What is detox? Does this really work?

Why not all detox diets are equally useful, and what to do to help the body cleanse.


Detox is an abbreviation of the word “detoxification”, that is, the neutralization of poisons, cleansing the body of toxins. The idea that we are “dirty inside” does not apply to modern healthy lifestyle trends, but was invented back in antiquity. Until recently, detox procedures were practiced in intensive care units for people with severe drug or alcohol poisoning. Then the idea of ​​cleansing the body was transformed and became popular: today, sales of detox juices in the United States reach $ 3 billion.

The concept of detox is that in the process of life our body forms toxins, which must be constantly neutralized and eliminated. If this is not done, they spoil the skin, intestines, body odor and overall well-being. To combat toxins, we are offered juice diets, spices, hydrocolonotherapy, massages and a sauna. All these methods should neutralize the poisons that are supposedly in our blood, cleanse the intestines and skin. During a week of eating colorful juices, fasting and intensive peeling, people really lose weight a little, and skin color improves.

What is really going on? According to studies, our body copes with detox on its own – the process occurs in the liver, and all unnecessary is excreted through the intestines, kidneys and lungs. Neutralization is ongoing, it may be some hormones, drugs, coffee, cosmetics, cigarette smoke, exhaust fumes. For the detox, special enzymes are responsible, which are helped by vitamins and the amino acid glutathione. As a result of neutralization, hormones or drugs become soluble in water and excreted by the kidneys. Or, together with bile, enter the intestines and are also excreted. If you simply “pour the toxins” into the detox fresh, this will not neutralize them.

So detox doesn’t work? Yes and no. Weakness, unhealthy skin, or breathing can have other causes — for example, lack of vitamins, hormonal imbalances, allergies, or intestinal problems, but not toxins.

A week of detox diet can really improve the situation. Our enzymes, through which natural detox occurs, are more or less active. Green tea, beets, dark berries, different types of cabbage, greens and soy activate the genes that are responsible for detox. And besides this, they provide us with the substances necessary for the detox system to work. But there is a downside. Detox treatments can damage the intestines, and unpasteurized juice can easily be poisoned. In addition, vitamins in juices are quickly destroyed. At cost, a conditional detox week can cost as much as a month of healthy eating.

What to do to help the body cleanse itself? First of all, to avoid intoxication with junk food and eat a lot of fresh vegetables and fruits – this cleanses the intestines and contributes to the work of the neutralization system. Include in the diet products that are useful for the internal system of detox: beets, garlic, cabbage, berries, herbs, eggs.