The belief that food contains a variety of toxins that can accumulate in your body causing headaches, fatigue, nausea, and a variety of diseases, has given birth to many detox procedures, according to GeorgiaHealthInfo.gov. Understanding what detoxification is and how it can affect you will help you to gain a better understanding of which detox regimen will best suit you. If you plan to self-administer any herbal supplements or products, talk to a doctor first.
Detox Procedures
Detoxification, also known as detox, helps to remove toxins that can build up in the blood, liver, kidneys, bowels and lungs. Detox procedures refer to anything that helps to support the elimination of toxins from the body. Many people even consider drinking an extra 64 ounces of water each day or eating more fresh vegetables and fruits as detox procedures, advises HealthyU, a service provided by Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, Minnesota. Detox diets can vary from making simple changes to your diet to completing a period of fasting. Some detox regimens require the use of enemas, laxatives and diuretics.
Benefits
Detoxification procedures have the ability to provide you with many benefits. You may find your digestive track functions better after your body eliminates any accumulated waste and harmful bacteria, according to HelathyU. You may notice increased mental clarity and energy levels as your hormonal and immune systems begin to function better. Finally, you may be able to lose weight faster or overcome bad habits by reducing your dependency on sugar, nicotine, caffeine, alcohol, and other addictive substances.
Safety Concerns
While the benefits of detoxification procedures can make detoxing your body sound appealing, you should be aware of the dangers associated with many detoxification regimens. Many radical diets and the use of enemas or laxatives can cause you to lose weight to quickly. Many detox diets lack essential nutrients and may result in the loss of electrolytes, causing dehydration, advised registered dietitian Keri Glassman on “The Early Show,” produced by CBS. She advises that common side effects of extreme detox procedures include fatigue, headaches, nausea and vomiting. If you follow extreme detox for any length of time, you can actually starve your body, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies and can cause various health problems.
Scientific Evidence
The Mayo Clinic advises that little, if any, scientific evidence exists to show the benefits of detox procedures. The body efficiently removes toxins through the liver and kidneys. It produces urine and stool to excrete these toxins from the body.
Gradual Detox
You may want to try a gradual approach to detoxing, according to CNN.com. You can accomplish this by adding one fruit and vegetable to your diet each day until your diet includes as many servings as your doctor recommends. Not only will this reduce the amount of discomfort you may feel while quickly detoxing, it will also increase your chances of staying on a healthy diet for the rest of your life. Remember, the more good things you put in your body, the less bad things you have to eliminate.
