What Are The Benefits of Doing a Detox Program?

In the previous article of the series, we looked at why you would even consider adopting a detox strategy for health promotion.

In this article, we will look at the potential benefits of following a detox strategy.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this series is for information purposes only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education, neither is it to be construed as such. It does not create any patient-physician relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment where required. Consult a doctor for medical advice, treatment or diagnosis.

Bear in mind, too, that any products recommended throughout this site have not necessarily been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. You must, therefore, take responsibility by doing your own research and discussing things with your healthcare provider.

If you ever intend to do detoxification, do discuss and clear it with your healthcare provider.

Is there a scientific basis?

Detoxification is similar to fasting in that it has a very long history. Colon cleansing as detox strategy has been part of health promotion in Buddhist monasteries (e.g.) for centuries. Many people do it as part of their pre- and post-sexual activities.

While there are many scientific studies that confirm the benefits of fasting as being therapeutic, the science behind detoxification is slim, or non-existent.

Could it be the language we are using?

While much of the evidence we come across in books or online is often anecdotal, at least, it is documented.

It appears that the clinical evidence, or lack thereof, has more to do with detox diets as opposed to structured detox programs.

So, let’s get to it.

Potential benefits of doing a detox

Have you ever wondered about some of the potential benefits that you could have by doing a detox over a three-day weekend (e.g.)?

Let’s have a look at some of these.

Benefit Number One:

Supporting the colon with waste removal

Because the human body is “fearfully and wonderfully made”, to quote a Biblical passage, you must take the utmost care with it. It is a very delicate instrument.

Yes, you may look like a Mr Universe on the outside (very yang). However, the inside is quite soft, delicate and fragile (very yin).

Even the Apostle Paul talks about those uncomely parts which are highly necessary for the body to function.

Remember, then, that the anus is a part of the colon and needs to be treated with care.

It has its own charkra (oh yes, there are more than seven!) and it is an erogeonous zone.

In future articles we will have a look at some caveats and appropriate approaches to this part of the body.

So then, a colon that is properly cleansed of old decaying debris and impacted feces will help with better digestion and absorption of food. This can only mean that your digestive process works better and the nutrients from food are maximized much more efficiently.

Purging the bowels eliminates the source of poison, thereby permitting blood and energy to regenerate naturally. By cleansing the bowels, we repair the body.

Chai Yu-hua, Chinese physician (400 B.C.E)

By the way, a colonic irrigation is not to be confused or conflated with an enema.

The latter, going through the anus, may only reach a part of the colon, while the former flows through the entire intestinal tract.

Also, do bear in mind that although there is sometimes overlap with Western medical science, the way Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) sees the human body is quite different from the Western view which focuses on form and function.

The TCM view, if we understand it correctly, is based on bioenergetics, and which involves a fairly complicated concept known as Qi (pronounced ‘chee’).

Benefit Number Two:

Supporting the kidneys

To keep blood pH at its optimum level of 7.3 to 7.4, the kidneys filter out acidic waste from the bloodstream. Daniel Reid (2006) notes that undergoing a properly structured detox program helps this function in two ways:

• alkalization: reduce intake of foods that are acidifying, such as meat, fish, and eggs while increasing intake of alkalizing foods such as (you guessed it) fresh fruits and vegetables
• oxygenation: this boils down to proper breathing, using the diaphragm, rather than the upper chest, as well as supplementing with oxygen-based products

Important note: with regard to either or both of these approaches, think balance and take your time. We often tend to have a knee-jerk reaction to change (going to extreme opposite directions, especially since Covid-19) and it does take time to unlearn habits that might not be helpful.

Also, do careful research into oxygen supplementation. What you learn about oxygen just might surprise you…

In any case, these benefits are the main ones that come to mind.

Other potential benefits include taking care of foul body odors, and improving mental faculties.

Also, if all you get is the good feeling that comes from feeling clean, feel free to include that as a benefit too. Some might call it a placebo effect. It must not be discounted.

Conclusion

Doing a detox program is not compulsory for health promotion or disease prevention. It is, however, one valid option that is worth considering.

While there are some approaches that you can adopt on your own in the home, you might wish to seek out a reputable clinic if, say, you don’t fancy giving yourself a colonic at home.

Consider this: there is less likelihood of hurting yourself if you have never done one before.

Again, consult with your healthcare provider before embarking on any detox program.

In the next article, we will look at the strategy you will need to adopt when you decide on a detox program.

To a better, wiser, stronger – YOU!

Sources:

Reid, Daniel (2006). The Tao of Detox: The Secrets of Yang-Sheng Dao. A Practical Guide to Preventing and Treating the Toxic Assault on Our Bodies. US: Healing Arts Press (Inner Traditions International).

Reid, Daniel (2014). The Tao of Health, Sex & Longevity: A Modern, Practical Approach to the Ancient Way. UK: Simon & Schuster UK Ltd.

Does Colonic Irrigation Work? Located at Fitness4London (online), https://fitness4london.com/does-colonic-irrigation-work/ [Accessed March 12, 2024]

The writings of Lobsang Rampa

‘Detox diets’: Does science support the claims? Located at Medical News Today (online), https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/does-science-support-the-claims [Accessed March 12, 2024]

“Detoxes” and “Cleanses”: What You Need To Know. Located at National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (online), https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/detoxes-and-cleanses-what-you-need-to-know [Accessed March 12, 2024]

Klein AV, Kiat H. Detox diets for toxin elimination and weight management: a critical review of the evidence. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2015 Dec;28(6):675-86. doi: 10.1111/jhn.12286. Epub 2014 Dec 18. PMID: 25522674.