Practiced for long a period of time, detoxification is all about cleaning and nourishing the body from within inside. In this process, toxins are first eliminated from the body followed by intake of healthy nutrients. So, it basically protects you from disease and gives you the ability to maintain a good health. It is also believed that detox diet helps in weight loss. Is it so? We will read the article to know the truth.
Detoxification involves elimination of toxins by kidneys, skin, lungs and lymphatic system. It improves blood circulation and recharges the body with healthy nutrients. Health experts suggest that everyone should undergo detoxification at least once in a year. Also, extra care must be taken while carrying out detoxification process in children, people with chronic diseases like tuberculosis or cancer and expecting and nursing mothers. Sportspersons who are involved in strenuous activities should not take detox diets as it will lead to the deficiency of nutrients in them.
How are Toxins Formed in Body?
Toxins in the body comprise of heavy metals, pesticides, additives in food, pollutants. They are also produced as a byproduct of bacterial degradation of foods. Protein digestion also results in the production of toxins in the body. Liver is the chief organ of detoxification, along with kidney and intestines.
Toxins are also produced due to improper food habits, stress, sedentary lifestyle, and illness. When toxins create illness in the body, it is called as toxemia. Sometimes the food does not get properly digested in the digestive tract. In such scenario, food can decay inside the digestive tract leading to the formation of toxin. Detoxification specialists use a number of tests to determine the causes leading to toxin formation. These causes include infection, addictions, allergies, and toxic chemicals.
Need for Detoxification
The environment we live in is full of toxins and pollutants which enter our body while breathing and get accumulated there. These toxins are very harmful to our body and may cause health problems. It, therefore, becomes necessary to detox ourselves to get rid of them.
Signs you need detoxification include:
• fatigue, improper elimination of food
• irritation of skin and allergies, under eye circles
• menstrual issues, bloating, mental confusion
How Detoxification Helps
Getting rid of old toxins and preventing new ones from building up are an important part of detoxification. This process is proved to be very beneficial for patients suffering from chronic conditions like allergies, asthma, diabetes, depression, and obesity. It is also helpful in minimizing the risk of conditions caused due to environmental factors, like cancer. Detoxification therapy is useful for people suffering from allergies or other conditions like fibromyalgia that conventional treatment is unable to cure. Detoxification can be used as a preventative measure that promotes overall health.
Detoxification Techniques
The first step for detoxification includes avoiding exposure to allergenic substances. Dietary changes are incorporated, eliminating allergic foods. Detoxification diets are low in fat and rich in fiber. Processed foods, caffeine and alcohol are to be avoided at all costs. Nutritional supplements like vitamins, minerals amino acids and antioxidants are prescribed often.
Milk thistle extract is a very potent herb for detoxification of liver. There are many treatments available under naturopathy, Ayurveda, and traditional Chinese medicine for detoxification. For toxic bowel movements, herbal laxatives may be recommended. Also, foods high in fiber properly clean the digestive tract and help in elimination of fecal matter. Fasting is a quick way to eliminate accumulated toxins and enhance the healing process. Chelation therapy is also used to help get rid of heavy and toxic metals.
Homeopathic remedies are also used in removal of heavy metals. Sweating therapies can also help in detoxification. Exercise, sauna, therapeutic baths are included in this type. Body therapies like massage therapy, acupressure, polarity therapy are also useful. These therapies improve blood circulation and reduce stress.
Can Detox Diets Lead to Weight Loss?
Now let us discuss a common misconception. We think detox diets can lead to weight loss. In order to understand if detox diet can lead to weight loss, we must first know what a detox diet is. In a detox diet, you are required to drink plenty of water and eat a lot of vegetables and fruits. However, some detox diets may be harmful. Detox diets may lead to weight loss but only temporarily. There are several types of detox diets which include being on a liquid diet or not eating at all. If some people are to be believed, detoxification increases energy levels and even cure some health conditions. If you refrain yourself from eating some foods and also exercise portion control, it will help you in losing weight. But these diets may not be suitable for everyone.
During detox diet, you lose water weight rather than fat weight. This is the main reason why you gain back the weight you had lost, after you stop it. Detox diets also cause muscle loss, and this is not the desired thing if you wish for a permanent weight loss.
