More than 260 millions pounds of chemicals affected the world’s surface waters in the year 2000, according to HeathyU, a website provided by Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, Minnesota. In addition to these chemicals, most American diets contain many foods enhanced with artificial colors, flavorings, preservatives and much more. To combat the many toxins encountered on a daily basis, many people rely on a process called detoxification.
Types Of Toxins
Toxins include any substance that causes irritating or harmful effects to the body. Toxins can come in the form of chemicals added to processed foods, chemicals in pharmaceutical medications, air pollutions, chemicals such as aluminum or formaldehyde being added to everyday items such as antiperspirants or carpeting, and chemicals entering the food chain from the use of artificial fertilizers, drugs to medicate animals, and pesticides, according to Aurora Health Care. You can also produce toxins in your intestines when your digestion system fails to work properly or in your bloodstream when you experience stress. The water you drink may also be loaded with toxins.
Toxic Effects
When the body becomes overloaded with toxins it may react by producing symptoms such as fatigue, headache, mucus problems, general aches or pains, “allergy” symptoms, digestive problems and sensitivity to environmental agents, according to according to Dr. Elson M. Haas and Buck Levin, authors of the book, “Staying Healthy With Nutrition.” Common medical problems such as acne, infections, diabetes, colitis, asthma and arthritis may worsen as toxins build up in the body.
Detoxification
Detox, also known as detoxification, helps to eliminate toxins that have accumulated in the bowels, kidneys, liver, blood and lungs, according to HealthyU. A variety of detox regimens exist, ranging from drinking an extra quart of water each day to extreme forms of fasting and colon cleansing.
Risk Factors
While some people report feeling more energetic, focused and healthier, detox can lead to various health problems. If you lose weight very quickly from a detox regimen, expect to gain the weight back, advises Keri Glassman, a registered dietitian who spoke on an episode of the “The Early Show,” on CBS. You should also beware of using detox procedures that require the use of enemas, laxatives or fasting. These procedures often lack essential nutrients and can remove beneficial electrolytes from the body. Some side effects of detox include nausea, vomiting, fatigue and headache. Glassman advises that following an extreme detox program for an extended time can cause you to starve yourself and lead to many serious health problems. She suggests speaking with your dietitian or doctor prior to starting any detox program.
Long-Term Detox
To avoid the risks of detox regimens, you may choose to make long-term changes to your diet, which will eliminate your need for detox programs and allow your body to detox naturally, according to the USC University Hospital in Los Angeles. The safest diet includes consuming more plant based foods and water, while limiting your intake of caffeine, alcohol, meat, and sugar.
References
- HealthyU: Detoxification
- "Staying Healthy With Nutrition"; Elson Haas, M.D. & Buck Levin, PhD, RD; 2006
- CBS.com: Do "Detox" Diets Work? Are They Safe?
- USC University Hospital: Detox Diets Debunked
- Aurora Health Care
