Do you need to detox?

While Detox diets may seem like all the rage, they’ve actually been around since the age of the ancient Egyptians and Greeks.  Originally known as “autointoxication”, detox practices were meant to rid the body of toxins and purify the body of the 4 humors (black bile, yellow bile, phlegm and blood).  People today consider using detoxification methods to rid the body of commonly consumed chemicals from food such as food dyes, artificial flavors, pesticides and other “unwanted” materials in the body.  Most detoxification processes are aimed at ‘cleaning up’ your liver, lymph nodes and colon, though some may be touted as a quick weight loss method.Common detoxification practices include fasting, colonic cleanses, avoidance of certain foods in your diet or the use of dietary supplementation.  These types of regimes are often advised by alternative medicine practitioners such as herbalists, holistic healers, naturopathic and homeopathic healers.But- is there any scientific evidence behind detox diets?  Is there really a magical combination of juice, fiber pills, herbal supplements, lemon water or certain vitamin supplements that will ‘cleanse’ our bodies?While most detoxification methods are harmless if followed for a day or two, below are some reasons you A. don’t need them and B. they could be harmful.1.   Altered bowel function.  The large bowel (colon) doesn’t need to be cleaned out, with the exception of needing “bowel prep” for a procedure like a colonoscopy.  Enemas, laxatives or cleanses that are used disrupt the body’s natural fluid and mineral balance and may lead to irregularity, infection and dehydration.2.  Weight loss.  While it’s true you will likely lose weight while following a detox diet, the weight loss may be fluid or stool from colonic cleanses. If the plan is followed for a week or more, the weight loss may be dry weight due to the restrictiveness of the calorie plan you are following.  Unfortunately, most of the weight lost is not fat, but protein from muscle due to the inadequate calorie intake.3.  Lower metabolism.  Fasting or following a very restrictive diet can lower your body’s metabolism, making it harder to lose weight in the long run.  Once you start eating again, your body won’t metabolize nutrients as quickly, which may lead to weight gain (not loss).4.  Electrolyte imbalance.  Your body (specifically your kidneys and colon) do a great job of filtering out (or absorbing) what your body needs and what it doesn’t.  By limiting your diet too much, or using diuretics, laxatives or herbal supplements, you may tamper with vital nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and calcium that affect cardiac (heart) and pulmonary (lung) function.  Is it worth risking a cardiac arrhythmia?5.  Overeating.  If it’s one thing we do know about fasting and following overly restrictive diets, it’s that they may lead to pigging out in retaliation to being starved.  Food deprivation is punishment!Our attitudes towards food and health should not be a series of “diet, cheat, repent, repeat”.  It’s time we embraced health and stopped fooling ourselves that fasting or using a magical cleanse will improve our nutritional status and health.   Rather than restricting your diet to the point of excessive hunger, eat high fiber, nutrient dense foods such as whole fruit, vegetables, beans, grains, lean meat and fish and low fat dairy products.  And don’t forget to drink water!  Your body will thank you.