Detox Diet: How To Detox Safely

If you're thinking of doing a detox diet there are important ways to prepare and protect your body from the shock it will receive when potent heavy metals, chemicals and other toxins are suddenly dredged up and eliminated.

Sounds simple... but it's not
You've probably seen the articles that appear frequently in any number of health publications that describe some sort of detox diet fasting regimen. More often than not it's a 'juice fast,' and inevitably it's described as a 'quick and easy' energy booster. If only it were that simple.

The most important detoxifying organ is the liver. But the liver's capacity for detoxification can be overwhelmed when the fasting process suddenly fills the bloodstream with toxins that the body has been accumulating and storing for months or even years.

Another good example of how 'crash' fasting can be harmful is the effect that such fasts can have on glutathione levels. Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that every cell of your body requires to fight disease and repair damage. Animal studies have shown that after just 36 hours (and most cleansing juice fasts require at least 48 hours), the body becomes drained of the enzymes and nutrients (including glutathione) that are necessary for a safe detox diet.

According to The Journal of Applied Nutrition, the antioxidant properties of glutathione are crucial during an internal cleansing regimen, because the resulting metabolic byproducts can damage the liver and other organs if they don't have enough glutathione to help break down the toxins. In addition, without the proper level of enzymes and nutrients, metabolic waste products have an opportunity to prey on the immune and endocrine systems.

Fortification
To prepare the liver and the rest of your body for the toxin 'attack' that detox diet will trigger, it's a good idea to stimulate glutathione production with the glutathione precursors I told you about last week. Supplements of the amino acid NAC (N-acetylcysteine), and an intake of whey (milk-serum-protein concentrate) are two excellent methods to insure that reserves of glutathione will be there when you need them.

As for dietary needs, safe detoxification is promoted with a moderate intake (at least 4 ounces daily) of clean, untainted protein. This means organically raised, hormone-free poultry, fish, and lean beef. Besides being an effective glutathione precursor, protein is needed to ensure that the liver can produce adequate enzymes to break down toxins into water-soluble elements for elimination. Conversely, excessive levels of carbohydrates (pasta, bread, cereals, potatoes) can actually hinder this process.

Also include lots of fibre-rich and antioxidant-rich vegetables (particularly broccoli and kale, known to help prevent cancer) in your pre-detoxification diet plan. What not to include? The usual suspects: processed, refined white flour; white sugar; margarine; and artificial sweeteners like aspartame.

The antioxidant properties of silymarin (found in milk thistle) can help buffer the liver from the damage of alcohol, drugs and other toxic substances. Herbal supplements of dandelion root and milk thistle also support the liver function and will aid the detox process.

Rejuvenate me!
For most people, a four-week period of pre-detox is sufficient. For those with liver problems, elevated liver enzymes, or a history of substance abuse, the period should be prolonged, perhaps as long as six months in extreme cases. And as with any new health regimen, before attempting a fasting programme (or any other means of internal cleansing) it's a good idea to consult your doctor - and hopefully you're fortunate enough to have a physician who is knowledgeable about both nutrition and detox diets.