Just a few years ago, detox was only referring to rehab from drugs or alcohol abuse. Nowadays, people who speak about detox usually mean to remove all toxins from the body, not only poisons from substance abuse, but also heavy metals, chemical additives, allergens and pollution we get through food, water and air.
Still considered “new age” by conventional medicine, many people are skeptical about detoxification. However, some detox methods used today take their roots from traditional knowledge. Some of them date back to very ancient times, like sweat lodges, Arurveda or hammams. Oppositely from standard medicine that focus more on treatment rather than prevention, detox methods can help you stay healthy longer. By keeping the body clean and free of foreign substances, it helps to prevent many health conditions to develop.
But all detox methods are not created equals. Unfortunately, many unscrupulous marketers are offering several “detox” products and methods that are simply ineffective, or worst, downright dangerous. The following detox methods are the ones you should be the most concern with. While some of them might be efficient, they should never be performed without the assistance and supervision of a trained health professional.
Detox methods you should stay away from
- Prolonged liquid fasts
- Harsh colon cleanses
- Coffee enemas
- Colonics
- Hours-long saunas
- Excessive doses of supplements
- Foot detox bath and patches
- Extreme chelation
- Mucoid plaque removal
The key to a safe and efficient detox is always to supplement your body with nutrients that supports natural detoxification while avoiding toxic laden substances such as smoke, products containing chemicals, processed foods and pollution.
Tips to support natural detoxification
- Eat whole foods
- Reduce your meat and dairy consumption
- Choose organic produce
- Sweat through exercise
- Breathe deeply
- Keep your skin clean
- Try yoga to promote deep breathing, elimination and get rid of stress