Cleanse your body with food

Alice N

We are exposed to thousands of toxins daily including pesticides in food, air pollution and chemicals in deodorants and perfumes.

The exposure results in a build up of toxins in the body.

According to Dr Wilem Serfontein, author of Feel Better, Live Longer, toxins cause depression, exhaustion, dizziness, headaches and constipation.

They also compromise the immune system and have been linked to allergies and asthma. Fortunately our bodies are designed to automatically expel most of the toxins.

A detox diet, exercise and drinking a lot of water boost the natural detoxification process.

Detox diet

These are two-four day diets, rich in fruits, vegetables and anti-oxidants that facilitate the expulsion of toxins from the body.

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The diets vary but mostly consist of raw or steamed vegetables, fruits and water. They exclude meat, alcohol, dairy products, processed foods, preservatives and stimulants.

When taken for long time the diets can cause severe diarrhoea, vomiting, fatigue, headaches and dizziness. This can result in excess loss of nutrients threatening life, especially if you suffer from malaria or typhoid.

Does it work?

There is debate about whether the body needs a detox diet.

The human body is well equipped to deal with everyday toxins, which are effectively removed and excreted by the liver and eliminated by the kidney within a few hours of consumption.

Eating healthy and drinking plenty of fluids will help the body function properly but if you feel you must detox, two days are enough.

A recent study published in the American Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry lists the ten detox foods as apples, plums, black beans (dried), potatoes (cooked), strawberries, red kidney beans and prunes.