So, what is detox? Detox is short for detoxification; it’s the body's natural, process of neutralizing or eliminating toxins from the body. Toxins (anything that can potentially harm body tissue) are transformed into less harmful compounds and excreted.
Sources of toxins include those produced in the body during normal functions, such as the ammonia produced during the breakdown of protein, and chemicals such as pesticides, household cleaners, food additives, drugs, pollution, cigarette smoke, and heavy metals like lead that enter the body when we ingest or inhale them.
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 health.
Researchers suggest that many of the chemicals we ingest daily through food, water, and air can become deposited in fat cells in our bodies. A diet that lacks certain nutrients may also impair our natural ability to detoxify chemicals, which further leads to their build-up in the body.
That build up is thought to lead to illness and has been linked to hormonal imbalance, impaired immune function, nutritional deficiency, and an inefficient metabolism. Signs are thought to include indigestion, bad breath, fatigue, poor skin, and muscle pain.
People often report improved energy, clearer skin, regular bowel movements, improved digestion, and increased concentration and clarity after a detox diet.
Anyone considering a detox diet should consult a qualified health professional and/or their medical doctor first.
Pregnant or nursing women or children shouldn't go on a detox diet.
One of the most common side effects is headache within the first few days of starting the detox diet, often due to caffeine withdrawal, For this reason, practitioners often suggest gradually decreasing the amount of caffeine prior to starting a detox diet. In addition, some people opt to take time off work to begin a detox diet or start the diet on the weekend.
Whether you agree with the thought of the detox diet or not, one thing is for sure; dieting has always been and always will be trial and error. Make sure you do your research and think long and hard before you choose one, and with discipline and a good mix of exercise you should start seeing the results you want in no time.
Jovonn Horrice is the Club Manager/Certified Personal Trainer at West Seattle Anytime Fitness. To submit a question or a suggestion for future articles, please contact the author at jhorrice@gmail.com.
