Are Detox Diets A Myth?
It states:" "The detox fad - or fads, as there are many methods
- is an example of the capacity of people to believe in and pay
for magic despite the lack of any sound evidence," says Martin
Wiseman, visiting professor of human nutrition at the University
of Southampton. Most of the pills, juices, teas and oils that
are sold for their detoxifying effects on the body have no
scientific foundation for their claims, according to the
research. People would be better off drinking tap water and
having an early night."
It continues to say that they offer empty promises as they have
never been proven to work, our bodies are designed to get rid of
any chemicals that it doesn't want and excrete them, the
benefits of healthier looking skin and lack of headaches is only
due to drinking more water and eating a better quality of diet.
What do they think a detox diet is? To my knowledge a huge part
of detoxing is to eat more cleansing foods (i.e more fruit and
vegetables) and increase your intake of water. The addition of a
few natural helpers in the form of herbs, oils, juices and pills
can actually be omitted and the same benefit gained.
It is 100% true that the body is designed to get rid of
undesirable toxins and excrete them, but when an overload of
toxins occurs from a sometimes lifelong accumulation of junk,
the body can do with a helping hand. There has been scientific
research into many herbal remedies which do show their effects
as detoxifying agents like Alfalfa, Kelp, Milk thistle,
Dandelion, Psyillum husks etc.
Fasting and cleansing are also very helpful but detoxification
is not a single event but an ongoing process that supports the
body's natural ability to effectively dispel toxins on a daily
basis. Part of that process is consciously limiting the toxins
that enter the body in the first place. Restricting or cutting
out the usual suspects like caffeine, refined sugar, alcohol,
drugs, tobacco, synthetic or petroleum-based body products, and
household chemicals is a good place to start. (Fasting, if
chosen, will be less of an effort if symptoms of withdrawal from
caffeine, sugar or cigarettes are not part of the experience.)
Eating an organic natural-foods diet, drinking sufficient
amounts of pure water, and getting regular exercise are actions
that begin to facilitate detoxification. Our bodies adjust best
to gradual change, so incorporating these practices into
everyday life is recommended before embarking on a more
stringent course for flushing toxins out of your system
One sometimes gets the feeling that they are happy keeping us
unhealthy, ridiculing any form of natural healthcare, thereby
keeping us ignorant to nature's natural pharmacy and dependent
on the healthcare they give to us. Whatever you choose to do,
take care and stay healthy