Every New Year, it seems everyone is on a quest to get healthy and cleanse and detox the body. Before taking on a new detox regiment it is important is for anyone looking to go on these types of diets fully educate themselves on the healthy and unhealthy ways to detox. The truth is there are principles of detox diets that can help you learn how to eat clean and rid your body of toxins.

If you have a well-balanced diet, and eat from all the recommended food groups (remember your plate needs to have all the colors) then a cleanse probably isn't necessary. It is important to note that cleansing doesn't always equal losing weight.

Why do we detox?

We often accept having low energy, unwanted body fat, constipation, a weakened immune system, and an unhealthy physical appearance as regular health problems. But detoxification can help you feel more energetic, improve health and increase longevity. It's important to understand how toxins affect us and how you can help your body reduce and get rid of them. Detoxification is the process by which our bodies filter and remove harmful toxins. We must process internal toxins or those created by digestion, energy production, hormonesynthesis, as well as external toxins from the environment.

Toxins come from all types of sources like the food we eat or drinks we consume. Additives, alcohol, and processed foods are big culprits, along with prescription medications, tobacco smoke and other environmental pollutants.

Why it is Better to Naturally Detox

Our bodies are continually eliminating toxins through our skin, urine, feces, and lungs. Potentially toxic substances need to be processed and eliminated from the body. The liver does most of the work in converting these substances to forms that can leave the body either through bile or through the filtration system of the kidneys. The kidneys are also important as they help break down these compounds.

Many people think it is necessary to take on drastic juice cleanse or detox program to reap the benefits of detoxification. While you may lose some weight during your detox, it is primarily due to the drastic reduction in caloric intake and the loss of fluids and waste, and will be promptly reversed once you resume a normal diet. Too much of a weight loss, especially due to fluid loss alone, can be harmful. These cleanses/detoxes can be considered fad diets, which we all know are not viable long-term solutions to weight loss and healthy eating. In general, plant foods in their whole form are much more beneficial due to their high fiber content, nutrients and phytochemicals. Juicing greatly diminishes these benefits. You are much better off focusing on a diet of whole fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains.