What is detox?
Detox, short for detoxification, is the body's natural, ongoing process of neutralizing or eliminating toxins from the body. Toxins are transformed chemically to less harmful compounds and excreted via stools or urine. Sources of toxins include those produced in the body during normal functions, such as the ammonia produced during the breakdown of protein, and external chemicals such as pesticides, household cleaners, food additives, drugs, pollution, cigarette smoke, and heavy metals like lead.
Detox, short for detoxification, is the body's natural, ongoing process of neutralizing or eliminating toxins from the body. Toxins are transformed chemically to less harmful compounds and excreted via stools or urine. Sources of toxins include those produced in the body during normal functions, such as the ammonia produced during the breakdown of protein, and external chemicals such as pesticides, household cleaners, food additives, drugs, pollution, cigarette smoke, and heavy metals like lead.
What is a detox diet?
Although detox is primarily thought of as a treatment for alcohol or drug dependence, the term is also used to refer to diets, herbs, and other methods of removing environmental and dietary toxins from the body for general health. There are many different types of detox diets.
Generally, a detox diet is a short-term diet that:
* minimizes the amount of chemicals ingested (e.g. by choosing organic food)
* emphasizes foods that provide the vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants that the body needs for detoxification
* contains foods that draw out and eliminate toxins by increasing the frequency of bowel movements and urination (such as high fiber foods and water)
Although detox is primarily thought of as a treatment for alcohol or drug dependence, the term is also used to refer to diets, herbs, and other methods of removing environmental and dietary toxins from the body for general health. There are many different types of detox diets.
Generally, a detox diet is a short-term diet that:
* minimizes the amount of chemicals ingested (e.g. by choosing organic food)
* emphasizes foods that provide the vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants that the body needs for detoxification
* contains foods that draw out and eliminate toxins by increasing the frequency of bowel movements and urination (such as high fiber foods and water)
Why do people go on a detox diet?
Many experts believe that many of the fat-soluble chemicals we ingest daily through food, water, and the environment can become deposited in cells in our bodies. A poor diet can also impair our natural ability to detoxify chemicals, which further leads to their build-up in the body. This cumulative load, called the "body burden", is thought to lead to illness and has been linked to hormonal imbalance, impaired immune function, nutritional deficiency, and an inefficient metabolism. Initially, there may be subtle warning signs, such as fatigue, poor skin, and pain.
Many experts believe that many of the fat-soluble chemicals we ingest daily through food, water, and the environment can become deposited in cells in our bodies. A poor diet can also impair our natural ability to detoxify chemicals, which further leads to their build-up in the body. This cumulative load, called the "body burden", is thought to lead to illness and has been linked to hormonal imbalance, impaired immune function, nutritional deficiency, and an inefficient metabolism. Initially, there may be subtle warning signs, such as fatigue, poor skin, and pain.
Benefits of a detox diet
In general, people often report improved energy, clearer skin, regular bowel movements, improved digestion, and increased concentration and clarity.
Is there anyone who shouldn't try a detox diet?
Consult a qualified health professional to find out if a detox diet is appropriate for you. A detox diet shouldn't be used by pregnant or nursing women or children. People with anemia, eating disorders, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, lowered immunity, hypothyroidism, low blood pressure, ulcers, epilepsy, cancer, ulcerative colitis, underweight, or addictions to drugs or alcohol should not try a detox diet unless recommended and supervised by a primary care provider.
In general, people often report improved energy, clearer skin, regular bowel movements, improved digestion, and increased concentration and clarity.
Is there anyone who shouldn't try a detox diet?
Consult a qualified health professional to find out if a detox diet is appropriate for you. A detox diet shouldn't be used by pregnant or nursing women or children. People with anemia, eating disorders, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, lowered immunity, hypothyroidism, low blood pressure, ulcers, epilepsy, cancer, ulcerative colitis, underweight, or addictions to drugs or alcohol should not try a detox diet unless recommended and supervised by a primary care provider.
Side effects
One of the most common side effects is headache within the first few days of starting the detox diet, often due to quitting caffeine cold turkey. Practitioners often suggest a gradual vs. cold turkey approach. In addition, many people take time off work to begin a detox or start the diet on a Friday night. Some people may experience excessive diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte loss. On the other hand, if people increase their fiber intake without consuming adequate water, it may backfire and cause constipation. If continued for a longer time, detox diets may result in nutrient deficiencies, particularly protein (some detox diets omit animal products) and calcium. Other side effects can include tiredness, irritability, acne, weight loss, and hunger. Any worsening of symptoms or new symptoms that occur during a detox diet should prompt a visit to a qualified health professional.
One of the most common side effects is headache within the first few days of starting the detox diet, often due to quitting caffeine cold turkey. Practitioners often suggest a gradual vs. cold turkey approach. In addition, many people take time off work to begin a detox or start the diet on a Friday night. Some people may experience excessive diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte loss. On the other hand, if people increase their fiber intake without consuming adequate water, it may backfire and cause constipation. If continued for a longer time, detox diets may result in nutrient deficiencies, particularly protein (some detox diets omit animal products) and calcium. Other side effects can include tiredness, irritability, acne, weight loss, and hunger. Any worsening of symptoms or new symptoms that occur during a detox diet should prompt a visit to a qualified health professional.
