Define Internal Cleansing

If you believe the print ads, infomercials and websites, you might be concerned that your body is swarming with toxins that threaten your health. In reality, your body is equipped to fend off many threats, ranging from having a few too many drinks to environmental pollution. Promoters of internal "cleansing" products and methods claim to help you boost your natural ability to detoxify, but you may be better off on your own.

Types

"Detox" diets, colon "cleansing" and foot "detox" baths and patches all have purported internal cleansing properties. Diets typically involve eating only raw fruits and vegetables while drinking juice and water. One diet, the Master Cleanser diet, calls for dieters to drink only liquids: warm salt water in the morning, a concoction of lemon water with maple syrup and cayenne pepper throughout the day and a laxative tea at night. Colon "cleansing" methods often involve taking fiber or herbal supplements or using an enema or colonic irrigation system to flush water through the colon. "Detox" patches and baths claim to help draw internal toxins out of the body through the feet.

Purpose

Promoters of "detox" diets typically claim that their methods help improve your energy, aid you in losing weight and relieve symptoms of chronic health problems such as arthritis, according to the Harvard HEALTHbeat newsletter. Colon "cleansing" is thought to help clear out internal parasites and get rid of trapped fecal matter, which may help improve your overall health and aid you in losing weight. Manufacturers of foot "detox" products claim that their products interact with your body to help pull out your body's toxins and restore your vitality, encourage weight loss and help treat conditions ranging from asthma to cancer.

Evidence

Some say they feel rejuvenated after they go on an internal "cleansing" diet, but no solid evidence proves that such claims aren't simply a placebo effect, according to Health Services at Columbia University. Colon "cleansing" methods are also not proven to help clear out toxic material. The "evidence" that foot patches and footbaths work is that they change colors and develop a sludge-like quality when they are in contact with your feet. However, the color change in the foot pad are likely due to a reaction between perspiration and the active ingredient wood vinegar and the change in the bath are likely a result of metal electrode corrosion.

Risks

A "cleansing" diet may lead to health problems such as dehydration, nausea, dizziness and fatigue, particularly if you follow it regularly or for an extended period. Colon "cleansing" may wipe healthy bacteria from your colon or lead to an imbalance of electrolytes, and improper use of colonics tubes may lead to infection, according to Health Services at Columbia University. Although foot "detox" methods aren't likely to cause direct negative effects, they may lead you to forego necessary medical treatment in hopes that a bath or patch will treat a health problem.

Considerations

Think of tried-and-true methods to promote your health rather than trusting in a patch, herb, bath, enema or liquid diet. Getting enough sleep to feel rested, drinking water throughout the day, exercising at least 30 minutes per day and seeing your doctor when you feel sick will help you keep your internal cleansing system in fine shape.