Q: I’m thinking about doing a detox/cleanse and wonder if it’s appropriate for me. What are your thoughts.
A: For starters, any detox program shouldn’t be undertaken by anyone under the age of 18 and those who are pregnant or lactating. Another contraindication is if you’re taking any medication(s) that may interfere or interact with the micronutrients and/or botanicals contained in the detox kit.
We naturally detox every day, all the time. It’s the body’s cleansing system. How well we detox depends on our overall health and especially the health of our liver. If you’re feeling unusually sluggish or fatigued, feel like your bowel movements are off, you feel inflamed or aren’t sleeping well—and have ruled out any medical conditions that may cause these symptoms—you may benefit from doing a detox.
Another consideration for undergoing a cleanse is toxic exposures. How often are you exposed to pesticides—whether used in treating your home for insects or consuming nonorganic foods? Do you regularly use disinfectants and other strong chemicals in your home like furniture polish or window and floor cleaners? How often are you exposed to tobacco smoke, mothballs, or varnish in your home or office? How about nail polish, hairspray and perfume?
Most cleanses take two to three weeks in total. If you’ve been overindulging lately with processed, unhealthy foods and alcohol, a detox may be a good starting point to help reset your brain and your body to help straighten up and fly right once again. For example, detox programs are popular in the month of January after so many treats and overindulgences during the holidays.
Many people find doing a detox program helps to manage and/or diminish cravings. If appropriate, it can be a good jumping off point before starting a therapeutic diet.
A proper detox plan should contain the amino acids, micronutrients, and botanicals needed for liver support. I recommend supervision by your practitioner to avoid fad detox plans which aren’t much more than fiber pills and laxatives. Also, don’t be fooled by a “juice cleanse.” Fruit and vegetable juices alone do not comprise an effective detox plan. Necessary amino acids—the building blocks of protein—are required for both phases of liver detoxification. A qualified nutritionist can guide you in determining if a detox/cleanse is appropriate for you.
To your health!
Leyla Muedin, MS, RD, CDN
