What Is A Naturopathic Detox Diet?

Detox diets are an approach to losing weight and relieving chronic health problems. However, some fad detox diet promote unsafe practices such as extended fasting or eating one type of food exclusively for an extended period of time. Naturopathic detox diets based on optimum nutrient intake and other healthy changes may provide a safer means of detoxification. Consult a medical professional before making major changes to your diet, especially if you are currently taking any medications.

About Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic Medicine, or naturopathy, is a type of medicine that uses elements found in nature to promote healing and help individuals enhance the natural healing ability of their own bodies. Naturopathy uses elements such as nutrition, herbal treatments, and alternative therapies such as acupuncture and homeopathy.

Purpose of a Detox

Our modern environment presents an increasingly amount of toxins that we encounter in our daily lives, write Charlotte Gerson and Morton Walker, D.P.M., authors of "The Gerson Therapy." These toxins can be found in sources such as food additives, prescription or over-the-counter drugs, household cleaning products, industrial chemicals and chlorinated or fluoridated water. Although the human body was designed to naturally eliminated toxins, a periodic detox focus may help your natural detoxification system work more effectively, writes Patricia Fitzgerald, doctor of homeopathic medicine.

Dietary Recommendations

A naturopathic detox diet involves reducing or eliminating your intake of foods that may contain any toxic additives, as well as foods that are difficult to digest. Eating foods that present digestive challenges or eating too often causes your body to devote most of its energy to digestion, leaving little left over for detoxification, according to Dr. Alejandro Junger, author of "Clean: The Revolutionary Program to Restore the Body's Natural Ability to Heal Itself." He recommends focusing your diet on fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as some sources of lean protein, and avoiding all processed foods, wheat, dairy, eggs, soy products and red meat.

Lifestyle Recommendations

Certain herbal remedies and dietary supplements may also provide some benefit during a detox diet. The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health recommends supplements such as dandelion root, milk thistle, turmeric, magnesium citrate and probiotics. Use any herbal supplements with caution, as they may cause side effects or change the way your body reacts to certain medications. Dr. Junger also recommends using a fiber supplement to help pull toxins out of your body. Other healthful practices, such as saunas, moderate exercise, massage and meditation may help relieve stress and enhance the detoxification process.

Considerations

Detoxification diets may cause a healing crisis, or a temporary worsening of symptoms such as headache, digestive problems, bloating, lightheadedness or fatigue. According to the University of Wisconsin, this is caused by the mobilization of toxins that were previously stored in your cells. Drinking plenty of water and eating healthy snacks may help minimize these effects, but you may need to stop or alter your detox diet if the effects are severe. Detox diets are not recommended for anyone who is pregnant, breastfeeding or in a weakened condition due to a serious illness.