Answers from Expert: Penny Kendall-Reed

A detoxification diet begins with the exclusion of simple sugars, saturated fats, alcohol, caffeine and foods containing additives and preservatives, which lessens the load on the liver and kidneys (the body's main detoxification organs). I recommend organic foods to decrease exposure to pesticides and exogenous hormones. Foods such as lemons, beets, carrots and artichokes stimulate the cleansing process in the liver so these can be increased. For example, start your day with hot water and lemon instead of coffee. Protein plays a key role in the detoxification process, as it is essential for cell manufacture and repair, enzyme production and liver regeneration. Choose lean organic protein sources such as fish, egg whites, turkey, chicken, protein shakes, and soy/tofu as your main protein sources. One gram of protein per kilogram of body weight per day (up to 1.4 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight for endurance athletes or body builders) is needed. Thus an 80 kg individual would need 80-112 g protein per day divided between meals. Eat fresh greens, vegetables and fruits in a comparable amount to protein as these foods provide low glycemic carbohydrates with high levels of fiber to help bowel function during the detoxification process. They also contain minerals and vitamins beneficial to the program. When eating salad, use vinaigrettes or lemon juice with spices, not creamy (fat-laden) dressings. Use only brown rice as an alternate carbohydrate source. Eliminate white, refined foods and other mixed grain products. Drink two to three litres of water a day to help flush toxins from the body. Also, taking warm baths with Epsom salts can help draw toxins out of the skin. I recommend several herbs to aid the detoxification process but it is important to consult a health professional before taking any of these: Milk Thistle or Silymarin marianum helps to protect the healthy cells in the liver from free radical damage or inflammmation (caused by toxins), stimulates regeneration of new healthy cells and aids the body in mopping up toxins. It also helps to increase the content of glutathione, the body's major anti-oxidant substrate. This herb has no adverse side effects, though it may loosen stools slightly as it increases bile flow. Tumeric or Curcuma longa protects the liver from incoming toxins through its potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. It has a particular affinity for the liver and therefore is used in most detoxification programs. Like milk thistle, this herb may soften stools due to the increase in bile flow. In fact, tumeric has been shown to increase the production of bile by over 100 per cent, making it a powerful aid to toxin excretion. If there is any indication of bile duct occlusion this herb should not be administered. Dandelion or Taraxacum officinalis is beneficial for both the kidneys and the liver. Although its mechanism is not thoroughly understood, dandelion has diuretic properties (to flush out toxins) with potassium sparing effects, which most diuretics do not have. It also protects against kidney stones. Dandelion may cause some adverse reactions in some people. Contact dermatitis has been seen when the herb is used in fresh form rather than dried. Burdock, otherwise known as Arctium lappa, was traditionally used as a blood purifier and diuretic. It is high in fructo-oligo-saccharides or FOS, which increase the beneficial bifidobacteria and eliminate the bacterial pathogens that can build up in the gut. In addition, burdock increases saliva and bile secretions to help break down, bind and excrete toxins from the body. Fibre and Bentonite Clay are both used to help remove toxins and excess fats from within the bowel. During a detoxification program the toxin load on the bowel is increased considerably so, to ensure they are eliminated and not simply "dumped" in the gut, fibres and/or binding clays can be used to help attract, mop up and eliminate the toxins directly. Beneficial fibres such as psyllium or inulin are available in powder or capsule form. Bentonite clay can be added to the fibre complexes for added attracting and binding qualities.