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Due to our crappy diets and reliance on chemicals, plastics and heavy metals in manufacturing both our food and our homes, we consume hundreds of toxins every day. Our bodies have become saturated with over 500 varieties of toxins, some of which are stored in our fat cells, and this has led to the development of the newest fad in the wellness industry: the detox. Detox and cleansing programs have become one of the sexiest things in the fitness industry, but they are also very controversial. Just like with many fads before them, every expert and professional has a different opinion on what kinds are the best, or whether you should even be doing them at all. There are many different types, and hundreds of different products and programs have been developed to capture the popularity of the movement, but few are based on any science or research. Here is a look at what’s out there and whether or not this is something you should consider.

 

Cleansing/detox products and programs can basically be broken down into four categories based on what they use to accomplish the cleansing:

 

Fasting – these programs call for skipping meals with the intention of letting your body cleanse itself through natural processes without putting anymore bad stuff in.

 

Liquid – some products and programs call for a limitation of what you consume to certain types of liquids, with the goal of washing your system out. Some allow only water, some only fruit juices and some introduce some sort of herbal concoction.

 

Fiber – Some programs call for a focus on upping your fiber intake, some reducing your intake of processed foods and some also introduce special herbal supplements to aid in the detoxification.

 

Colonics – these wacky procedures include sticking things up your butt and pumping various liquids and herbal remedies up there to clean out your plumbing.

 

The Skinny

 

Your body has its own detoxification systems, utilizing your digestive system, your liver, your kidneys and your waste system. Your liver performs the bulk of the work, with help from various enzymes and natural processes. If you have a particularly bad diet or high exposure to toxic chemicals/materials, your body might be overrun with toxins and need a little help. Cleansing programs look to take one shot and flush out as much toxic material as possible, theoretically resetting your toxicity levels.

 

Several problems arise from this theoretical framework. If excess toxins are stored in your fat cells and the cleanse doesn’t purge those fat cells, then the toxins will remain in your system in storage until those cells are broken down. Fasting and liquid cleanses fail to provide sufficient nutrients to satisfy your body’s requirements and pose an entirely different danger, particularly if those fat cells storing toxins ARE burned and flood your system with excess toxins that can’t be buffered by good nutrients. On top of these problems, if you do have bad eating habits or high exposure problems, then a one-time cleanse will not provide a solution, just temporary relief.

 

Colonics/enemas are bad, period. Sticking things up your butt is not only uncomfortable (unless you’re into that sort of thing), but it can also damage organs such as your rectum. Your body is plenty efficient at cleaning itself out, including your intestines and colon, and forcing water and herb mixtures up there isn’t going to help. It will only leave you dehydrated when excess water is pulled out with the enema liquids. Other problems such as electrolyte imbalances can also arise. Needless to say, I wouldn’t ever recommend using one of these treatments.

 

The Takeaway

 

You may get the impression that I don’t like cleanses or detox programs, and you would be absolutely correct. They are dangerous, and research doesn’t show that they are effective. If you feel that your body needs a little extra help cleaning out your system, try following some of these tips.

 

- Get your fiber. The government’s RDA is 24-32 grams per day, our Paleolithic ancestors got 50-100 grams per day, but the average American only gets about 8 grams per day! Fiber helps to clean your bowels out and your waste system attaches the bad stuff to the fiber to be excreted in your bowel movements. Getting more fiber (even from cleanse products) will help to clean out your system.

 

- Eat good protein sources, particularly whey. Whey and other complete sources of protein provide amino acids (glutathione, glycine, cysteine, glutamine, etc.) that help your liver to make toxins more soluble, allowing them to be excreted in bile.

 

- Anti-oxidants help protect from the many free radicals that are created in the detoxification process. Make sure you are eating plenty of different colored fruits to protect your body from cellular damage.

 

- Probiotics. Good bacteria in your gut help to prevent toxins from entering your bloodstream in the first place!

 

- If you feel like trying a liquid diet, use fruit juices instead of water to ensure that you are getting a good amount of nutrients.

 

- Change your diet. Eat cleaner foods with higher quality ingredients. Eat organic versions of The Dirty Dozen. Integrate foods that naturally help with detoxification such as turmeric, cayenne pepper, brown rice, dandelion greens and anything from the Brassica family (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and kale) which contain the powerful cleansing compound sulforaphane.

 

- Change your mindset. Instead of looking for the quick fix product or program, think of keeping your body clean all the time!

 

Peter Bauman – Peter is a chef first and personal trainer second. With a background in the biological sciences and degree in psychology, Peter knows how to make food that tastes great and keeps you lean and healthy.