction can cause major problems in your life and to your health. If you can't stop using drugs or alcohol on your own, there are programs that can help you. These programs can involve physicians, nurses, treatment counselors, and psychiatrists to help you through a process of withdrawal from the drug. Mental health issues also can be addressed. Length of the process varies between individuals and can be quite intense if there are other health issues present. The American Medical Association says that both alcohol and other drug addiction are diseases and advises medical professionals to treat people with these problems. Detoxification involves clearing the toxins from your body and addressing any health issues that may have developed from drug use.
Weight Loss Detox
Weight loss detox programs are popular because there are many people who need to lose weight, however there is no research or science to prove that they work. Plus, according to the Mayo Clinic, diet detox programs can be dangerous to your health. There are different detox diets ,though they usually feature a fast and then limiting your diet to certain foods such as fruit or juice, water, uncooked vegetables, and sometimes herbs that help to cleanse the body. The usual time period for a detox diet is about 10 days. Dehydration is a side effect of detox diets and can cause electrolyte imbalances and hurt different organs in your body. Low energy and stomach upset are other side effects. Don't try a weight loss regimen without talking to your doctor first.
Detox Benefits
Detox programs for weight loss and to cleanse the body of toxins have no significant scientific research to support their use. Still, people who choose alternative methods to detoxify say that their overall health and energy levels improve or they are able to lose weight. Drug and alcohol detox programs are operated in medical facilities with health professionals working to heal your addiction. The process itself will accomplish the goal to remove toxins from your body, although you may not choose to sustain the effects since there are psychological issues to address, as well. If you choose to use a detox product or program at home you should consult your doctor before you begin.
Member Comments