Good News Tucson - A Family Values Publication

“Detoxing” and “Cleansing,” Do We Need It?

by Rachael Martin MS, RD

A “toxic” world could be the buzzword for our lives in the 21st century. There is so much information on the Internet, and books written on the topics of cleansing and detoxing, that it might be one of the new waves of dietary fads to overtake us in the near future.

This article is intended to provide some information about the wave upon us of cleansing regimens, and also some balance to the topic from the mainstream medical community. Then it is up to you to decide where you stand.

First here are some popular books on the topic: Fat Flush (Louise Gittleman), Fiber 35 (Brenda Watson), and the Master Cleanse (old cleansing method, designer unknown). If you search the web or look through the shelves of health food stores, you will find many cleansing products and regimes. One includes ingesting clay, and another Epsom salt.

The theory is that our bodies need to be cleansed of toxins and then flushed out rapidly by the natural laxative effects of products. There are many claims that our bodies are full of parasites as well, and that the large intestine does not clear waste well, and that years of waste is still there!

Much of the interest in cleansing is an “East meets West” happening; in Eastern medicine this practice is not unusual. In addition, many people are justifiably concerned about pollutants, our food supply, and improving health.

If you do a detox and cleanse, you are likely to experience some head and body aches, as well as a boost of energy if fasting is part of the regime (as fasting naturally promotes an energy increase if it goes on for a long enough time).

As a dietitian, I still think the liver does a wonderful job of cleaning the impurities out of our bodies. At the same time I recommend a diet filled with vegetables, fruits, whole grains (all high fiber, and “cleansing”), and lots of water. You can choose organic produce if you desire, or use a produce cleanser before consuming them. Along with this, a meager amount of processed or fast food thrown in as “emergency” or “fun” food.

This will help to naturally keep the body in a “detoxified” state. In addition, if an individual travels to a country with questionable water supplies, there is a possibility of parasite contamination, which should be medically addressed.

If a person is on a large amount of medication(s), or consumes a great deal of alcohol, there is certainly a chance that the liver or pancreas can be affected. Here I like Dr. Andrew Weil’s advice of some herbal remedies, such as milk thistle for the liver, and much attention to food choices.

I find this topic fascinating, but would encourage caution and slow-going if you choose to work with a cleansing program. If you have any health issues, certainly let your medical provider know your plans. Best of health to you!

Rachael Martin, M.S., R.D. is the owner of Eating and Body Image Solutions, a nutritional therapy and consulting business. She can be reached at 235-1568 or ebis-rd@earthlink.net.