Body Detox: Fact or Fiction?

A body detox/cleanse is said to rid the body of harmful toxins and leave the person feeling healthier and more energetic. Critics argue that this process is not backed by science, rather its simply a marketing scheme for companies to make money by encouraging and promoting body detoxification.

It has even been argued that the 'toxins' you attempt to rid your body of do not actually exist. However, the human body at death decomposes more slowly than it did 30 years ago. This is evidence for the fact that our generation consumes a higher amount of preservatives and synthetic chemicals than previous generations.

I believe that people SHOULD detox every once in a while due to the fact that we do absorb so many preservatives and pollutants. However, I don't think you need drops, a book, a package or anything else to help you cleanse your system.

An article I read listed 9 Quick Detox Methods and one of these was the Lemonade Diet. For 10 days you eat no solid foods and just drink a lemonade mixture. I have heard of other detoxes like this and I warn you that any weight lost is put right back on as soon as you start eating solid foods again. It is definitely not healthy to eat nothing for 10 days and I think this misconception is one of the reasons that detoxes have a negative stigma associated with them.

Another article suggested a 17 day cleanse which begins with a 24-hour fast. Once again, I don't think cutting out all food is a healthy beginning to the detox process.

Considering the amount of preservatives and processed foods that the typical person consumes in their lifetime I think that detoxing every so often is a way to give your digestive system some necessary help.

Here is my recommendation for a healthy detox:

• cut out dairy


• cut out gluten


• cut out processed foods


• cut out alcohol


• cut out anything with yeast in it


• cut out sweeteners and added sugars


• cut out tropical fruits


• get lots of sleep

I followed this meal plan for 12 days and felt noticeably lighter, more energetic and revived once I was done. It seems super strict but it is completely doable and definitely worth it! Some tips for making it through:

-almond butter and rice cakes will be your new best friend

-use spices on anything and everything (it's crazy how boring food is without the added processed goodness)

-fresh berries blended with ice make a refreshing and nutritious juice

-choose a time when you know you have 12 days that can be alcohol-free!