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Health For Mzansi

Detox: Let your diet do the work

by Sidima Mfeku
15th November 2021
in My Health, Trending
Reading Time: 3 mins read
A A
Sometimes our bodies need a thorough internal cleansing to get rid of toxins but a healthy diet will help to detox naturally. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi

Sometimes our bodies need a thorough internal cleansing to get rid of toxins but a healthy diet will help to detox naturally. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi

With our hectic lifestyles of stress and overindulging on food and drinks, we sometimes forget about our gut health. Many people take different products to detox their bodies to get rid of the bad stuff but, an expert warns, it can be dangerous to your health and not worth the risk.

While many believe that a detox or a gut cleanse is necessary for their heath, it is not essential if you follow a consistent healthy diet, says Dr Sylvia Riedel, senior scientist at the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC). “It is not necessary for a healthy person to clean their system.”

Dr Sylvia Riedel, senior scientist of the SAMRC Photo: SAMRC

An unhealthy diet with an oversupply of fizzy drinks, processed foods, and fatty and sugary foods, is one of the causes of bloating and an upset stomach. This is nothing a vegetables and fruit can’t fix.  

“The best way to ensure intestinal health, gut health, and in general good health, is to follow a healthy diet rich in fruit and vegetables and to avoid processed and fatty and sugary convenience foods,” Riedel adds.

Your tummy has your back

According to Riedel, the body already has an excellent mechanism to remove harmful substances. Vomiting is one of the many mechanisms, which are aimed at removing potentially dangerous substances before they can be absorbed into the system (for instance alcohol intoxication).

A balanced diet with enough fruit and vegetables can naturally rid your body of toxins. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi

She says the human body has a “surveillance system” that can detoxify unwanted substances which may have been ingested with food.

“The system consists of proteins that help speed up chemical reactions in our bodies. These reactions mainly aim to make unwanted substances less dangerous and easier to remove through the kidneys in urine or through the gut with the faeces.”

Dr Sylvia Riedel, senior scientist at the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)

“The intestines also harbour trillions of mostly beneficial bacteria, which are called microbiota. These are beneficial in involuntary detox mechanisms and their balance can be disturbed through cleansing,” she adds.

There are specific whole foods that advance the detoxification of the body if you feel uncomfortable and reckon you need a cleanse. Because these foods are also good for your health, there is no harm (to your gut or colon) after consumption.

These foods include:

  • Asparagus
  • Broccoli
  • Grapefruit
  • Avocado
  • Spinach
A range of natural products are available to detoxifying the entire body. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi

Dangers of detoxing

Riedel warns that frequent intake of non-medically approved substances, like the common Epsom Salts, can lead to a couple of complications. It includes dehydration, tearing of the colon, infection, abdominal pain, giddiness, nausea and vomiting. She says these can be dangerous in the presence of other underlying medical conditions, especially those of the heart and kidneys.

“The safest way to deal with chronic digestive issues such as constipation or chronic diarrhoea is to consult a medical practitioner who will make a diagnosis and propose an appropriate treatment,” she concludes.

ALSO READ: Want to be healthy? Put a rainbow on your plate

Tags: Food medicineHealthy lifestyleNutritionWellness
Sidima Mfeku

Sidima Mfeku

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HIV and initiation: Supporting boys through cultural rites Security fails as gangs target Eastern Cape clinics Dr Makanya blends spiritual healing with art therapy Canola oil: A heart-healthy choice for your kitchen No more pain! Tackle the torment of toothaches How smoking causes harmful bacteria in your mouth Discover delicious, healthy dishes that will make your heart sing Rediscover the joy of creamy pap with chicken livers