The term 'Detox', meaning 'abstaining from or ridding the body of toxic or unhealthy substances', is used in modern medicine as a way of treating people with severe drug addictions. In recent years the term 'Detox' has been acquired as a marketing term used to describe so-called ways to improve health and wellbeing - like diets that claim to deliver rapid weight loss, cellulite removal, improved energy levels or flush toxins from the body.
These so-called 'Detox' diets vary in duration from one day to several weeks and involve eating specific foods, generally focusing on fruit and vegetables, drinks, dietary supplements or herbs, reducing dietary intake or fasting. They also often omit protein, complex carbohydrates and fat sources which are all needed for optimal health. Omitting entire food groups from the diet can lead to illness and is not advised for a generally healthy population, they often cost more than if you were to eat a normal, healthy diet too!
The body’s own detox
The body has its own detoxifying tools, the liver, kidneys and intestinal tract. Designed to filter out and remove unwanted chemicals, cells, alcohol, medications and products of digestion from the body.
