Detox for Body: Is It Really Necessary for Your Health?

by Jill Ettinger June 12, 2012

You most likely know someone who has gone to a detox retreat, juice fasted, or done some kind of herbal cleanse (perhaps it's even you). Or maybe you've just stood in awe at the herbal detox section of your local natural food store wondering who in the world buys this stuff and is it really necessary?

Choosing the Right Detox Plan for You

When choosing a detox plan, it's helpful to select one that suits both your body’s needs and your lifestyle. Popular detox programs range from juice cleanses to intermittent fasting or simply eating whole, nutrient-rich foods while eliminating processed items. It’s important to focus on programs that encourage healthy habits without depriving your body of necessary nutrients, and always check with a healthcare professional.

The Complexity of the Human Body and Its Demands

The human body is a complicated machine. It is highly sensitive, erratic, demanding, and unpredictable. Finding the right foods and eating them takes a lot of our time, and digestion uses more energy than any other function in the body! And when you're sick—be it a cold or cancer—when your body is busy breaking down that bucket of KFC you guzzled at lunch, it simply cannot give all that attention to healing.

The same goes for preventing disease. When food is constantly demanding our energy resources to break down, the body sacrifices boosting cellular strength, decreasing inflammation, and other methods of preventing the onset of chronic or acute illnesses.

The Impact of Processed Foods and Environmental Toxins

Surely we have all eaten our share of processed foods loaded with ingredients that are unnatural and therefore harder for the body to recognize and break down. Whether we eat a mostly organic diet or not, we've all been exposed to chemicals in the air and water, and other risks found in the environment that can lead to serious health concerns.

Another serious risk is the heavy metals that can build up in the body from a number of sources (lead paint, mercury fillings, tainted seafood, foods like soy or whey protein treated with solvents, etc).

Giving Your Digestive System a Break

For most of us, giving the digestive system a vacation of sorts has the ability to really let the system clean itself out. (Yes, that means food that has failed to be eliminated by daily elimination.) Since every meal passes through 20 feet of our coiled small intestine, it's not hard to imagine that some things don't actually make it out on the first try. So resting the system can allow it to refocus energy on moving out anything that's lingering.

Digestive health not only helps prevent disease, but it also can make us healthier by allowing our bodies to properly absorb key nutrients. When our systems are clogged with stubborn food remnants that won't leave, it can become a challenge for the nutrients to be absorbed through the intestinal walls and into our bloodstream, delivering potent vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients to our cells.

The Role of Fasting and Cleansing in Health

Dr. Gabriel Cousens, an expert on fasting, says, "When we fast, we stimulate a process of energizing the cells." This may seem counterintuitive, especially if you've ever fasted or detoxed and felt sluggish, fatigued, or simply miserable. But what's really happening in those first few days of a cleanse is that you're giving the entire body—not just the digestive system—the opportunity to purge out toxins and re-energize, and as those toxins exit, you can certainly feel them lamenting their eviction.

Working with cleansing herbs (under the direction of your primary care physician or a qualified professional, of course!) can be an incredibly effective tool in pulling out heavy metals and other environmental toxins, as well as helping stimulate the body to heal itself from certain diseases. This can be done in conjunction with a fast, or on a special diet where you're still eating, just very specific healing foods.

The Spiritual Dimension of Detoxing

And not to be overlooked are the spiritual benefits of cleansing. The clarity and humility that comes with fasting can make spiritual experiences happen "faster." Religions around the world all observe some sort of fasting for spiritual purposes, which can help individuals feel a deeper connection with their beliefs and more clarity about their lives.

Just as the body flushes out toxins that no longer serve the greater good, the mind-spirit can also feel a purging of old habits and behaviors that have been hindering personal growth.

What Are the Side Effects of Detoxing?

During the initial days of detoxing, individuals might experience headaches, fatigue, irritability, or digestive discomfort. These effects are often temporary and may lessen over time as the body adjusts. Drinking water and getting adequate rest could be helpful in managing these symptoms.
Popular choices include:
Milk thistle: Supports liver detoxification.
Dandelion root: Helps flush toxins from the liver and kidneys.
Chlorella: Known for binding to heavy metals and aiding their removal from the body. These natural supplements can complement various detox programs, helping to eliminate toxins more efficiently.

Consulting Professionals for Detox Guidance

Before starting any detox for a body plan, it’s always wise to consult and check with a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying health conditions. A professional can recommend appropriate detox methods, suggest supplements, and help avoid any unnecessary risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days should one detox to see results?

Many people follow detoxes lasting between 3 to 7 days, during which they may notice effects such as increased energy or improved digestion. Longer detoxes can be more intense but should be undertaken under professional supervision.

Can detoxing help with weight loss?

Detoxing may contribute to short-term weight loss by reducing water retention and supporting digestion.

What are natural supplements for detoxing?

Some effective natural supplements for detoxing include chlorella, milk thistle, and dandelion root.

What are the benefits of detoxing with lemon water?

Lemon water may support digestion and flush out toxins. Drinking lemon water regularly as part of a detox plan can support your body’s natural cleansing process.

Is detoxing suitable for individuals with specific health conditions?

Detoxing may not be appropriate for everyone; always seek medical advice before starting a detox.

Does detoxing boost the immune system?

A well-planned detox may support the immune system by helping to remove toxins from the body, which directly impacts immune health and function.

How often should one detox in a year?

How often you detox depends on your lifestyle and needs. For most, detoxing 2-4 times a year is sufficient to reset the body. If your diet regularly includes processed foods or alcohol, more frequent, shorter detoxes may help maintain balance.

Should I seek medical advice before detoxing?

Yes, it’s always recommended to seek medical advice before starting any detox for the body.

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