Detox

Definition

Detox, short for detoxification, in general is the removal of toxic substances from the body. It is one of the functions of the liver and kidneys, but can also be achieved artificially by techniques such as dialysis and (in a very limited number of cases) chelation therapy.

Specific meanings of detox:

A form of drug rehabilitation, used to treat alcoholism or other drug addiction. The process involves abstinence to clear the drug from the body, accompanied by social and environmental support during the associated physiological and psychological changes.

A class of diets whose underlying assumption is that the body accumulates toxins that must be purged, especially after unhealthy periods such as over-eating during festivals. Toxins, in this case, refer to toxic substances - often of undefined nature - from foods, the environment and the body's own wastes. "Detox diet" is a common phrase, as is "I'm on a detox". See, for instance, 'Detox Your World', by Shazzie (ISBN 0954397703) or Carol Vorderman's 28 Day Detox Diet (ISBN B0000558PK).

Forms of complementary medicine and quackery that claim to remove such toxins from the body: for instance, by herbal, electrical or electromagnetic treatments. As the definition of toxins in this and the previous context has little scientific basis, the validity of such techniques is questionable. There is no evidence for such accumulation; the liver and kidneys automatically detoxify and excrete many toxic materials, including metabolic wastes.

Detox diet

In the detox diet , the individual must consume solely fruits, vegetables and natural unprocessed, organic whole foods. Commonly fresh home made vegetable juices are used in conjection with the detox diet .

The detox diet is more of a lifestyle than a diet. Most people that are serious about an ultimate lifetime "diet" (See Gary Null's book - Ultimate Lifetime Diet) become vegan's to battle the acid tissue waste promoting water, food, air, and other evironmental toxins that our bodies liver, kidney's, lungs, and skin constantly battles on a daily basis.

This diet is also very popular among actors, singers and other artists who wish to lose weight fast and easily, despite their eating habits. The detox diet, however, in this since isn't the safest way of losing weight, as it is highly restrictive and apparently has short-term results.

Example of the detox diet

Breakfast 4 Carrots, 4 Stalks of Celery, 1/2 Head of Purple Cabage, 3 Small Whole Beets juiced raw and drinken immediately.

Snack Glass of Distilled water at room temperature combined with 2 Tablespoons of Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar, Freshly Squeezed Lemon, and 2 Teaspoons of Pure Maple Syrup. Small handeful of raw pumkin or sunflower seeds.

Lunch All you can eat Salad with some or all of the following ingredients : 1 big handfull of spinach, 1/4 cucumber, 1/2 avacado 1/2 tomato, 1/4 red pepper, 2 small stalks of celery, 1/4 cup of raw whole sunflower or pumpkin seeds, 1 tablespoon of pure cold pressed olive oil, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. Optional: 3 squirts of Braggs Amino Acids to taste.

Last Meal Delicious with Protein Boost 3 Organic cored Granny Smith Apples (leave skin on), 3 Carrots (leave skin on), 1/2 Lemon (peel skin off but leave white zest on). Juice all fruits and vegetables and blend in 1/4 cup of Soy Protien.

Note: For some excellent references, see Chet Day's Detox Bible and 21 day detox; Gary Null's 7 Steps to Perfects Health (condensed version) or The Ultimate Lifetime Diet (extended version); and The Miracle of Fasting by Paul C. Bragg.