People are exposed to a variety of environmental toxins such as as chemicals, pesticides and radioactive elements. Some of these toxins build up in body tissues and may be harmful. For this reason, detox products and programs are marketed to consumers to help rid their bodies of toxic compounds. Although these products are widely available, their safety and efficacy remains unclear.
Holistic and Naturopathic Medicine
Holistic medicine is the treatment of the whole person -- body, mind and spirit -- using conventional and complementary therapies, according to the American Holistic Medical Association. A holistic detox program can refer to a number of therapies, from drug and alcohol treatment programs to specialized diet and lifestyle modifications. Holistic treatments can include massage, nutritional therapy, meditation, yoga and spiritual counseling. On the other hand, naturopathic medicine focuses on natural treatments that are believed to help the body heal itself. Naturopathic treatments can include herbal medicines, homeopathy, supplements, hydrotherapy and nutritional counseling. Detoxification -- the process of removing toxins from the body to treat and prevent disease -- is an important component of naturopathic medicine. To date, there is very little scientific evidence investigating the clinical outcomes of this kind of toxin elimination.
Toxins
Toxins can be stored in many locations in your body, including the blood, urine, sweat and saliva. As of 2011, there was no reliable way to comprehensively measure the amount of toxins in your bodies, according to the Australian Family Physician. Additionally, interpreting these measurements is challenging, since the link between the amount and types of toxins, symptoms and disease remains unclear.
Detox Programs
Detoxification has a long history, dating back to ancient medicine and religious traditions. A number of detox diet programs exist, from simply drinking water to consuming only maple syrup, cayenne pepper, water and lemon juice for a certain number of days. Other detox diets include consuming only raw fruit and vegetable juices. However, detox diet programs are more likely based on sales than science, according to a 2007 article published in the "Australian Family Physician."
Caution
Detox diet programs may not only be ineffective, but also potentially hazardous. Avoid detox diet plans if you take medications or have medical conditions such as diabetes or an eating disorder. Similarly, if you are pregnant, nursing, an older adult or a growing child or teenager, do not undergo a detox diet program, as it can be particularly harmful in these life stages.
Considerations
Further well-designed research studies are needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of holistic detox programs. While the lack of evidence does not necessarily render these programs ineffective, the safer way to promote a healthy body is to eat a nutritionally balanced, plant-based diet and reduce sodium, simple sugar and saturated fat intake.
References
- Australian Family Physician: 'Detox': Science or Sales Pitch?: Mark Cohen: December 2007
- American Holistic Medical Association: About Holistic Medicine
- American Association of Naturopathic Physicians: What is Naturopathic Medicine?
- Today's Dietitian; Spring Cleansing: Assessing the Benefits and Risks of Detox Diets; Juliann Schaeffer; May 2008
- Naitonal Institutes of Health: Naturopathy: An Introduction: April 2011
- Executive Detox: Holistic Detox
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