Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a detox diet?

A: The purpose of detox is to neutralize and eliminate any compound in the body that can be toxic. Detox is a natural process occurring on a continual basis in the body, but because of the modern diet, the enormous number of chemicals we ingest daily, and the increase in chronic degenerative diseases, many people believe that regular detox is necessary.

A detox diet strengthens the organs involved in detox and releases stored toxins, expelling them through the organs of elimination: the skin, intestines, liver, lungs, kidneys and lymphatic system. A detox program may consist of a special diet, nutritional supplements, herbs, hydrotherapy, exercise, breathing techniques and/or sauna.

Q: Where do toxins come from?
A: A toxin is a compound that can harm the structure or function of body cells and tissues. Toxins can come from the environment (alcohol, tobacco, pesticides, heavy metals such as mercury, food additives, oral contraceptives, and drugs). The body, during its normal functioning, forms by-products that could also have toxic effects if the body didn't neutralize them.

Q: Can't the body handle these toxins on its own?

A: Many people in the medical community still see detox as a treatment for drug or substance addiction only. However, the rising prevalence of diseases such as cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivity, attention deficit and hyperactivity (ADHD, ADD), and autoimmune disease plus the fact that there are few long-term studies on the cumulative health effects of all sources of toxins in our environment make periodic detox diets a prudent preventative measure.

In addition, we have to factor in the role that stress, sedentary lifestyles, use of prescription drugs and hormone therapies, and the increasing proportion of dietary fast food, saturated fats, salt and sugar play in our body.

Q: What health conditions benefit from a detox diet?

A: Detox diets are believed to:

help prevent disease, especially when someone has prolonged exposure to chemicals or hormones (such as oral contraceptives)
improve symptoms of low energy, joint pain, headache, pain, premenstrual syndrome, unhealthy skin, anxiety and irritability, frequent colds, heartburn, constipation, and gas.
treat disease such as autoimmune disease, multiple chemical sensitivity, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, digestive disorders, heart disease, arthritis, attention deficit, and other chronic degenerative disease.

Q: I have some of these symptoms. How do I start?

A: It is important to see a primary health care practitioner, such as your family physician, for a thorough assessment of your symptoms to ensure that you do not have a medical condition that requires treatment. Even serious disease, such as cancer, can present with seemingly minor symptoms such as fatigue and back pain or may only be detected by lab tests during routine physical examination.