Does your body need a spring cleaning? A small but
growing number of doctors believe that this may be
a good idea. The internal cleansing program--called
detoxification, or detox, in natural medicine--is
designed to rid the body of harmful chemicals that
may be causing fatigue, aches and pains, digestive
upset, or less-than-optimal health. Consumers, too,
are embracing detox. Stores are full of pills,
powders, teas, and creams that claim to "cleanse
the skin and colon," "purify the blood," and "flush
out toxins."
The concept sounds appealing. Detoxification,
proponents claim, is like an oil change for the body,
eliminating harmful poisons and natural waste
products that can build up in the liver, skin, gut,
and other areas. Cleansing is achieved through
various regimens, including modified fasting,
saunas, and a range of vitamins, herbs, and
nutrients.
Avoid dairy, wheat, and other foods that may
trigger allergies, for example, and you give the
colon a rejuvenating rest. Or take an herb such as
milk thistle to boost the liver--the body's main
organ of detoxification, which filters and cleans the
blood--and you'll speed up the elimination of all
kinds of toxins. Cleanse, nourish, and rest your
body--even for only a day or two, the argument
goes--and you'll enhance its natural restorative
powers, helping to fend off illness.
Detoxification is not a new idea. For centuries,
different cultures have promoted fasting and
dietary restrictions for therapeutic and religious
purposes. And detoxifying spa treatments have
long been offered in Europe under medical
supervision. But most doctors in the U.S. are not
familiar with the concept. And many of those who
are remain skeptical, partly because of a dearth of
scientific data.
Although a handful of reports support the benefits
of detoxification, rigorous studies are lacking. One
commonly cited report from the Eighties found that
fasting speeded recovery in people who had
accidentally ingested cooking oil laced with
industrial poisons (American Journal of Industrial
Medicine, 1984). Another found that dietary
changes and saunas helped to reverse memory and
nerve problems in firemen who had inhaled toxic
chemicals in an electrical fire (Archives of
Environmental Health, 1989). An NIH-sponsored
trial of detoxification for patients with advanced
pancreatic cancer is currently under way at
Columbia University in New York. Should the results
prove positive, more doctors will take a closer look.
Seven-Day Detox Plan
Still, many physicians schooled in natural medicine
advise routine detoxification for their patients. All
the smog, pesticides, heavy metals, and pollutants
now crowding our environment, they say, give the
recommendation current urgency. "We are the first
generation to be exposed to so many toxins; they
overload our natural detoxification system," says
Frank Lipman, M.D., a holistic practitioner in New
York City who recommends detox at least once or
twice a year for almost all his patients. Spring, a
season of renewal in the natural world, is an
excellent time to do it, he says.
"Virtually everyone feels better after a
detoxification," reports the Advisor's chief medical
consultant, Dr. David Edelberg, although he
believes that some or much of the effect may be
psychological. "A person who drinks too much, or
eats too much sugar and junk food, or smokes too
much will definitely feel better after a detox simply
because it clears all that crud out of the system."
A good generic detox can last up to a week, he
says, "usually about as long as people can stand
it."
Here’s a simple seven-day detox plan that most
people in good health can follow. It's always a good
idea to do so under professional supervision.
1) On days one and two, stick with liquids. Drink
only pure spring or filtered water, water with lemon
squeezed into it, herbal teas, and diluted fruit
juices (half water, half juice). It's a good idea to
drink at least eight glasses of water or other fluids
daily during this period—and all the time. Avoid
fasting if you are taking prescription drugs; if you
have hypoglycemia, diabetes, or another medical
condition; or if you feel dizzy, nauseated, or
experience cramps.
2) On days three through seven, add brown rice,
fruits, and vegetables. Try to stick with organic
produce. Cruciferous vegetables--such as bok
choy, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale,
rutabagas, and turnips—are particularly effective at
activating those enzymes in the liver that promote
the natural detoxification process.
3) Consider herbs and supplements in addition
to your standard multivitamin. Chlorophyll-rich
"green" products—for example, those containing
wheat grass, barley grass, or various types of
algae—are a source of beta-carotene and other
vitamins and minerals. Although studies are lacking,
many people claim these green drinks and powders
provide an energy boost. Your doctor may also
recommend such products as Ultraclear (a
low-allergy, nutrient-rich powder sold in doctors'
offices) or herbal detox formulas (e.g., Nature’s
Pure Body Cleanse, sold in health-food stores).
Avoid "purging" detox products that contain harsh
laxatives, such as cascara sagrada or aloe; they
can lead to dehydration.
4) Detox your mind as well. For example, avoid
television, stock tickers, and upsetting news
reports. At least an hour every day, try to practice
a relaxation technique, such as yoga, breathing
exercises, or meditation.
5) Other important measures. Try to get at
least eight hours of sleep a night. If possible, Dr.
Lipman also encourages people to work up a good
sweat during the detox with a daily sauna.
Sweating, he explains, draws toxins from the body
and releases them through the skin. Finally, it's
important to use common sense: If you feel weak,
dizzy, or unwell, stop the detox and consult your
doctor.
Caution: Detoxification is not recommended for
anyone with a serious medical condition, such as
diabetes or heart disease. Children under 12 or
pregnant women are also advised against detox.
Never stop taking prescription medications without
your doctor's consent.
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