Detox has become a fad believed to be a total cleansing solution. Many people say detoxification is 100 percent capable of flushing out toxins from a person’s body system. However, the process is not clinically proven. It may even go wrong and cause negative health consequences. Some medical practitioners claim detox is a myth. The only way to get healthy is eat a nourishing diet and exercise moderately. If pollutants accumulated and our bodies do not excrete them, we could end up very sick or dead.
What’s the real score? Does detoxification really make the body healthy? Here are some of the basic arguments supporting claims why or why we should not consider detox.
WHY?
Detox diets may turn out effective if our target is losing several pounds. However, we will probably regain whatever we shed and end up not accomplishing anything. On the other hand, many American naturopaths use food-based cleansing and detoxification diets to treat several medical conditions. The approach should not confuse us. It’s as simple as omitting refined sugar, inflammatory foods, and certain beverages like alcohol. Then, detox can be effective and sustainable.
Detoxifying means we remove pollutants from food, beverages, and hygiene items. People have no control over environmental toxins that they breathe and consume from their daily diets. That is why detox is an essential practice. This diet may cause fatigue at the start but eventually we feel energized after some time. Part of good cleansing includes sufficient hydration with clean drinking water. Otherwise, even slight dehydration can lead to headaches, mood changes, depression, or decline in cognitive performance.
Another vital concern is how we detoxify. According to published articles, the liver is crucial when it comes to cleansing even as our kidneys serve as filter for our blood. One of the kidneys’ roles is to get rid of excess wastes and water from our bodies. The liver supposedly utilizes a two-stage process for breaking down toxins and unnecessary chemicals. The first involves neutralizing pollutants and splitting them into smaller pieces. The second calls for binding to molecules and forming another non-poisonous molecule excreted through the urine, stool, or bile. Yet, liver detox can only function properly if the body has enough nutrients.
WHY NOT?
Anti-detox advocates argue: “Don’t waste your time, efforts, and resources on detox.” The human body can eliminate toxins regardless of the food we eat. Stay away from any regimen that promises to purify the liver with commercial supplements. The only advisable detox diet is a combination of fresh fruits and veggies as well as limited consumption of processed, fatty, and sugary foods.
Detoxification is apparently not good for persons with chronic or severe medical conditions. No medical research presents evidence that cleansing can lower cholesterol or blood pressure. Detox does not help diabetics. Any kind of diet that limits what people eat can result in extremely low blood sugar which is hazardous. Furthermore, cleansing can reduce micronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
These essential elements help in the absorption of minerals and vitamins that aid brain functions as well as provide energy. Carbs also supply mental and physical power while proteins serve as building blocks for our muscles. Fatty acids have antioxidants that make our skin look more radiant. Eliminating these beneficial fortified substances and slow down metabolism that decreases energy. Liver cleansing is not safe for losing weight because there is no scientific data to support the effectiveness of detoxification. The truth is certain dietary supplements can impair the liver.
THE VERDICT
There are numerous consequences of detoxification like feeling weak or getting hungry. The question of whether detox is safe can depend on the plan and how long we intend to practice this cleansing technique. Besides, a lot of people are not comfortable with low-calorie diets without adequate nourishment. Like side-effects of detox include low blood sugar, lack of energy, fatigue, vertigo, nausea, and muscle pain.
In case detox is effective, opt for eating whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. These are foods which are not processed or filled with unhealthy ingredients. This could have positive results if complemented by calculated physical workouts. In other words, we should choose to live a natural and clean lifestyle.
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