De-tox or cleansing diets, I don’t understand them.

Have we reached a point in modern society where we are so blasé about what we put into our bodies that we need to inflict these treatments on our system?

In a fast paced society where people grab a bite and eat on the run is it any wonder that the modern ‘fad’ for cleansing or de-toxing has become popular.

I watched a recent BBC documentary called Body Hits on this very subject and whilst the four people involved were keen to try four different detox methods the end result seemed to be a short term feeling of wellness but they were straight back on the treadmill of fast (junk) food, too much alcohol and irregular eating patterns.

So what’s the point?

Surely the correct principal is if you put the right fuel into your body, your body will process it and deal with the nutrient and the waste product correctly.

If you put diesel into a petrol car by mistake you will have problems that will cost a fortune to repair. However you’d surely only do it once.

People who get on the de-tox cycle seem to go through a repeat pattern of binge eating and drinking followed by an equally binge de-tox/cleanse. That can’t be good for your body or your long term health.

Maybe it’s an age thing? At 51 in a settled lifestyle and relationship I really can’t see myself ever wanting to go through a de-tox. The only people doing well at de-tox must be the people who design and sell the product or plans.

Our own Jim is currently just starting on a cleansing diet which seems to involve nothing but water, lemon juice and maple syrup for something like 20 + days. That can’t be good for you. Where’s the nutritional benefit in something like that.

This is in no way an attack on Jim or his wish to go through a cleanse but it is my personal feelings about what I consider to be currently ‘fashionable’ in the food world and not necessarily a good thing.

To quote an old song “If you’re gonna do it, do it right”.

Not for me thanks.