The detox debate

Warmer temperatures and sunny days usually press the panic buttons in most women! All of a sudden they realise that within a few weeks, they might have to peal off the winter clothes and expose their newly curved bodies to the world.  So this time of the year pharmacies are inundated with customers looking for the best and fastest detox diet that will kick-start their metabolism.

Society is slowly learning to suspiciously avoid anything that is described as a “quick fix”, and with weekend- week- or month-long detox diets that promise clearer skin, improved immune systems, increased energy levels and feelings of youthfulness, one wonders how these states of being may possibly be achieved.

In general, detox diets vary from strict avoidance of all solid foods (you drink liquids such as fruit juice, vegetable juice, black coffee or tea, rooibos tea and water), to diets that concentrate on fresh, raw fruit and vegetables, yoghurt and water. The duration suggested varies from three days to two weeks.

Necessity of detoxification

Humans are omnivorous beings whose bodies have evolved over time to accommodate the foods consumed.  The liver, kidneys and intestines act as the body’s built-in detoxifiers, with the extracted toxins excreted in the urine, faeces and sweat.  The liver is especially equipped to break down and eliminate toxins contained in high protein diets.  With the added unnatural stressors placed on our bodies in the form of food additives and stimulants, the detox diet may be seen as an augmentery aid to the body’s own detoxifying processes.

Effects of detox

Detox dieting and fasting may be seen as branches of the same tree.  Some of the benefits and disadvantages of these are described below:

• Upside of detox

People often describe a “natural high” in the first week.  Although this may not necessarily be attributed to the release of toxins from the body, it is no doubt a positive reflexion on the concept of a diet limited in toxins.  “Functioning on a higher level”, weight loss, improvement of conditions such as allergies, arthritis, IBS, decreased blood pressure as well as improved “nutritional IQ” are all some of the noted benefits of the strict detox diet.  Advocates of the diet have argued that with the enormous incidences of cancer and cardiovascular disease, it seems that the body’s detoxifying organs are suffering because of our toxic lifestyles and require a great deal of help.

• Downside of detox

Not discounting that many non-western cultures have made use of “detoxifying” remedies for hundreds of years, unfortunately few detox remedies or diets have solid science to prove them effective, not to mention safe.  When in a fasting state the body uses its fat reserves for energy; stored contaminants in adipose cells are released and the dieter suffers from the temporary exposure to toxins.  Dehydration and altered electrolyte concentrations may lead to heart problems, headaches, sore throats, rashes and diarrhoea.  All of these symptoms can be expected when  a person follows a strict detox diet plan for longer than 3 days. Detox dieting is not recommended for those diagnosed  with diabetes and therefore vulnerable to glucose level changes.  The release of toxins from adipose cells is not the only postulated reason for these negative symptoms.  Some researchers believe that because people on detox diets are not eating properly, their immunity is low and they are therefore susceptible to minor ailments.

Detox products

The process of herbal detoxification mainly consists of taking pills and liquids containing herbs like milk thistle, chlorophyll, red clover and licorice roots. Herbal detox is said to rid the kidney, colon and liver of harmful toxins. Herbal detox products are also said to strengthen the muscles of the large intestine, improve digestion, cleanse the liver and the gall bladder, and help in the elimination of intestinal parasites.

GI Lean 3 Day Detox® effervescent tablets: It is highly recommended that you detox before embarking on any weight loss programme so that your systems are functioning at optimum capacity. While detoxing, your body will need all the help it can get. GI Lean has developed supplements formulated with some of nature’s most effective cleansing ingredients such as aloe vera, pomegranate, dandelion, vitamin C and selenium.

Moya-Detox ®– 6 pack: A build-up of toxins and impurities in the body can cause general ill health, resulting in lack of energy, constipation, and a feeling of being “run down”. A detox process will help you to: improve bowel regulation, flush impurities from the body, improve energy levels, encourage healthy blood circulation and improve all-round vitality.  Ingredients include: Taheebo, Iphahla, Black Walnut, Ibohlololo, Idolo Lenkonyane, Imboziso, Cloves, Physillium Husk, Artemisia

Detox Tea: A blend of detox herbs including milk thistle, sarsparilla root, dandelion root, echinacea, and red clover that stimulate the liver, gallbladder, and immune system. It should not be used by pregnant or nursing women, or by people with gallstones, breast or uterine cancer, or autoimmune disease

Chamomile Tea: Chamomile is a calming herb that can be helpful for people under stress. It also relieves bloating and indigestion. Chamomile may cause an allergic reaction, and it should not be used by people taking warfarin or other anticoagulant drugs.

Ginger Tea: Ginger soothes the digestive system. It is also used for nausea and has been used for arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory effects. People taking drugs with a narrow therapeutic index, such as warfarin, should consult a health practitioner since ginger can increase the risk of bleeding

Peppermint Tea: Peppermint is a digestive aid that helps to relieve bloating and indigestion. In the form of coated capsules, peppermint is also used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gallstones. It should not be used by people with heartburn, as it may aggravate symptoms.

Hawthorn Berry Tea: Hawthorn is a traditional heart tonic. It is an antioxidant that strengthens blood vessel walls and heart function and has a beneficial effect on cholesterol. This tea should not be used to treat a heart condition, and it should not be used by people taking heart or kidney medication without consulting a health practitioner.

Laxatives and diuretics: There are literally thousands of herbal and over-the-counter products that promise ‘safe, natural detoxification’. Many of these products contain harsh laxatives and/or diuretics, which can cause more harm than good. Harsh laxatives, including those touted as ‘safe and natural’ or ‘herbal’, will interfere with the natural function of the bowels and in extreme cases can lead to loss of peristalsis (the normal muscle contraction of the bowel wall that moves waste products through the digestive tract). Individuals who overuse harsh laxatives lose their normal bowel function and get hooked on these laxatives for life.

Diuretics used in excess can lead to dehydration, which can be fatal in some cases. If the ‘safe, healthy, natural’ detox product makes the person urinate all day long, then it probably contains a strong diuretic and should be avoided.

The only products to assist those who embark on a detoxification programme and struggles with constipation as a result thereof are probiotics or ‘beneficial microorganisms’ such as Bifidobacteria and Lactic acid bacteria, which help to restore the natural flora in the digestive system. Probiotics can be used to get more regular and should be combined with a high-fibre diet to prevent constipation.

Guidelines when fasting

→   Include carbohydrates in the form of fruit and juice and grains into the detox diet

→   Only fast for three days or less

→   Those with serious diseases, who are pregnant or suffering from diabetes may not fast

→   Drink water to prevent dehydration

→   Taper off the consumption of caffeine to avoid withdrawal headaches

→   Supplement with a multivitamin

Conclusion

It’s evident that the most sensible approach isn’t to overindulge for two months a year over the ‘Silly Season’, but rather to stick to eating a well-balanced diet that includes all foods in moderation and to do regular exercise all year round.   To kick-start a calorie restricted diet plan with a sensible detoxification programme has certainly shown to be beneficial, provided that it is followed for a limited period of time and the guidelines mentioned above are followed.