Detox Kits
What they are and what to look for
By Anna Wallner & Kristina Matisic
It's the start of another new year, and for many of this that means a resolution — or at least a good intention — to renew ourselves. Often that means getting healthier through a combination of exercise and diet.
In recent years, proponents of natural health products have promoted detox or cleansing kits as a way of ridding our bodies of toxins from our diet or the environment. Naturopathic or holistic health practitioners claim that these toxins can lead from everything to fatigue and mental fogginess to constipation and allergies.
Labeling on various detox products will include claims like: "stimulate your body's natural detoxifying functions," "improve the functioning of your digestive system" or "flush away potentially harmful toxins from your system".
The Flushing Theory
Detox kits work by using a combination of herbs to stimulate the body's natural cleansing systems. The herbs stimulate bile to get it out of the liver and get it into the gut; compounds in the herbs bind the toxins in the gut so that they can make their exit from the body.
So what you'll find is that most kits contain a number of supplements, with active ingredients that fall into three broad categories: liver tonics (including milk thistle, barberry and dandelion); digestive aids (such as ginger, globe artichoke and peppermint); and laxatives and diuretics (such as fennel, psyllium, birch and golden rod).
A typical detox program lasts anywhere from three days to three weeks, and you shouldn't submit your body to a program more than twice a year.
Kit Shopping
If you're contemplating trying a detox kit, first and foremost you shouldn't even consider it if you have a medical condition or if you're pregnant or a nursing mother. Regardless, it is always wise to consult your doctor before starting any new diet regime or program.
It's a good idea to shop at a reputable health products store or pharmacy that has clerks who are knowledgeable about detox kits and the process.
When you read the fine print, you'll find some kits are far more restrictive than others in terms of what you can eat or drink — apart from the obvious no-nos like alcohol and caffeine.
Also be wary of kits that promote other products made by the same company — such as vitamins or meal replacements.
Have a healthy and happy 2008!
| 
)
