Clean Sweep

Detoxification techniques may not always deliver what they promise8212;weight loss and magical cures to ailments. Some can even cause undue harm

For a people consumed by health concerns, detoxification is fast gaining currency, with spas and fitness centres offering special detox diets and programmes. While some believe drinking copious amounts of water, juices and gorging on salads, even fasting, can help detoxify the body, others resort to techniques like enemas, and colon irrigation. But though detox promises instant cleansing of the body, weight loss, even magical cures to ailments, there is speculation on whether these diets and techniques deliver what they promise.

Detoxification involves treatment protocols designed to help the body rid itself of waste and toxic material. The body excretes toxins through lungs, kidneys, skin and colon, and liver is key to detoxification. Its protective enzymes oxidise and deactivate toxic compounds so that they can be excreted easily. Some people lack important detoxifying enzymes, making them vulnerable to common drugs and toxins.

Drinking plenty of water helps the kidneys cleanse the blood and excrete waste efficiently. While 2-2.5 litres of water is needed, on an average, to produce urine, it can vary from person to person and depend on the season and activity level of the individual.

Laxatives can damage the nerve cells in the colon wall, decreasing the force of contractions, leading to constipation, and ultimately proving to be counterproductive.

Techniques like enema and colon irrigation can also cause harm. The process is uncomfortable, as the presence of tube can induce severe cramps and pain. Again, if the equipment is not sterilised, it can lead to infections like amoebiasis, bowel perforation, heart failure from excessive fluid absorption in the blood stream and electrolyte imbalances.

According to a popular theory, faecal matter lines large intestines and causes hardening of stools leading to re-absorption of waste in the blood. Another popular theory is based on the notion that fruits rot when eaten with other foods rich in carbohydrates, proteins and fats, and that they should be eaten separately to prevent formation of toxic waste and weight gain. Such theories are baseless and lack scientific proof.

Fasting to detoxify or lose weight also doesn8217;t help, especially when fasting is followed by feasting. It is prudent to adopt healthy eating and lifestyle practices on a regular basis rather than resorting to intermittent fasting and detox diets for a few days.

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A good diet should include whole, minimally processed foods with fruits and vegetables and adequate antioxidants including vitamin C, E, copper, manganese, selenium, and zinc needed by the body8217;s detoxification enzymes to function optimally. Foods like oat, amla, aloe vera, alfa-alfa sprouts, yogurt, garlic, mushrooms along with essential fatty acids are a good option. Gel-forming fibres like psyllium husk isabgol, guar gum beans, pectin fruits and oat bran can also help bind ingested toxins and prevent their absorption.

While increasing pollution levels and chemical exposure are not encouraging, reducing toxic exposure where possible can be beneficial. Pesticide intake can be reduced by eating organic food and washing and peeling fruits and vegetables, while exposure to toxic chemicals, including drugs, should be minimised. Since many organic solvents are easily absorbed through skin, direct contact with paints and solvents should be avoided.

The recommended approach includes a lifelong commitment to healthy diet habits and regular physical exercise regimens like yoga.
The writer is a former senior nutritionist at Escorts. She heads the Centre of Dietary Counselling and also runs a health food store. She feels that for complete well-being, one should integrate physical, mental and spiritual health. According to her: 8220;To be healthy should be the ultimate goal for all.8221;