Detox – the path to new energy and cleansing for the body?
Many people feel sluggish, especially in spring. There is a growing desire to become more active again and get the body back into shape after winter. Recently, the words “detox” and “detoxification” have been cropping up more often in this context. Detoxification treatments have come back into fashion and promise all kinds of benefits for the body and well-being. But what exactly is body detoxification?
The promises of detox diets
There are countless detox treatments and detoxification products on the market. Their goal is to support the body's detoxification process. Proponents of detox diets believe that the body absorbs many toxins and harmful substances that it cannot completely eliminate on its own. According to them, these unwanted chemicals and impurities are mainly stored in the skin, intestines, and lymphatic system. Detoxification is supposed to rid connective tissue and organs of so-called “slags.” The causes of toxin deposits are said to be an unhealthy diet with excessive consumption of fat and sugar, as well as alcohol, nicotine, and environmental toxins.
Juice cleanses – a new start for our body
Countless juice cleanses can be found on the internet and in books under the keyword “detox.” They promise purification, relief for the stomach and intestines, a challenge, and revitalizing effects.
The body should be cleansed and our organs should thus be given a fresh start, which should lay the foundation for a healthy lifestyle in the future. Pure juice cleanses often begin with bowel cleansing. Special tablets and capsules are used to perform “colon cleansing.” This is followed by juice days. During this time, no food is consumed other than herbal tea, water, and ready-made fruit and vegetable juices. This is intended to stimulate the metabolism and digestion.
After a few days, the body is gently accustomed to fiber-rich food, consisting only of fruit, vegetables, and raw vegetable juices. Solid foods are only slowly reintroduced after the fasting regimen. Accompanying products are intended to detoxify and cleanse the body.
Additional treatments such as baths, massages, saunas, yoga, and time spent outdoors in the fresh air are intended to enhance the detoxification process. There is a wide range of different detox treatments to choose from. The duration of the detox treatments and the frequency of use vary. Some people have one detox day every week, while others start a longer regimen once a year.
Detoxing is so beneficial
From a scientific point of view, detoxifying the body is not necessary, as a healthy body cleanses itself. The German Nutrition Society has determined that the accumulation of waste products and deposits from metabolic processes does not occur in healthy people. The body absorbs some toxins from environmental influences and food, which it then excretes through the skin and intestines. The liver, kidneys, stomach, and intestines play an essential role in the detoxification process.
They work hard. Everyone can actively support their detoxification organs in the detoxification process. A balanced diet and plenty of exercise help the body's own detoxification process. Stress can also have physical consequences. During detox, we also say goodbye to stress. Fatigue, headaches, skin irritations, and restless sleep are signs of increased stress.
Entgiftungskuren können durch den Verzicht auf verschiedene Lebensmittel dabei helfen, das eigene Essverhalten besser kennenzulernen. Hierauf kann eine bewusste und gesunde Lebensweise aufgebaut werden.