8 Misconceptions About Detoxing
Detoxing has become a popular -- and confusing -- trend. You may have heard about detox supplements and other products that can supposedly cleanse your body of toxic substances that have built up over time. Is this a scam, or does it really work? Let's look at some misconceptions about detoxing.
1: You need to take a detox supplement or else toxins will build up in your body.
Fact: Your body can detox itself! Your liver, colon, kidneys are three major examples of your body cleaning itself and ridding itself of harmful substances. Endotoxins are created within your body, like lactic acid and urine. Exotoxins come from other sources, like chemicals in foods and cosmetics. Your body is working right now to rid itself of these things.
2: If you try a detox "fasting" diet that involves only water and juice, you can cleanse your body.
Fact: Detox "fasting" and fad diets are not helpful. These diets can prevent you from getting the nutrients you need to keep your body strong. Your body will not be "cleansed" after you do this, just under-nourished. There are all different types of fasts but the one that is currently trending is called the 16/8 method - intermittent fasting. This entails restricting your eating period to 8 then fasting the remaining 16 hours. (10 hours window and 14 hours fasting is a good place to start for your 1st time). Studies show that occasional intermittent fasting can improve blood sugar levels and reduce brain fog.
3: Detoxing is a great way to lose weight.
Fact: Detoxing fad diets can sometimes cause temporary weight loss, but this is not a solid, long-term weight loss method. If you are concerned about your weight, you should seek guidance from your doctor about what a healthy weight looks like for you and what you can do to maintain that weight.
4: Going into a sauna and sweating a lot is an excellent detox method.
Fact: Trying to sweat out toxins in a sauna may seem like a great idea, but it won't work very well. Only a small amount of toxins will come out in your sweat. Forcing your body to sweat excessively can actually disrupt your natural detox system, which is the opposite effect of what you were hoping for!
5: If you have had unhealthy eating and drinking habits, you can detox and erase those negative effects from your body.
Fact: Detox products are often advertised as a quick fix to magically erase your problems. However, they do little to nothing to actually help you. If you have unhealthy habits, there's no quick fix that can suddenly undo the negative effects. The best thing you can do is work to change those habits over time by improving your diet and exercising regularly.
6: Detox foot pads can pull toxins out of your body through your feet while you sleep.
Fact: There is no scientific evidence that proves that this actually works. Even if the foot pad turns brown after use, it's not because of toxins. It's just your sweat mixing with the substances in the pad. It's best to just avoid buying these -- you don't need them.
7. Colon cleansing is amazing because it will detox your intestines.
Fact: Colon cleansing, which involves flushing a large amount of water and other liquids through the colon, has not been scientifically proven as a detox method. Some colon cleanse detoxes have caused side effects like diarrhea and cramping, and in some cases, tearing of the rectum tissue and infection! Stay away from colon cleansing unless your doctor says that it's necessary for medical reasons.
8: Since my body detoxes itself, there is nothing I can do to help it, so I shouldn't think about it.
Fact: Your body can detox itself, but it is helpful to eat certain natural foods that are good for your liver and other detoxing organs. Turmeric, ginger, and lemon peel are a few examples of herbs and spices that aid your body's detox processes. Nutrient-rich foods like almonds, collard greens, and wheat germ are beneficial as well.
Be careful when you see advertisements for detox products. These products are often a waste of money, and in some cases, they can actually hurt you. Let your body's natural detox processes work, and eat healthy foods to keep these processes working well!
