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For those who follow the latest in diets and weight loss regimens, the detox diet has been garnering much attention. It can range from very strict to somewhat loose in the foods that can and can't be included. The stated objective of a weight loss and detox diet is flush toxins from the fat cells of the body. Naturally, any type of diet that emphasizes flushing stresses lots of fiber and water.

This type of diet is not good for the long haul as important nutrients are lost. However, for a week or so, a detox diet can benefit the body by eliminating the bad food habits we pick up and adding hydration. The really good thing is that weight loss and detox dieting go hand in hand.

The Diet

Different dieticians and holistic practitioners offer a variety of diets that detox the body. In general, they have some things in common. First and foremost is the water; at least eight glasses of water every day will help flush out those toxins. The reason that weight loss and detox dieting go together is that by drinking a lot of water, the stomach feels full and meals are smaller. The water regimen, by the way is one part of this diet that can be good for you on a long term basis.

The next part is to cut out foods that are full of additives or that contain possibly harmful ingredients. Among harmful ingredients are concentrated sugars and caffeine (artificial sweeteners also fall in this group). Many people find that food allergies are not just developed in childhood; some allergies can develop later in life and cause water retention, fatigue and a feeling of being "off." For this reason, a week without the foods that most often cause allergies is a good thing. They include dairy products, wheat, gluten, and peanuts.

Most forms of the detox diet limit protein to rice with beans and fish. While weight loss and detox benefits will naturally follow such a restricted diet, prolonged use of it will result in insufficient calcium. Fresh fruits and vegetables are usually unlimited, which is a good idea on any diet. Side effects can include headaches and this is usually due to the sudden elimination of caffeine. Anyone who uses a lot of caffeinated foods on a regular basis should consider tapering off instead of going cold turkey. Perhaps substituting tea for coffee at the start of the diet can help.

The sudden change in diet can result in diarrhea and if this occurs see a doctor or go off the diet. A detox diet can help you begin a long term regimen of healthy eating. In that case, weight loss and detox dieting can be very beneficial.

Dr Leong Y.H

A Medical Doctor's opinion of detoxification

Detox (detoxification) is a term that's came into popular use in the last decade or so but only within the realm of alternative or holistic Western medicine.

Conventional, mainstream (allopathic) medical practitioners have yet to latch on to this concept, since they're only trained to treat diseases and symptoms specifically without treating the patient as a whole.

However, the concepts associated with detox have been recognized and practized in traditional Chinese (and other Asian, e.g. Indian Ayurvedic medicine) society for at least 3,000 years.

Basically, detox is about: 1) Recognizing that the body is exposed to toxins in the environment through the food we ingest and the air we breathe;

2) Adopting a systematic approach to help the body cleanse itself of these toxins and avoid further exposure to toxins.

Detox methods include dietary changes, fasting, supplements, exercise, yoga/meditation, improving the environment (using CFC-free hairsprays, for example), New Age methods include aromatherapy, salt bath, skin brushing, etc.

Do I believe in detox? Well, most of it is plain simple commonsense - proper diet, judicious supplementation, adequate rest, exercise, stress-relieving techniques.

I always believe that if the person's energy fields are harmonized and balanced (yin & yang), then his health will generally be good. I also believe that physical health follows mental and psychical health. So I'm a believer in the holistic (Western or Eastern) approach to health.

But I draw the line at certain things. Colonic cleansing to me is unacceptable and downright dangerous - people have died from colon perforation, water intoxication, severe infections. The human intestines are self-cleansing - there's absolutely no need to do anything else except eat a healthy, balanced diet. Of course certain herbs and supplements may help someone with intestinal problems like dyspepsia, indigestion, wind and irritable bowel syndrome.

As for treatments like sauna, foot baths, aromatherapy, etc, I feel the effects are psychological more than physiological. If you feel good after a good long soak in the bath, then you'll probably be more relaxed, less stressed out, get better sleep, and generally have better health. So no harm there.

Massages and spa treatments basically also do the same thing. Spirit, mind & body must be in alignment for total well-being, a concept that's only recently recognised in the West, but has been acknowledged in India and China for millennia.

About the author:

This article is contributed by Leong Y.H., M.D. Dr Leong is a western trained medical doctor with a keen interest in Oriental medical methods. You may republish this article provided you give credit to the author and a link back to the websites http://www.quick-pain-relief.com and http://www.chinese-culture.net.