Detoxification diets aim to improve health by reducing your body's toxic load. Detox diets typically recommend limiting your diet to certain foods or even fasting for several days. To promote long-term health, however, many experts in integrative medicine recommend adopting holistic health practices that go beyond short-term dietary changes.
About Holistic Healthcare
The American Holistic Medical Association defines holistic medicine as "the conscious pursuit of the highest level of functioning and balance of the physical, environmental, mental, emotional, social and spiritual aspects of human experience." A holistic detox, then, addresses other aspects of wellness -- such as emotional and spiritual health --- that support your detoxification efforts.
Purpose of a Detox
Detoxification is the process your body goes through to "neutralize, transform or get rid of unwanted materials or toxins," explains Dr. Frank Lipman, expert in the fields of functional and integrative Medicine. Your body contains a detoxification system that includes organs such as the liver and the kidneys. However, due to the toxic load present in your modern environment, your detoxification system may become overburdened or dysfunctional. Dr. Lipman states that the purpose of a detoxification diet is to reduce the number of toxins going into your body and help the organs of elimination function more effectively.
Dietary Recommendations
A holistic detox diet seeks to remove foods that cause allergic reactions or digestive discomfort, impair the body's natural functions or contain chemicals such as pesticides, artificial preservatives, colors or flavors. The University of Wisconsin Integrative Medicine Department of Family Medicine recommends focusing your diet on fresh, organic fruits and vegetables and avoiding meat, dairy, wheat, eggs, refined foods, sugar, artificial sweeteners, alcohol, caffeine, tobacco and recreational drugs.
Other Holistic Health Practices
To maximize the effectiveness of your detox diet, the University of Wisconsin also recommends engaging in practices such as meditation, sauna therapy, gentle yoga and journaling. These practices may help to reduce stress and promote increased mental and emotional health. Dr. Alejandro Junger, author of "Clean: The Revolutionary Program to Restore the Body's Natural Ability to Heal Itself," recommends colonics, skin brushing, massage, expressing your artistic side and educating yourself about health and wellness.
Considerations
Beware of fad diets or detoxification programs that severely restrict caloric intake, cautions Vanderbilt University Wellness Resource Center. Programs that promise rapid weight loss, are based on a strict menu, or do not recommend holistic health practices such as exercise will not promote long-term health. Consult a medical professional before engaging in any kind of detoxification program, and do not attempt to treat serious illness on your own with a detox diet.
References
- American Holistic Medical Association: The Principles of Holistic Medicine
- Frank Lipman MD: What Do You Mean By Detox?
- University of Wisconsin Integrative Medicine Department of Family Medicine: A Seven Day Program to Aid Digestion, Elimination, Detoxification and Cleansing
- Clean Program: 14 Optional Daily Activities
- Vanderbilt University Wellness Resource Center: Nutrition Hot Topics -- Dangerous Detox Diets
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