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It’s Time to Rethink Detoxing
by Emily Carter
Updated: Dec. 20, 2023
Originally Published: May 12, 2015
I often hold back my thoughts when I see friends diving into detox diets, despite the urge to express my sympathy for those avoiding gluten, sugar, or alcohol due to health issues. Most individuals embarking on these cleanses don’t actually have conditions like celiac disease or diabetes; they are simply trying to adhere to the latest health trends. Why does it always seem to swing to such extremes? Is moderation a lost concept? Am I failing as a parent for not depriving myself or undergoing caffeine withdrawal? Will my kids resent me for not concocting elaborate smoothies from a dozen fruits and skipping meals? Thankfully, I can confidently say no.
As Dr. Oz faces scrutiny for his outlandish weight-loss claims, another perspective emerges from Alan Levinovitz. While he may not be your typical health expert—being an assistant professor of Chinese philosophy at James Madison University—his unique viewpoint allows him to analyze the detox craze from both a cultural and scientific standpoint. In his book, The Gluten Myth, he urges us to reconsider our approach.
Take gluten, for example, which has sparked a multi-billion dollar industry. Although celiac disease affects a small percentage of the population, and around 6% may have gluten sensitivity, the vast majority of us are perfectly fine with it. So, what drives this widespread fear? Levinovitz attributes it to a sort of magical thinking. He draws parallels between ancient monks who believed that avoiding grains would grant them eternal life and today’s obsession with “clean” eating.
These monks claimed that a special diet could lead to miraculous benefits, a notion that seems to have resurfaced in modern detox trends. Levinovitz suggests that this cleansing fad is often just a way for people to feel superior, distinguishing themselves from “ordinary” individuals who cannot grasp the so-called truth.
He also examines popular diets like Atkins and Paleo, alongside the slew of ailments often incorrectly linked to gluten—everything from autism to Alzheimer’s. The language surrounding these diets often becomes confusing. Terms like “real food” and “real bodies” pop up frequently. Isn’t every body real, and isn’t all food genuine, unless it’s simply a figment of our imagination?
I find validation in the perspective that detoxing is not a universal remedy for our ailments. As health blogger Jenny Green emphasizes, our bodies come equipped with kidneys and a liver designed to detoxify themselves. “Of course, there are exceptions,” Levinovitz notes, acknowledging that certain individuals might require medical intervention for heavy metal poisoning. However, indulging in expensive detox juices won’t do anything but lighten your wallet.
I might be overly enthusiastic about these revelations since they resonate with my beliefs. The most significant detox we need is from the mindset that we must constantly punish ourselves through deprivation. If you’re already leading a healthy lifestyle, why not savor it?
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Summary
Detox diets often lack scientific backing, and many people who engage in them do not have health issues that necessitate such extreme measures. Renowned voices like Alan Levinovitz urge a return to moderation and the understanding that our bodies can detoxify naturally. Instead of punishing ourselves with deprivation, we should celebrate our healthy lifestyles and enjoy our meals.