Overview
According to Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN, and Dixie Mills, M.D., in “Detoxification—Clear and Cleanse Your Body,” our bodies are in a constant state of detoxification. Each breath, elimination of urine and bowel movement removes toxins. Organs, such as the liver, spleen, kidneys and lymph system, act as filters that prevent the toxins that cause sickness and lowered resistance from building up in the body. When the body’s natural detoxification process becomes stressed, you can give it a boost by doing an easy detox regime.
Facts
Toxins are continuously taken into the body from diet and the environment, according to Dr. Pick and Dr. Mills on Womentowomen.com. Detoxification naturally takes place if all the organs are in tip-top shape, but over time, they may become sluggish and need an extra bit of help to clear out the sludge that has accumulated in some of the organs, such as the liver and lymphatic system, over time.
Types
There are several types of detoxification, including diet, fasting, water therapy, massage, vitamin and nutritional therapy, colon cleansing and hyperthermia therapy. Diet therapy typically involves eating unprocessed fruits and vegetables, either in whole form or juiced. Fasting involves cutting out or significantly cutting back on foods for a day or two while increasing water consumption.
Water helps flush toxins from the body, so water therapy is a natural way you can rid your body of toxins without drastic changes. With nutritional therapy, you’ll increase the number of antioxidant supplements you take to rid the body of free radicals. Colon cleansing will help to rid the intestines of built-up waste. Heat or hyperthermia therapies involve using steam baths or saunas to increase perspiration that will help remove toxins through the skin.
Time Frames
Each type of body detoxification program requires a different time commitment. Fasting may be one to three days. Diet therapy can be short-term, one-day to two-week programs, or the programs may be ongoing, with unprocessed foods being the mainstay of the diet. Colon cleansing is often a one to two week process and may be followed by a self-administered enema or a professional one that takes minutes. Massages may take 5 minutes for a dry brush massage or an hour for a professional muscle massage. Hyperthermia therapies last as long as the person is in the steam bath or sauna, typically a few minutes at a time.
Benefits
Some people experience a small weight loss. Dietitian Juliette Kellow explains that any diet that severely restricts calories as many of the detox diets do will most likely result in weight loss. Since detox diets promote good eating habits, increasing water and cutting back on alcohol and caffeine, Kellow claims you’ll develop a healthier lifestyle.
Negative Side Effects
Some of the negative side effects of detox fasting may include headaches, anemia and low blood sugar. Michael Picco, M.D., from the Mayo Clinic advises talking to your doctor before starting a detoxification diet or fast. According to Tony Robinson on Changingshape.com, other side effects may include skin problems and fatigue.
About this Author
Debby Mayne started writing health and parenting articles in 1992. Approximately 100 of Mayne’s articles have appeared in regional parenting magazines. She has been managing editor of “Coping with Cancer” magazine and product information writer for HSN. Her degree is in health, PE and recreation from the University of Southern Mississippi. During college, Mayne worked as an instructor at a fitness center.
