In the course of everyday living, we naturally accumulate toxins and other harmful substances from the environment around us. While our body is naturally able to cleanse or get rid of these harmful substances through the different means of excretion through sweat, urine and defecation, advocates of artificial forms of detoxification argue that the high level of pollution in our environment today have placed such a toll on our bodies, that natural detoxification processes aren't anymore enough.

High levels of saturated and trans fatty acids, caffeine, preservatives and other food additives have stressed our body systems to the point that they cannot anymore effectively carry out detoxification processes. Thus, we experience problems with constipation and regularly moving our bowels because of this. To assist the body's natural-cleansing ability, detox advocates recommend such procedures as colon hydrotherapy and herbal colon cleansers to rid the body of mucous and toxins that have built up in the intestinal tract and the body's major organs.

But the question remains: Is detoxification necessary for weight loss?

The answer depends on which side of the fence you're on. If you're a staunch believer of alternative medicine, then detoxification through colonic and herbal cleansing is grounded on what is perceived as sound evidence. It is true that the level of toxins and pollution found in our world today is at an all-time high, and too much deposit of accumulated wastes contributes to a person's total body weight. In colon hydrotherapy, a disposable speculum is introduced into the colon to soften and loosen the feces. Herbal colon cleansers are oral supplements made from plant-derived fiber and potent detoxifying herbs that assist the body in cleaning out impacted fecal wastes.

Those who do not favor this approach argue that the colon is naturally designed to cleanse itself. Despite the level of pollution, no scientific evidence has been found to support the purported benefits of colon cleansing for weight loss. In fact, they point out that some enema preparations have been associated with heart attacks and electrolyte imbalances while improperly sterilized equipment can lead to infections or perforations of the bowel. When done too often, it can lead to dependence.

Perhaps a middle ground can be taken. Detoxification is a natural body process and fruits and vegetables are natural detoxifiers. Green smoothies and pressed fruit and vegetable juices have been shown to have a beneficial effect towards regular bowel movement and waste elimination, among its other benefits. Exercise, too, naturally eliminates toxins through sweat, making it an effective detox strategy. These strategies have a two-fold effect of ridding the body of waste and shaping it up at the same time.

Where these natural means are possible, there is no need to introduce mechanical implements that could potentially harm the body or take herbal supplements whose safety has not been full established for cleansing to take place. The body is already naturally designed to detoxify itself, no matter the amount or degree of toxins accumulated in it. It just needs the right food and the right activity to propel it to do so.