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When “Detox” Goes Too Far

Posted by Caley on May 11th, 2009 at 04:36am

I completely understand the motivation to engage in “detox” for periods of time, to reboot your system and start again with a more healthy way of life. Living in Ireland, I’ve done this with alcohol (obviously, haha) and sugar. Neither are particularly healthy, and I like the idea of erasing something from my diet for a period of time and slowly re-introducing in more moderate, healthy amounts. It’s a way of breaking unhealthy habits. I have never completely given up animal products (iron and protein are very important to your health) or bread. I don’t think it’s realistic or healthy to completely food categories from your diet. In addition, you will occasionally find sugar and/or alcohol in your cuisine at restaurants, and this shouldn’t mean you never eat out.

I was reading this post on a 5-week ayurvedic detox, in which the participant gave up caffeine, alcohol, animal products, sugar (at this point, not too bad), yeast (no bread at all then?) and sex (WHAT?!?!). This is definitely an example of going too far. Five weeks is a long time to go without any yeast or animal products, as many nutritionists would recommend eating red meat at least once per month for the iron. I can imagine this left very little energy for exercise. In addition, isn’t (safe) sex an almost universally agreed-upon benefit for your health, not to mention its CENTRAL importance to your relationship? Sex is some some measure of exercise at the very least. I know that my partner would be deeply hurt on an emotional level if I even considered something like this.

What do you think? Is there any reason this is a good idea? I’m ready to be wrong!