Excuse me, detoxification?

Excuse me, detoxification?

Jessica Rajandran

Dec 28, 2007
NST

DETOXIFICATION is one of the oldest tricks to look and feel beautiful and radiant.

It doesn't involve artificial nonsense nor does it guzzle your money, which already makes it a healthier choice.

A common misconception is that detoxification is only useful for losing weight or as a form of drug rehabilitation but there is more to it.

It helps to cleanse and recharge the body, clear skin, and improve energy, digestion, concentration and clarity. It is actually a natural ongoing process run by our bodies to eliminate environmental and dietary toxins that harm body tissue.

These include chlorinated water, antibiotics, household cleaners, caffeine, food additives, drugs and cigarette smoke.

It is true our bodies detox on their own, but we do need extra assistance to adequately eliminate toxins.

How can we detox?

There are special diets we can go on as well as skin brushing or contrast showers which don't require much effort.

A detox diet programme often includes herbs, supplements, exercise, breathing techniques and sauna therapy, sometimes even fasting.

Detox diets target the different organs involved in detoxification: the skin, liver, kidneys, colon, lungs and lymphatic system. A health care practitioner would be the perfect person to design a programme that would fit your needs best. For example, a person with a skin condition will benefit from a detox regiment that focuses on the liver, intestines, and skin.

Who should detox and how often?

Detox diets are not recommended more than three times a year. In some cases, health practitioners may recommend a longer detox diet or one to be done frequently. Detox diets shouldn't be used by pregnant or nursing women or children. Because disclaimers are essential, please seek advice first from a health practitioner to find out what's recommended for you.

What's an idea of a very basic detox diet like?

Food to cut out for the next two weeks would include coffee, tea (except Japanese green tea), sugar, chocolate, alcohol, fried foods, dairy products, all sauces. You can consume vegetables, fresh beans and fruits, only brown or wild rice, diluted fresh fruit juice and ginger tea.

Restrain from durians and bananas but you must try to consume any sort of sprout, a stick of celery and virgin olive oil once a day. Again, this is very basic. I know someone who takes Hawaiian Volcano Ash as part of her detox regime.

Side Effects?

It's common to have headaches within the first few days of starting a detox diet. Some people experience excessive diarrhoea, leading to dehydration. It is very important to drink plenty of water because of the increase in fibre intake, which might cause constipation.

Don't overdo it as detox diets can lead to nutrient deficiencies, particularly protein and calcium. Other side effects include weight loss, tiredness and acne.

This article was first published in The New Straits Times on Dec 24, 2007.