Not so long ago no-one had even heard of a liver detox diet – let alone skip a weekend’s frivolities to do one. Today we’re surrounded by detox diet books sweeping across the country faster than a virus – and not everyone’s happy. In fact parts of the medical profession are outraged. Just look at all the different categories from a juice colon cleanse, detox fast, cleansing detox diets or colon cleansing tea – the list can be overwhelming.
So, why the hurtling rush to find the perfect liver detox or whole body cleanse? The liver detox theory supported by thousands and detested by as many, is that our bodies become congested with toxins or impurities. These contaminants include food additives, preservatives, flavorings, pesticides, chemicals, caffeine, alcohol, water additives, fluorides and fumes from our homes and workplace.
That’s right, your kitchen cupboards are harboring more than a few old plates – they’re giving off fumes from the laminate to the glue sticking them together – that goes for your floors, painted walls, insulation and air conditioning. It’s no wonder the liver cleansing group is growing in numbers.
They argue that these poisons are accumulated and absorbed into your cells and cause anything from stacking on weight, bloated stomachs, cellulite, poor skin, fatigue, allergies and more. And the message is clear: you spring clean your house regularly – so why not your body? Time for a liver detox diet?
Not so fast! Opponents flatly deny any claims that a body detox diet is necessary – that the liver is perfectly adept at getting rid of toxins. And that nothing we eat – or remove from our diets can speed up the process.
Now something about that sentence just doesn’t ring true with me – but I’m not a scientist or a medical practitioner. I’m just someone with a body – and I can tell you sometimes it doesn’t feel like it’s behaving the way it should. But where to start?
Is this lurking in your liver? Cleanse, cleanse, cleanse
Sure, the body’s designed to eliminate poisons and normally does a great job of it but it got me thinking – which body – the two hundred year ago body which didn’t have extra pressures from additives, chemicals and preservatives or today’s body that is addicted to sugar and salt because it’s in everything from milk to canned tomatoes. Getting away from additives is harder than you think.
Most times it seems that it’s not the principles behind detoxing that’s causing the conflict between both sides but the definition of detoxing. One expert said that while liver cleansing diets peddle the ability to purify that detoxing can easily be accomplished by drinking a lot of water and eating plenty of whole foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Hello – isn’t that what a natural detoxification is all about – removing all the additional rubbish that isn’t visible in our food but harmful to our bodies? And we’re not talking about the occasional something like too much cheese or overindulging in chocolate once a month.
It means the years of burden on your organs – you know what I mean; take your pick – binge drinking, preservatives, overeating, too much fried food, spicy food, additives, creams, food colorings, cheeses, coffees even heavy metals. Too much!
Some feel that juice detoxing diets and calorie restricted diets can ultimately lead to muscle loss. Maybe, if you do them for too long.
Liver cleansing diets are by design meant to be short term. Our liver like the rest of our bodies need regular good quality nourishment for peak performance. So if you find yourself living off nothing than lemon water or juice for more than one or two days – and you’re not under medical supervision – stop it.
A whole body cleanse is not a starvation plan. Any diet that relies on laxatives or colonics is only dehydrating you and will cause an electrolyte imbalance – which is the start of so many other conditions.
Market research company Mintel said there’s been a 108 percent increase in foods making detox claims over the past year and the trend shows no signs of slowing.
A furry tongue is one sign you need a liver detox diet
Detoxing could refer to detox and cleanse supplements, juice fasts and liquid diets. Or it could simply mean “clean” eating —cutting out processed foods, sugar, chemicals, preservatives, caffeine and alcohol.
Taking these excessive pollutants out of your diet can retrain your overly saturated taste buds. It might even get you cooking! And if restricting yourself to 1,000 calories a day helps you establish a healthier long term routine then you’re on the right path.
But thinking a few days of cleansing foods allows you to go crazy the rest of the time – this is a recipe for disaster and failure.
So where does this leave us:
1. A liver cleansing diet can be a breakthrough to change from tired and unhealthy habits.
2. Start out with a structured and simple plan that’s easy to follow and shop for.
3. Do it safely – if you have any condition, seek advice from a medical practitioner.
4. Have a reasonable and sustainable plan during your detox and after your detox.
5. Eat real, natural whole foods – take out chemicals, preservatives, sugars, sodas, caffeine, alcohol and salts.
6. Avoid laxatives and detox supplements.
7. Eat every 3-5 hours throughout the day.
8. Drink plenty of purified water.
9. Be physically active to help move toxins from your system. Don’t forget to sweat.
10. Transition to a long-term approach after five days.
11. Aim for at least 1,000 calories a day.
So one thing is clear – the best way to help your liver detox is with a whole body cleanse. That means, eating simple whole foods, reducing your calorie intake and reducing harmful substances. Detoxing will make you conscious of the things you put in your mouth the rest of the time – now that can’t be a bad thing.
