Programmes

Detox programmes aren't for everyone. While most detox diets appear safe as they use natural herbs, and advocate a switch to fruits and vegetables, don't let that lull you into complacency. It can be harmful to health if not done properly. For instance, you shouldn't fast if you are anaemic and your body doesn't have sufficient iron. Those whose health is affected by tumours, bleeding ulcers, cancer, blood diseases, active pulmo¬nary diseases, diabetes, gout, liver, kidney and cerebral diseases should not fast or detox. They should consult doctors for advise. For instance, special fasting programmes consisting of only water or juice should be done no longer than 14 days, this should be done with caution. Other detox programmes like using detox foot patches are much safer and can be followed for up to one and a half months.

What to do

Detox programmes vary in intensity and duration. Some let you gradually shift from your usual diet to raw fruits and vegetables, as well as herbs and vitamins prescribed to suit your body's needs. You never actually do juice or water fasting alone. Such fasts deprive your body of essential nutrients and can harm your health. Sometimes, using detox foot patches, massage and dry body brushing are incorporated into the programme to improve blood circulation and lymphatic drainage so that your body can flush the toxins out more efficiently.

A good and effective detox programme should support the elimination organs like the liver, kidneys, colon and the lymphatic system. The most important and simple thing to do during detox is to drink 1.5 to two litres of water a day to flush out toxins and waste products.