Toxicity is a matter of concern in modern times: we are exposed to toxins day and night, internal and external, through food, water, soil, air, clothing and radiation. Our diet is one way in which we ingest toxins, like chemicals, drugs, sugar, and daily doses of stimulants and sedatives. Detoxification diets help cleanse the body and restore it to its natural rhythm and function.

A toxin is basically any substance that harms the body and stresses our biochemical and organ functions. Homeostasis is a state of balance in the body, which is disturbed when we accumulate toxins. Our body handles toxins by neutralizing, transforming and eliminating them. But over a period of time, the natural process is not enough, and almost everybody needs to deter themselves.

Whatever the detoxification program, the first step is to adopt a detoxification diet. The most important element of this diet is water - plenty of filtered water must be consumed in order to help the natural detoxification cycle of the body. All experts agree that we need to consume around 8 glasses of water daily, which washes away the toxins of our internal system through urine and sweat.

Detoxification also means other changes in diet and lifestyle. Chemicals from food, refined food, caffeine, sugar, alcohol, and tobacco are to be avoided, as they are mostly toxic. A fiber-rich diet including fruits and vegetables helps in detoxification. Non-toxic diet practitioners recommend the following: consume organic foods; drink filtered water; avoid food such as milk products, wheat, eggs, and yeast; eat natural seasonal cuisine; go in for fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fresh fish and organic poultry; and avoid red meat, refined foods, canned food, sugar, salt, coffee, alcohol and nicotine.

The value of detox diets is hotly debated. Regarding their advantages, detox diets do encourage some good habits, such as eating more fruits and vegetables, drinking more water and cutting down on junk and processed food. This will help in combating obesity. Plus, cutting down on caffeine and alcohol has its own special value for good health. Dieting also makes you health conscious and in charge of the well-being of your body.

But on the flip side, detox diets may lead to nutritional deficiencies that may cause long-term damage to the body, such as lowered immunity. Any weight loss achieved is usually a temporary loss of fat and water due to calorie restrictions. This means that you gain back the weight immediately if you stop the diet, which is demoralizing. You may also experience side effects like headache and tiredness. Also, eating out and socializing is almost impossible if you are dieting.

Detox diets are a natural way to purge the body of toxins and leave you feeling light and renewed, but there is no scientific proof that they will solve health problems.