Over the past few years, detoxification diets have caught on as a weight loss method that cleanses the body of harmful toxins. Many of us have considered the infomercials advertising body-cleansing kits, such as Dr. Ho’s infamous Ab Trimmer. Detox kits often use a combination of supplements, including herbal laxatives, colon cleansers, and antioxidants. Some actually claim to flush out the toxins responsible for fat storage and illness, cleanse the liver and digestive tract, and eliminate cellulite.
Yet detox diets have numerous complications. Many of the herbal laxatives used, such as burdock root and dandelion, can cause dehydration and electrolyte loss by diarrhea. For users under 18, pregnant or lactating women, or those with a serious health condition, there are multiple adverse effects that can result from electrolyte imbalances or unfavourable drug interactions. These products are unregulated in Canada. Yet each year consumers looking to feel more energetic or lose a few inches spend millions of dollars.
Despite all the claims, many physiologists and medical professionals agree that detox regimens are not necessary and perhaps even dangerous. Says Kevork Peltekian, an associate professor of medicine at Dalhousie University, “If you’re healthy, your liver and kidneys do a perfectly good job of getting rid of toxins in the body. There’s no scientific evidence that detox diets augment the body’s own natural mechanisms.” The human body has a very efficient detoxification system whereby wastes and toxic substances are removed via sweat, feces, and urine. The liver acts to remove waste from the bloodstream for excretion via the kidney, and the large intestine effectively reabsorbs minerals and water.
The best method is always prevention: avoid putting toxins in your body in the first place. Some toxins present in our atmosphere, such as pesticides and pollution, are difficult to avoid, but a lot can be done by eating better. Enjoying a healthy, balanced diet high in essential nutrients, drinking plenty of water, and incorporating exercise into your routine all contribute to a healthier digestive system. They also help control your waistline and boost energy levels. Before detox regimens became a fad, this is precisely how detoxification was accomplished.
There would be no need for such extreme measures if living a healthier lifestyle was given greater priority. Decreasing consumption of processed foods, eating more fresh meals to limit toxin intake associated with chemicals, and reducing unhealthy consumption would allow our body to cleanse itself of all unwanted substances. These behaviours keep our organs and associated systems healthy.
