Detoxification: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

Detoxification refers to the physiological or medicinal removal of toxic substances from the body. One can detoxify their body from drugs or alcohol. If your body is habituated to substance abuse for a long time, detoxification, done by experts, will help you flush all the toxins out of your body. You can identify your need for detoxification if you have constipation for a long period of time, food allergies, persistent headaches, muscle aches and muscle fatigues, skin abnormalities like acne or rosacea as well as hormonal imbalances. Detoxification treatment will purify your body of the harmful substances in your body and make it healthy. You can carry out detoxification at home by some simple home remedies.

Before starting with a detox diet, you must get it approved by your doctor. A detox diet is a short termed diet filled with fruits, vegetables, fruit juices and water. You can start by drinking 6-8 glasses of filtered water every day. Avoid using plastic bottles, use glass bottles instead. Exercise for at least 30 minutes in a day to keep your body active. You must consume only natural foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, fish, red meat, chicken without the skin, eggs, nuts and green tea. Remember to chew your food properly. It makes it easier for the body to digest the food and gives a sense of fullness avoiding the need to overeat. Start your morning with a glass of lukewarm water with a lemon squeezed in it. This helps in cleansing your system and you must make sure that your bowels are clean. It helps in preventing headaches. Try to meditate for at least 15 minutes in a day so as to detoxify your mind along with your body.

You can go for a detoxification treatment if your body is habituated to substance abuse (drugs or alcohol) for a long time. Detoxification can also help people suffering from constipation for a long time, food allergies, persistent headaches, muscle aches and muscle fatigues, skin abnormalities like acne or rosacea as well as hormonal imbalances.

Pregnant women must not go for detoxification. It is also not suitable for people who are malnourished or are suffering from blood sugar issues. Everyone must consult a doctor before starting on a detox diet.

Short term diets may result in fatigue, irritability and bad breath. If your diet continues for a longer time than needed, it can result in energy, vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

You must make sure that you consume a nutritious diet and lead a healthy life so as to avoid building of toxins again in your body. Stay away from junk food, alcohol and tobacco.

A detox diet may continue for three to ten days depending on the need and condition of your body.

One session of consultation with a doctor or dietician may cost you between ₹500 - ₹1500. Along with that, you will have to face the cost of the food items included in your diet.

The results of the treatment will be permanent if you take proper care and lead a healthy life style.

You must avoid consuming junk food, tobacco and alcohol. Also, try not to consume packed and tinned food. Fill your meals with nutritious and fresh items like fruits and vegetables, nuts, chicken, fish, pulses etc. Do not ‘tox’ your body in the first place, to face the need for detoxification.