| by Jessy Diamba |
One approach that's been getting a lot of buzz for a while is a process called detoxification, or detox for short. Detoxification is the body's natural process of neutralizing or eliminating toxins from the body. By removing pollutants from the blood in the liver, with help from the kidneys, intestines, lungs and lymph nodes, your body is left feeling clean and fresh.
There are dozens upon dozens of detox diets available, and one of the most popular is called the Master Cleanse diet. It's a trend among celebrities.
Its rules are as follows:
Take a quart of warm salt water in the morning.
Drink a 60-ounce mixture of water, lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne pepper throughout the day.
End with a cup of laxative tea in the evening.
Advocates for the diet suggest maintaining this routine for at least 10 days. In turn, you rest your body's organs through fasting, stimulate the liver to drive toxins from your body, improve blood circulation and refuel your physique with healthy nutrients.
By now you might be thinking, "This sounds a bit extreme. Is it safe?" The verdict is still out, and experts disagree about the actual need for detox diets.
Brian Byrd, M.D., owner of Texas Family Medicine, weighs in on the topic. "Although I haven't had training on detoxification and don't use it as part of any treatment plans, a number of my patients have received it from other physicians, and a few have experienced benefit.There isn't much data on its safety and efficacy so I tend to not use it.Fortunately, none of my patients who have received it have experienced adverse side effects."
The first recommended step for most of these diet plans is to decrease your toxin intake. Eliminate coffee, alcohol, cigarettes, saturated fats and refined sugars, which act as barriers to the cleansing process. In addition, decrease the use of chemical-based household cleaners and personal health care products, such as shampoos, deodorants, and toothpastes, and use natural alternatives instead. Third, reduce your stress by practicing yoga and meditation.
But is detoxification truly beneficial? There are many claims about what good things a detox diet can bring, from preventing disease to giving people more energy and focus. While some theories could be true, there is no present scientific evidence that detox diets help rid the body of toxins or that getting rid of these toxins will leave you a healthier, more energetic person.
Some studies have shown that fast and super low-calorie diets perpetually lower the body's metabolism rate as it struggles to preserve energy. Once the dieter resumes eating, though, rapid weight gain occurs. Pregnant women and children shouldn't try detoxing diets, as they constantly need nutrients for growth and development. Also anyone with health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease should refrain from this program and consult his or her doctor first.
If a detox diet seems peculiar to you, the best-and least expensive-alternative to it is regular exercise, plenty of sleep, enough water and eating your fruits and vegetables. Ultimately, the human body is designed to protect itself, and you can help it by consuming a range of healthy foods. For more information about detox diets or related topics concerning your weight, contact your doctor or a registered dietician.
