As seen on BCTV Noon News December 30th 2003

DETOXIFICATION

Detoxification simply means the clearing of toxins. Many forms of detoxifications exist, such as those designed to overcome drug addictions. Other detoxifications have been designed to remove unwanted toxic elements consumed in the form of preservatives, chemicals, alcohol, over-the-counter drugs, air particles and components in our water supply. These elements are all thought to contribute to the overload of toxic elements placed on our bodies. A trendy new term for these detoxifications is "Detoxs". It is common to see detox packages in a variety of stores that provide a step-by-step detox process, claiming to remove all toxins that have accumulated in the body. These packages contain special instructions and usually an herbal remedy, which one is required to take in order for the procedure to work.

There are many forms of herbal remedies but a common element is usually a laxative component. For instance looking at the ingredients in the popular Wild Rose Detox program you would find; Biliherb, Laxaherb, Cleansaherb and CL herbal extract. Biliherb is included in the remedy to gently promote the production of bile, a substance found in our bodies, which is responsible for promoting digestion. Laxaherb is the laxative component of this remedy. Cleansaherb is thought to cleanse the bloodstream passing the waste material to the urinary system. Finally there is CL Herbal Extract, which is a diuretic that stimulates the body to produce urine. One should be aware of the possible dehydrating effects, due to both the laxative and diuretic components. Laxatives are also known to cause mineral imbalances and digestive problems. There is little to no scientific evidence supporting the claims on the effectiveness of these components.

Common detoxifications require that for the first two days, or so, you fast; allowing only for water with restricted amounts of lemon juice. You are then instructed to eat just fruits and vegetables and gradually introduce other food groups, like grains and cereals. When one fasts, significant strain is put on the body since important organs, such as the brain, and also the nervous system do not receive energy in the form they need to function properly. Starving the body for any amount of time can be seriously detrimental to one's health. The body is put into an acid balance, which stresses the organs to reverse back into a neutral state. The body is forced to work harder to maintain normal functions in the absence of food.

The dramatic initial weight loss, usually experienced during the first stages of a Detox program, is due to the loss of body water. When the body is starved, the body turns to stored muscle and liver glycogen for useable energy. Glycogen, the body's storage form of carbohydrate, is used up within a few days. The body stores water with glycogen, so when glycogen is transformed to glucose for energy, the body sheds water. If prolonged, detoxs with a fasting component will result in a slowing of metabolism. Although the initial weight loss seems promising, a slowed metabolism will make it harder to keep excess weight off, when normal habits resurface.

It is important to remember that bodies naturally cleanse themselves. There are two major detoxification systems, the antioxidation system and the liver detoxification system. Our bodies naturally detoxify by eliminating or neutralizing toxins via the liver, kidneys and lungs; eliminating unwanted particles via urine, feces and sweat. An example would be when too much alcohol is consumed at one time. To get rid of the excess alcohol your liver is working overtime to eliminate those elements from the body, resulting in a higher urine excretion.

There are also many elements in foods that help the body to detoxify unwanted elements. Fruits and vegetables are commonly known to contain many antioxidizing components and research has shown that grains, herbs and teas also contain biologically active compounds such as phytochemicals. These compounds prevent the oxidation of free radicals that have potentially toxic effects. Grains are loaded with compounds that function as antioxidants such as trace minerals, phenolic compounds, and phytoestrogens with potential hormonal effects. Herbs are also rich in phytochemicals that have the potential to protect against chronic diseases. Teas, such as green tea, have been shown to contain many polyphenolic compounds that may reduce the risk of a variety of illnesses.

Most detoxification programs promote eating a lot of fruits and vegetables. Though fruits and vegetables provide many essential nutrients there are still many vitamins and minerals that we must obtain from other foods, such as grain and dairy/alternative products. By only eating fruits and vegetables one deprives the body of other essential elements the body needs to function properly.

A somewhat positive aspect of detoxifications is the recommended low fat, high fiber diet plan. Diets incorporating these ideas have been proven to promote health, but you need to be aware that Detoxifications, designed and marketed with herbal remedies, have been known to cause dehydration, very low blood pressure, decreased blood sugar levels and in extreme cases, heart and kidney failure.

Here is an alternative plan to the Detox trend. Following these guidelines should keep your energy high, while supplying your body with everything it needs to keep you going

These recommendations will limit the amount of preservatives and other unwanted components that may be consumed through the diet. An active lifestyle accompanied by a well balanced diet still remains the most effective way to keep the body at its healthiest.