It sounds great, doesn’t it? It would seem logical to periodically detox or cleanse our systems – BUT – does scientific research back up this idea and all the many detox supplements and diets? Well, the answer is NO.
Dr. Ranit Mishori of Georgetown University Medical School has reviewed the research on these cleanse diets and her advice is that they should actually be avoided. Our bodies have been created to detox naturally through the liver and kidneys and there is not a supplement or diet that is going to make it more efficient at this process. These amazing organs work at excreting toxins 24-7 for our entire lifetime.
What this does not mean ... This does not mean eat anything you want because your liver and kidneys will take care of it. We all know that the standard American diet has led to the most obese, most diabetic, most at risk for heart disease population this world has ever known.
What this does mean ...What we eat does make a difference. When it comes to eating the focus should be a plant based diet rich in a diversity of vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, seeds, and whole grains. Animal products should be the side item and not at every meal. Eating animal products that are derived from grass fed, free range sources will provide the cleanest sources. And finally hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Eating healthfully as a lifestyle is the best detox anyone can do.
When we eat everything we eat is broken down, filtered by the liver and kidneys, and the nutrients are delivered to all 3 BILLION CELLS. Make sure to feed these cells nutrient dense foods and keep your diet clean by limiting the consumption of sugar, added sugars, and processed / refined foods.
Click here for Dr. Ranit Mishori's interview for NPR on detox diets and cleanses.