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Types of Detoxification

Major Types of Detox

Three Types of Detoxification Explained

Over time, our bodies acquire toxic substances from the foods and drinks that we consume.

Detoxification (often abbreviated as detox) removes toxins from our bodies, particularly from the liver, gastrointestinal tract, and kidneys.

There are a number of different types of detoxification although the three most common types are alcohol and drug detox, dietary detoxification, and alternative medicine.

Alcohol and Drugs

Alcohol and drug detox is often performed as part of the process for rehabilitation.

Often, the patient is placed in a room where access to drugs or alcohol is impossible and over the course of several days or weeks, the body becomes clear of the substance. Effective in treating drug addition, detoxification can involve physical, mental, and emotional withdrawals.

Depending on the addictive substances which are being eliminated, withdrawal can be excruciating. Patients undergoing this type of treatment benefit greatly from a strong support system, which is often provided by friends and family members as well as a staff of medical professionals.

This support offers comfort which helps to alleviate the painful effects of extreme physiological and psychological change.

While sedatives may be administrated in severe cases, this counteracts the main purpose of withdrawal, which is to free the body of drugs and/or alcohol.

Diet

An unhealthy diet can result in the accumulation of food-related toxins, which can be eliminated by embarking on an alternative diet.

Often, this form of detox is used by overweight individuals, or is sought out after periods of overeating and consumptions of unhealthy or processed foods.

Some professionals, such as doctors, scientists, and nutritionists do not regard diet detoxification as favorable, since they often involve an unbalanced diet designed to offset detrimental effects of toxins.

Drinking large quantities of water is seen as a preferable method of treatment to a detox diet.

Over the counter drugs are sold that claim to detoxify the body. Some are simply laxatives - ofter referred to as "colon cleansers'. Others are pills that probably should not be taken without medical advice.

Alternative Medicine

Through the use of herbs, electromagnetic treatments and even foot pads, various alternative treatments are thought to eliminate toxins from the body.

However, such treatments are not widely accepted by the greater medical community and have little or no scientific basis to support their effectiveness.

Still, many who practice or use alternative medicines and healing practices continue to support these forms of detox as beneficial. Detoxification through alternative medicine is said to help with general pain, discomfort, and other health problems.

If you have serious medical problems, it would be better to consult a qualified physician who can diagnosis the causes and provide effective treatment.

Conclusion

The main idea behind detoxification is to rid the body of undesirable substances, those which have harmful effects over time.

These three types of detox systems (drugs and alcohol, diet, and alternative medicine) involve specific and different methods of treatment, but all seek to eliminate toxins and cleanse the body internally.

While some forms of detoxification, particularly alternative medicine, are not widely accepted among medical professionals, they are potential avenues for increasing overall health and well being.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be taken as medical advice.

 

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