Western doctors and scientists have never been enthusiastic about body cleanse diets, which are also known as purification or detox diets. For some, the medical community's disdain for them may contribute to their appeal. If you choose to try a diet, supplement, or other product designed to cleanse your internal organs, be sure to let a health care professional know what you are doing and see a doctor if you experience any negative side effects. You have many options to choose from, and while no scientific evidence backs the effectiveness of any body cleanse plans, some are safer than others.
Purpose
The purpose of body cleansing seems reasonable enough. Our air, water and food contain toxins that enter our bodies every day. Promoters of detox products claim they purge the body of these toxins -- though no scientific studies have confirmed that any detoxification method really accomplishes this. The toxicity of our environment, however, is indisputable. Pesticides and mold in our food, industrial chemicals in the air and phthalates in perfumes and plastics are just a few of the toxins Dr. Joseph Marcola, bestselling author and founder of the Mercola.com website, identifies as persistent dangers to our health
Detox Methods
Proponents of detoxification often recommend colon cleansing, suggesting that toxins in the colon can lead to asthma, arthritis, chronic fatigue and other health problems. Colonic irrigation is a popular method of cleansing the colon, though no scientific studies have proven its effectiveness. One critic -- Dr. Ross Black -- says, ""A major function of the colon is to absorb minerals such as potassium and send them through the bloodstream. Colonics could wipe out these minerals and thereby cause deficiencies."
Other methods of body cleansing involve sweating toxins out in saunas, fasting, juice diets, taking herbal supplements that supposedly help eliminate toxins, and foot baths or foot pads that manufacturers claim draw toxins out through the sweat in your feet.
Benefits
Proponents of body cleansing claim the process gives them more energy and mental clarity. Lynn Hardy, N.D, of the Global Institute for Alternative Medicine, writes that "we are not going to change the catastrophic situation where every second person is chronically ill" until society places as much importance on internal cleansing as it does on personal hygiene, such as showering and brushing our teeth.
Warning
Colonic irrigation could alter the chemical composition of the colon in harmful ways, and contaminated equipment could lead to infection. Supplements and diuretics designed to cleanse the colon might cause dehydration, as could juice diets or fasting programs meant to purge the entire body of toxins. Whether you choose irrigation, supplementation or one of many detox diet plans, make sure you consult a doctor first -- and discontinue the detox if you have any adverse reactions.
Expert Insight
To keep your body as free from toxins as possible, Dr. Mercola recommends avoiding processed foods as much as possible and choosing organic produce and free-range foods. Metal fillings in the teeth may contain mercury and lead to poisoning -- if you have any, get them replaced with nontoxic fillings. Artificial air fresheners, cheap scented candles, fabric softeners and other manufactured fragrance enhancers often contain toxins and you should avoid them, along with artificial sweeteners. If you maintain a healthy diet, your body should be more than capable of cleansing itself naturally.
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