Everyone has heard of detoxing diets, they are becoming more and more popular among people seeking to lose a few extra pounds or to feel less bloated. But what does detoxing really mean for our bodies?
Our bodies are naturally and constantly detoxing, which is the process of removing toxins from the body. These toxins can come in the form of endotoxins or molecules made by the body as a result of metabolic processes, or exotoxins which are made outside of the body from eating, drinking, breathing, or as a result of absorbing them through the skin. This process of detoxification may also help to metabolize or excrete medications by way of feces, urine, respiration, or sweat. There are many factors that contribute to just how well a person’s body detoxes and these include one’s environment, diet, lifestyle, health, and genetics. While the liver and pancreas work well to eliminate and do the detoxing naturally in the body, if there is simply too much exposure to toxins that the body can’t excrete them, those toxins may be stored in fat cells, soft tissue, or bone which can become harmful.
In general, a detox diet consists of the removal of processed foods, dairy, gluten, eggs, nuts, or red meat. These diets may also suggest eating organic foods as well as fasting as some point in the process. The fasting technique, however, can be harmful since it may have the opposite affect on the natural detox process in the body and suppress detoxing routines. This is why fasting might be advised against in a professional setting.
Originally detoxing meant medical procedures in hospitals or physician’s offices, but now detox kits can be found at stores and are promoted on the internet for do-it-yourselfers. Some common procedures and diets consist of the nasal irrigation method with use of a neti pot, detoxing diets, and intestinal cleansing diets. Some results show that these methods can indeed reduce sinus infections, restore energy, promote weight loss, and improve general functions in the body. Even though there are some positive aspects of detoxing, there seems to be more negatives such as dehydration, fluid build up in sinuses, depletion of electrolytes, weight regain and acidosis or excessive acidity in the blood to name a few.
1) Focus on hydration
2) Consume 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables daily
3) Look to get enough fiber in your diet through natural, whole foods
4) Consume naturally detoxing foods like berries, artichokes, onions, garlic, leeks, turmeric, milk thistle, green tea, and cruciferous vegetables
5) Consume a healthy amount of protein in order to get enough glutathione, which is a detox enzyme
6) Regularly use multivitamins
7) Pick naturally fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, or use a probiotic
There is little evidence that detox diets are proven to work. In the case that they are successful, the results may be attributed to the decrease in processed foods, solid fats, added sugars, or other healthy lifestyle changes that those people may have adapted along with the diet. Some side effects that have been reported with detoxing including fatigue as well as vitamin and mineral deficiency when long-term fasting occurs. Colon cleansing can result in cramping, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and dehydration.
In purusing a detox diet, it would be wise to consult a physician as well as a dietitian who can advise you if the diet would be best for your body and how to complete a healthy detox diet plan.