Beware of Some Popular Detoxification Methods
Filed Under Dr. Zoltan Rona (MD) |
Dr. Rona:
I heard from a friend who went to a recent lecture of yours that you do not recommend fasting, colonic irrigation and ionic footbaths for detoxification. I’ve been using all three for years at the recommendation of my chiropractor. Why do you think there’s a problem with them?
AA
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Dear AA:
Re: FASTING
Fasting with water has been used for centuries, but could be dangerous for some without supervision and support. Since most of the more dangerous toxins are stored in fat cells, abstaining from food will force the body into burning off fat reserves and thereby release the toxic substances into the bloodstream. This in turn increases the risk of serious damage to tissues, especially the brain and nervous system. Fasting sometimes simply moves toxins from fat cells into more active tissue such as the liver and brain, and doesn’t really cleanse the system.
Secondly, the liver needs a steady supply of proteins, vitamins, and minerals to produce the substances that make detoxification by the liver possible. Depriving the body of these nutrients at the time they are needed the most can make body toxemia worse. Fasting also deprives the digestive system of fiber, the very thing needed by the liver and bowel to rid toxic substances from the body.
Re: COLONICS
Colon hydrotherapy (colonics) involves inserting a tube into the anus and then flushing 1-5 gallons of water through the colon in an attempt to remove impacted waste out of the system. This process is said be effective at getting the compacted material out of the large intestine rapidly but it is not without its hazards.
Aside from the costs (between $50 and $100 per treatment), there is the distinct possibility for the process to unnaturally extend the bowel and colon, potentially causing rips or other damage to the large intestine. There have been several reported cases of dependency on colonics. Over the years I have heard many clients say things like, “I can’t have good bowel movements without my colonic.” This is hardly something that should be encouraged.
Other scary issues involving colonics include potential perforation of the colon leading to septicemia and shock, infection from improperly cleaned instruments, electrolyte imbalances and fluid absorption, and overload leading to heart failure. Deaths have been reported from both perforation and infection. Although these harmful events are rare, why take the risk?
Re: IONIC FOOTBATHS
The ionic footbath has come to be a very popular gadget for body detoxification but, unfortunately, has no scientific validity whatsoever. Sadly, ionic footbaths are being peddled by both health food stores and natural health care practitioners who can charge thousands of dollars to either sell or rent out these contraptions.
Here’s how it works: while you just sit there and soak your feet, these gizmos claim to selectively remove toxins from the body. The electronic current passed through the footbath apparently triggers the body to release toxins into the water, which then changes color. This is said to be “evidence” that poisons are being released through the pores of the feet. Dr. Andrew Weil has an article on his website that explains what really happens best:
This is all complete nonsense. The Guardian Unlimited, an online British newspaper, sent a doctor to have an ionic detox footbath. He took water samples before and after and sent them to a lab for analysis. Neither sample contained any toxins.
And when a Guardian Unlimited reporter suspected that the discolored water might be due to rust, he tried an experiment: he rigged up a bowl of salt water with two metal nails attached to a car battery (to simulate the metal electrodes used in the ionic detox footbaths). That water turned brown with some sludge on top = the same type seen on the footbaths.
A footbath, ionic or not, can’t detox your body or rebalance cellular energy. If you buy one of the devices (which cost in the neighborhood of $1,200) the only rebalancing you’re likely to notice will be in your bank account.
Dr. Andrew Weil
The only change found comparing the before and after samples was a jump in iron content. None of the common blood toxins such as urea or creatinine had migrated into the water.
Ben Goldacre writing in the Guardian in September, 2004
Foot detox patches making similar claims are another waste of time and money. Once again, there is not a shred of evidence that these products do anything more than pull hard-earned money out of your wallet.
If you want to listen to my lecture given on November 24, 2007 at a Whole Life Expo, you can order a copy of the lecture on CD from http://www.softconference.com/071123
For more references re: the ionic footbath scam, visit http://www.denvernaturopathic.com/news/footsoaks.html and
http://www.guardian.co.uk/life/badscience/story/0,12980,1294819,00.html
Dr. Rona
Comments
1 Comment so far
Very interesting information. When it comes to colonics, it is very important to go to someone who is specifically trained for giving proper colonics. They should be a nurse or another medically trained individual. I agree with Dr. Rona, there can be risks involved and that is why it is important to go to someone who knows what they are doing. There are many people out there who take weekend courses and call themselves “colonic therapists” - avoid these people at all costs. A very good friend of mine is a colonic therapist and she is sent patients from doctors who want to prepare their patients for colonoscopies (they receive colonics instead of the usual barium enemas). Colonics should not be used as a crutch for going to the washroom, but rather as a detoxification or prevention method used once or twice per year. There are however certain individuals who may require more treatments due to illness. It is crucial to speak to a qualified health care professional when making the decision to receive one. Please do your research thoroughly before proceeding to have one. If you have any questions, please email me - I would be happy to email my friend Carla for the answer. andrea@naturallysavvy.com