What is a detox diet? Why should I do one?

What does detoxification mean?
The definition of detoxification is: The metabolic process by which toxins are changed into less toxic or more readily excreted substances.

What is a toxin?
A toxin is basically a poison or something harmful to the body. We produce toxins during normal metabolic processes like protein digestion and transformation, bacterial degradation, inflammatory responses, and hormonal breakdown. Toxins are also VERY prevalent in our environment. There are pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, sprayed onto our food in addition to the preservatives, colorings artificial sweeteners, hormones, medications, and additives added. We drink alcohol, sometimes in excess, take prescription and over the counter medications. We drink and bathe in water treated with chlorine and we breathe air filled with pollution from industry, vehicles, aerosols, fires and small engines. We also use products with chemicals, ranging from cleaning to cosmetics. There are many more.

What happens to a toxin in the body?
Most cells of the body have detoxification capabilities that are continually working. The liver, however, take much of the toxic load. The liver first filters toxins out of the blood and then changes them into a less toxic and excreteable form. This is a two step process called Phase I and Phase II detoxification. Phase I directly neutralizes some toxins, but others are actually changed into a more toxic form. This form then can progress to Phase II where the toxins are made ready for excretion through the kidneys, skin, or intestines.

So if I detoxify all the time then why should I do a detox?
WE have a never ending toxic burden. Our physiology was indeed designed to detoxify continually, but mainly our natural, self made toxins. When lots of other toxins from our environment are also coming in then our detox systems become overloaded. When the body is burdened with toxins we are unable to detoxify and excrete toxins fast enough so they are stored inside the body, usually in fat cells. In addition, if we do not have a good nutrient intake then our detox mechanisms slow because they run on adequate amounts of certain vitamins and minerals and if our intestinal health is compromised by a high sugar, high fat, low fiber diet, inflammation, and food allergies then we will not excrete our toxins very well. Physical activity is also important to maintain a good detoxification system and many of us do not get enough.
What happens if toxins build up in my system and how do I know if they have?
Since toxins are poison or harmful to the body they will damage the body in some way. Some toxins are more poisonous than others and a small about will cause and immediate reaction. Many others do not affect us in small doses immediately, but over time can build and cross-react with other toxins in the system. Some toxins are mutagens or carcinogens which can damage DNA and lead to cancer, others mimic hormones in the body, others can slow metabolism by interfering with vitamin and mineral binding. Some damage collagen in the skin causing signs of aging; others target neurotransmitters and neurons and can lead to mental distress. The list can go on. Some common signs of toxic burden are unrelieved fatigue, weight that won’t budge digestive disturbances, general malaise, headaches and chemical sensitivity. In our day and age we can and should assume we have toxins in us and need to take measures to ensure optimal detoxification.
How can I keep my detoxification system running optimally?
Engaging in physical activity most days of the week stimulates your liver’s phase II detoxification system and promotes burning of fat cells where toxins are stored. Sweating is one route of excretion for toxins. Keeping you diet clean most of the time will keep large amounts of food sprays and additives out of the body. By clean I mean mostly organic produce, especially the “dirty dozen” (visit www.ewg.org), organic meats, whole foods (i.e. veggies, fruits, beans, brown rice, yogurt, etc.), limiting artificial sweeteners, food colorings, added sugars, nitrates, and preservatives. Use natural cleaners, water filers for the tap and shower to remove chlorine, air purifiers in the home. Purchase organic cosmetics. Consume lots of water, legumes, garlic & onions. Take a whole food multivitamin and extra vitamin C. Lastly, do a detox program one to two times a year where you strengthen your Phase I and II liver detoxification systems, Increase nutrient stores and promote proper elimination while keeping a very clean regime for 20-30 days.


Cheri Soraparu, MS, CCN
Certified Clinical Nutritionist & Certified Personal Trainer
Well Balanced Nutrition
425-760-8527

Why do a detox?

Detoxification is defined as “the metabolic process by which toxins are changed into less toxic, or more readily excreted substances” (1) and a toxin is basically a poison, or something that is harmful. In our environment, lifestyle, and inherently in our metabolism we are continually exposed to toxins. Some of them are quite potent and can disrupt our biological systems on fist exposure and others are inert in small doses, but become toxic with accumulation. Luckily, we were designed to eliminate and overcome toxic exposure though various systems and organs in our physiology, however as our environment, food, water, personal products, and lifestyle habits become more polluted our bodies become less efficient at riding the toxins. We then start to feel these poisonous effects in varying manifestations and degrees.

The concept of detoxification is not a new one. The Bible makes references to fasting and other cleansing practices as a means to facilitate detoxification (3) and animals as well as primitive cultures restrict food to the ill as a means of healing. There is scientific evidence that fasting practices elongate life and wellness (3).
There are many routes of toxic exposure. Our human biochemistry is the very first one. The colon houses many forms of bacteria for protection and metabolism; a byproduct of this bacterial metabolism is essentially toxic to our system and needs to be changed into a less toxic form to be excreted. Also in the colon as a function of frequent antibiotic use and chronic exposure to sugars our protective bacteria can die off and harmful bacteria can overgrow. This in addition to chronic exogenous toxin exposure and food allergy, can result in a more permeable colon wall resulting in these toxic bacterial penetration into the systemic body as well as the other toxic substances consumed. (4).
Environmental exposure is the biggest source of toxin buildup. Our Crops are sprayed with pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides. Livestock are fed these crops and then administered hormones and antibiotics. The food is then processed, preserved and packaged with more chemicals. Chlorine, and other chemicals are added to our water supply as a means to prevent bacterial infection, however sometimes in larger amounts than necessary. (5). Heavy metals and coal produced from industry are released into the air which we then breathe, or is deposited back into the soil and water. We also use personal products that contain chemicals, use cleaning chemicals and live in homes and work in buildings which emit fumes from carpets, paints and other building material and scents (6). We consume alcohol, caffeine, drugs and medications, all of which are considered toxins and must be detoxified by our systems.
All of this exposure cannot and need not be avoided because the skin, liver, intestinal system, and kidneys work hard at detoxification and elimination. However, when there is chronic exposure and no rest for these organs, in addition to advancing age and stress, they can become overloaded and weakened. Toxins then will accumulate and are stored in lipids and may cause detrimental effects to the neurological, integumentary, immune, and metabolic systems (2).

References:

1. Webster’s Dictionary
2. Murry, M. & Pizzorno, J. (1998) Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, 2nd ed. Prima Health.
3. Reid, D. (2003). The Tao of Detox. Simon & Schuster, Africa House.
4. Galland, L., M.D. F.A.C.N, (1995). Leaky Gut Syndromes: Breaking the Vicious Cycle
5. www.holistichealthtools.com/chlorine
6. National Institute of Building Sciences. (2006). Indoor air quality. http://ieq.nibs.org/index.php