Once the dieter resumes normal eating, rapid weight gain follows. But many studies have shown that fasts and extremely low-calorie diets invariably lower the body's basal metabolic rate as it struggles to conserve energy. There are no data on this particular diet in the medical literature. To restore energy, lose weight, and relieve symptoms of chronic conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia.Įvidence of effectiveness. Proponents of the Master Cleanse diet recommend adhering to it for at least 10 days. Dieters take a quart of warm salt water in the morning consume a 60-ounce concoction of water, lemon juice, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper throughout the day and finish with a cup of laxative tea in the evening. One of the most popular is the Master Cleanse diet, favored by a number of Hollywood celebrities. Syringes and pitchers range from $4 to $300.Ī seemingly infinite array of products and diets is available for detoxifying the entire body. Some research suggests it can reduce the risk of sinus infections.Ĭost. One small study found that it eased symptoms in sinus sufferers. In a handful of studies, nasal lavage has been shown to lower bacterial concentrations in nasal passages. Daily nasal irrigation is promoted for preventing sinus infections and headaches.Įvidence of effectiveness. Clinicians sometimes recommend nasal irrigation to rid the nose of environmental irritants, alleviate post-nasal drip, and reduce congestion from colds and allergies by flushing mucus, foreign particles, bacteria, and viruses out of the sinuses. The solution passes through the nasal passage and out the other nostril or the mouth. Nasal irrigationĪlso known as Jala Neti or nasal lavage, this yoga-derived technique involves the use of a small pitcher (neti pot) or syringe to stream a saline solution into first one nostril, then the other. Here is a review of some of the most widely promoted procedures and products. Many are advertised as useful for detoxifying specific organs or systems others are portrayed as "whole body" cleansers. Detox products are not available by prescription they are sold in retail stores, at spas, over the Internet, and by direct mail. These are largely do-it-yourself procedures aimed at eliminating alleged toxins that are held responsible for a variety of symptoms, including headache, bloating, joint pain, fatigue, and depression. The detox programs now being promoted to the health-conscious public are a different matter. The treatment generally involves the use of drugs and other therapies in a combination that depends on the type and severity of the toxicity. Patients undergoing medical detoxification are usually treated in hospitals or clinics. But do detox practices really offer the benefits claimed for them? What is detox?īefore it was co-opted in the recent craze, the word "detox" referred chiefly to a medical procedure that rids the body of dangerous, often life-threatening, levels of alcohol, drugs, or poisons. Today's renewed interest in self-administered detoxification reflects concern about a variety of things, such as emerging pathogens, lead in toys, mercury in fish, smog in the air, pollutants in rivers and lakes, tainted beef, pharmaceuticals in the water supply, and synthetic chemicals with unknown properties. Bloodletting, enemas, and fasting were regarded as legitimate medical therapies until the early 20th century. Native Americans have long used various forms of ritual cleansing and purification, such as the sauna-like sweat lodge. For thousands of years, human beings have been trying to rid their bodies of perceived toxins. Such toxins, we're told, will sap our vitality and threaten our health unless we take measures to "detox" ourselves. A growing number of infomercials, Web sites, and print articles are urging us to eliminate the systemic buildup of toxins that supposedly results from imprudent habits or exposure to hazardous substances in the environment. As if those chores aren't enough, we're now hearing that our bodies need a thorough internal cleansing as well. Spring usually makes us think of cleaning - putting our records in order for the tax season, emptying our closets of winter coats, and readying our gardens. Internal cleansing may empty your wallet, but is it good for your health?
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