There has been a lot of talk about detoxification, detox diets and whether they are necessary, healthy, or appropriate for the body. Doctors are split over the controversial issue. Alternative medical professionals recommend a detoxification at least once a year especially with the increased concern over toxicity in our food, water, air, medicine and environment. Ayurvedic medicine, Traditional Chinese medicine and herbalism have been using detoxification for thousands of years. However, traditional medical practitioners dispute the reasons for the use of detoxification. They question the scientific basis or benefit behind detoxification because the body is an extraordinary healer with its own system of elimination.
What is Detoxification?
Detoxification is a physiological or medical removal of toxic substances from the body. Detoxification is used medically with drug withdrawal, decontamination of poison ingestion, dialysis, and chelation therapy. During these processes toxins and toxic chemicals are removed from the body. In the same manner, detoxification or detox diets are used to eliminate toxins that are consumed through our food and water, inhaled through the air or confronted within our environments. Detoxes are used to cleanse, rest, and nourish the body from the inside out. Practitioners who recommend detoxes believe that detoxing protects the body against disease and renews optimum health. Toxins are removed and replaced with healthy nutrients that the body desperately requires. Health is restored and energy and vigor are revitalized.