Detox, a popular term in early 21st century health and fitness circles, refers to the idea that through strategic diet, exercise, supplementation and bathing practices, it's possible to purge toxins from your system. While many detox plans can be extreme and even endanger your health, the simplest and safest detox involves returning to a healthful diet, drinking plenty of water, exercising and getting lots of sleep. Consult your doctor before embarking on any detox or new diet plan.
Theory
The notion of detox depends on the idea that your system is overloaded with chemicals and pollutants from your environment. Because the liver's job in the body is to process and break down such chemicals, if it's overloaded, it can't perform other important tasks, such as metabolizing fat, argues Ann Louise Gittleman, health pioneer and author of 30 books, including "The Fast Track Detox Diet." One of the best first steps to detoxifying is to identify any sources of pesticides or heavy metals in your diet, Gittleman advises.
Criticism
Some products on the market that claim to have a detox effect on the body are harsh and potentially dangerous, according to the British organization Sense About Science. In a review of detox products on the British market for Sense About Science, biologist Robert Hagan noted that one product that claimed to "drain off water and toxins" probably did nothing more than superhydrate you because of the excess water you drink with it. He noted that headaches, one of the common side effects of this product, is also one of the first symptoms of hyponatremia -- low sodium concentration of the blood, which can result from drinking too many fluids.
A Moderate Plan
For a relatively painless liver detox, shift your eating habits, advises the website Naturally Healthy. Avoiding refined sugar, eating fresh organic vegetables and avoiding excessive saturated fats and hydrogenated oils are all excellent choices that can help you achieve better health. Fiber is key: Choose whole grain breads and steamed grains. Naturally Healthy suggests that your attitude is important, too. Take a break from counting calories and weighing yourself while you adjust your diet.
Time Frame
To make sure that your detox experience is easier, only pursue a detox diet for a brief period at a time, advises Dr. Linda Page, naturopath and holistic nutritionist, author of "Healthy Healing: A Guide to Self-Healing for Everyone." She recommends a detox diet that you do for 10 days at a time, giving yourself a rest in between each attempt to cleanse. Another way to detox painlessly is to introduce one new dietary rule at a time, and slowly. Simply cutting back on refined sugar is a huge step that will go a long way toward helping you become healthier.
Holistic Approach
To help your body function more efficiently and comfortably, try relaxation therapies to go along with any dietary changes. A sauna helps you relax and give your pores a workout. Massage can help release tight muscles and soothe stress, according to cancer survivor and author Soula Panagiotou, author of "The Detox Answer to Regaining Health and Wellbeing." Meditation, yoga and tai chi are all effective ways to take charge of your own health, create peace of mind and allow your body to function more efficiently.
Member Comments