DETOXification Defined (Manila Bulletin)

When I was young, we had no pan pizza in Zamboanga. My cousin and I made our own healthy pizza from scratch. We had to wait for it to be done before we can take a bite. Today, I can literally grab anything I want to eat because restaurants, fast foods and convenient stores are everywhere. Food availability and preferences have dramatically changed throughout the years. From home cooked meals to upsized sodas, humongous burgers, giant pizzas, highly processed foods, the list just goes on and on.

We live in an obesogenic environment. A society that favors unhealthy eating and sedentary lifestyle which could lead to obesity and the development of lifestyle related illnesses like heart diseases, diabetes and cancer.

Arising health problems related to unhealthy eating and obesity brought about the emergence of popular detox programs. Some of which are safe and effective but most are detrimental to health. Dietitians and nutritionists have different views about detoxification and it’s claims on health benefits.

Detox has been stripped off its original meaning and defined by the marketing world in different ways. Let us now explore the meaning of detoxification from a science-based perspective.

Defining Detoxification

Our body produces wastes from breakdown of food and other metabolic processes. These are unstable molecules resulting in the formation of free radicals. These wastes are harmful to the body and are excreted through the urine, sweat, bile or stool. However, these by-products rely on nutrients like antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and amino acids to make them water-soluble and stabler to be properly eliminated from the body. The process of converting these free radicals to a stabler molecule is called detoxification.

There are two types of toxins: One is produced within the body called endogenous toxins and the other comes from exposure to chemicals, pollutants, food additives and drugs called exogenous toxins.

I don’t want to sound very technical lest I fail to define the real meaning of detox. What then is the significance of free radical formation and detoxification in our everyday lives?

When the body’s detoxification processes cannot keep up with the influx of toxins due to a number of factors like unhealthy lifestyle, therein lies the problem of toxins being deposited in bones and soft tissues leading to a number of lifestyle related illness like cancer.

Do detox diets really work or are we being led to believe something that has no basis at all?

Diets that detoxify should be based on the consumption of whole foods like fruits and vegetables, fiber and water. Robin Faroutan, MS, RD, an integrative medicine dietitian from New York said that some foods and nutrients have been found to be effective in enhancing or “revving-up” the body’s detoxification pathways.

Below are some foods that help our body detoxify naturally:

Water – Often taken for granted, the power of water should never be underestimated. It keeps our body hydrated while replenishing fluids lost primarily through breathing and sweating. It facilitates bowel movement and urinary excretion. It also supports the body’s lymphatic system that flushes out excess hormones, proteins, fats and other toxins.

Fruits and Vegetables – They contain phytochemicals or antioxidants that promote detoxification. It is recommended that we eat at least two servings of fruits and three servings of vegetables per day. An example would be two bananas and three cups of vegetables.

Fibrous Foods – Soluble and insoluble fiber bind toxins to be carried out of the body. Choose brown rice, beans, oats and flaxseeds to increase protection against harmful substances.

Cruciferous Vegetables – Broccoli, Cabbage, Kale, Collard Greens and Brussels Sprouts promote detoxification in the liver. Whether cooked or in salads, you’ll never go wrong with eating green leafy vegetables.

Eggs, Garlic and Onion – These foods contain sulfur which supports the production of glutathione also known as “the master detoxifier.” After chopping or slicing, allow 10 to 15 minutes for the onion and garlic to develop allyl sulfides before adding them to your recipes when cooking.

Green Tea – contains EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) that penetrate body cells and shield DNA from hydrogen peroxide which is a potent free radical. Studies have shown that green tea has protective properties against heart diseases, cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.

Probiotics – Live and good bacteria found in yogurt and other fermented products inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in our digestive system. One serving of probiotic foods per day can help keep the body’s digestive system healthy.

Turmeric – This ginger-like herb used in many Asian dishes has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties. It contains curcumin that acts as an antioxidant.

Next time you consider cleansing or purifying your body, remember this: If a particular detoxification program is not based on the consumption of fruits and vegetables, increased fiber and water intake, you better think twice before trying it out. You might be in for the biggest mistake of your life.

A seasoned dietitian consultant for 10 years, Cheshire Que’s services include Medical Nutrition Therapy and Lifestyle & Weight Management programs for clients afflicted with lifestyle related diseases. One of her most recent achievements is pioneering the first online diet tool in the country, www.myspadiet.com and My Spa Diet to Go! a complete wellness program with meal deliveries and antioxidant formulas.