Do I Really Need to Detox?

Q. What detox measures should I take and why?

A. Toxins are detectable in virtually every living creature. Some toxins (lipid-soluble chemicals such as DDT and its derivatives, for example) increase in concentration as they travel up through the food chain. Organisms (including humans) store many toxins in their fatty tissue, where they can accumulate throughout the organism's life span. Other toxins may be short-lived but can combine to form more potent toxic 'cocktails'; you can find combinations of toxins within blood, urine, hair, stools, sweat, fat, semen and breastmilk.

Fortunately, our bodies continually perform a natural detoxification through the liver, lungs, kidneys, bowels and skin. Women can also detoxify their fatty tissue through the secretion of breastmilk. However, this process can be detrimental to infants, particularly firstborn children, who are exposed to their mothers' accumulated 'toxic load' through her breastmilk. That said, breastmilk is still the best source of infant nutrition.

The idea of a toxic load and the need for periodic detoxification are common themes in Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine and naturopathy. Yet, despite widespread use, most available detox measures have yet to undergo rigorous scientific study. A lack of science has not stopped detox from becoming a buzzword applied to diets, juices, herbs, saunas, scrubs, colonics, exercises, supplements, chelating (binding) agents and even intensive retreats that may include massage and yoga, among others.

Although it's best to do a therapeutic detox with a health practitioner's guidance, you can reduce your toxic load with regular healthy-lifestyle habits. When possible, avoid smoke and polluted air, and use safety measures if you handle industrial or household chemicals. You can also enhance your natural detox pathways: eat organic wholefoods and soluble fibre, drink lots of water and engage in regular activities that induce vigorous sweating. By keeping the kidneys and skin flushed and the bowels open, you can help your body remain 'in the flow', continually removing toxins from your system.

By Marc Cohen, professor of complementary medicine at RMIT University. Marc is a registered medical practitioner, with PhDs in traditional Chinese medicine and biomedical engineering. Email your questions to him at askdrcohen@preventionmagazine.com.au

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