subject: Healthy Detox Encourages Higher Health [print this page] Among the medical literature there is some controversy about the term detox. It grows out of a fundamental misunderstanding between the naturopath community and the clinical industry. Nevertheless, there is some value to the healthy detox procedures and there are ways to do them safely.
The problem stems from the fact that detoxification is an exact definition. The word defines a process where a toxin, or its metabolites are removed from the body either actively or passively. Most of the clinical criticisms of what is known as a detox is the fact that it has been difficult if not impossible to find evidence that the toxin is leaving the body.
Because it doesn't fit the clinical definition, too many doctors are dismissive of the benefits of detox. Add to this the fact that an improperly preformed detox can be harmful if not fatal, the doctors feel they are justified in their position.
There is evidence that a detox will benefit certain patients. The main problem is that it is difficult if not impossible for the average person to know if a particular protocol is safe for them. Detox is not that different from an exercise program. It is best to be cleared by a physician before beginning a program. There are many traditional methodologies that you can access.
These devices have been used for hundreds of years, and used safely. But if a person's core temperature rises either too quickly or is held at a high temperature for too long, then serious injury or death becomes likely. You need to be very cautious.
Many over the counter detox plans are based around stimulating the colon. In a healthy person, these procedures can be preformed safely and there is anecdotal evidence that they may be beneficial. However in a patient who has a gastrointestinal pathology, a strong stimuli consistently administered could very easily promote bleeding.
If there's an underlying gastrointestinal pathology, this can become very dangerous. And even with an otherwise healthy patient, if the colon cleans it is pushed too far or too quickly bleeding that can result. It is best to find a sympathetic gastroenterologist to give you a clean bill of health before you begin what is commonly called a colon cleans. There is a greater chance of a problem with these type of detox procedures because they are so readily available over the counter. Most consumers don't go to the trouble to get medical clearance and having that one of the best ways to ensure or a healthy detox.
It went into widespread use in the latter part of the 19th century but exactly how it worked was not discovered until the late 20th. That is nearly 100 years of safe use it would've been prevented if we had waited around to know everything about aspirin. It is likely that what is today called detox still needs to be investigated fully. One day, we will be unable to understand why a safe, healthy detox is beneficial.
