The Truth About Detox Diets and Integrative Manual Therapy

Before going further, an explanation of how a detox diet works is essential so that you can discern the difference in the various types of detox diets out there. Most detox diets work by limiting toxic-type foods, allergen-type foods and processed foods to allow the body to “run clean” for a period of time. During this process, the body starts to breakdown fat and release toxins. This is what is termed “phase I” detox. What is important to realize is that the body in its wisdom took these toxic substances and stored them in fat, bone, the liver, the nervous system and other such places. When they are liberated from these areas, they are now back in the blood stream and gastro-intestinal (GI) tract. These toxins are extremely harmful to the body, and if this is all the detox diet does, then you are merely re-circulating toxic substances. Therefore, the toxins can cause significant problems by “landing” in vulnerable areas such as breast tissue for example, or other areas where they can cause problems.

This is why a detox diet also must include the right supplements that support the body in what is called “phase II”. The supplements that I am referring to in this particular detox program are manufactured by Metagenics®. During phase II, the body converts these toxic substances into water-soluble toxic substances, still toxic but less so and more easily eliminated by the body. A detox diet that only consists of restricting food accomplishes phase I, but does not help phase II, or the transformation of toxic to less- toxic substances.

Please keep in mind that with Phase I and Phase II, the toxic substances are still in the body; this is why a detox diet also has to support phase III, which is the elimination of the water soluble toxins from the body. This is done with support of the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract and the urinary system (kidneys, ureters, bladder).

This is where Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT) can be quite useful as well. IMT has a series of assessments and techniques to allow the practitioner to locate which phase needs help. Does the body need support in it’s ability to release toxins? Does it need help in it’s ability to transform toxins into more easily eliminated toxins? Or does it need help with the routes of elimination such as the GI tract or urinary system? Each phase of detox can be helped with IMT. Manual Therapy techniques can also be used with detox diets to get a more complete elimination of toxins.

A good detox program can be quite valuable to help stimulate and assist the body in eliminating toxins, especially with the use of correct supplements and the right Integrative Manual Therapy techniques. This system takes the body through phases I, II and III, supporting a complete removal of toxins from the body. The effect can be dramatic once the body no longer has to deal with toxicity.

Detoxification is helpful for those who are suffering from chronic conditions such as allergies, anxiety, arthritis, chronic infections, unexplained fatigue, fibromyalgia, aches and pains, indigestion, and many more, which have been un-helped in the past.

The Detox program can alleviate the symptoms of chronic conditions so overall health and vitality can be restored.

About the Author

Ralph Havens, PT, OCS

Ralph received his undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University in 1981 and his masters of science degree in physical therapy from Texas Woman’s University – Houston in 1985.

He is a board certified clinical specialist in orthopaedic physical therapy. His post graduate training has included extensive study in Integrative Manual Therapy, joint and soft tissue mobilization, craniosacral therapy, visceral manipulation, mechanical link, and strain-counterstrain. He has worked as a teaching assistant for soft tissue mobilization and craniosacral therapy courses.

Ralph is also a marathon runner with a personal best time of 2:28:15 in 1990. He has been the owner of Mission Hills Physical Therapy since 1992.

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