Three steps to a healthier lifestyle

Debunking the many detox myths

Is your new year's resolution to get fit, fight off the winter blues or beat the Christmas bulge?

Many of us will have decided that 2003 should get off to a good start by taking up that new gym membership or cutting down on cigarettes and alcohol, some will even be about to embark on full detox programmes in an attempt to cleanse body and mind.

Breakfast will be speaking to Dr Jennifer Harper the author of Detox handbook.

Detoxing your mind, body and life could provide the route to a healthier lifestyle, but it should be noted that it's not for everyone.

So called quick fix detox regimes can deprive the body of nourishment during the cold winter months and can do more harm than good. If you are thinking of starting a detox programme then you should consider talking to your GP.

But Jennifer Harper's handbook provides a safe, effective and manageable programme that attempts to debunk many of the myths of detoxing.

Dr Harper says 'quick fix' detoxing can be dangerous

Her three level programme takes a holistic approach using Chinese and natural medicines and makes use of acupressure, reflexology and aromatherapy, but there is also plenty of nutritional advice and recipes for foods to help in detoxifying.

The book claims to be able to help detoxify the mind and suggests exercises for dealing with stress anger and tips on meditation.

Why detox?

The book says every day we are exposed to external toxins - those carried by the air; and internal toxins which are the by product of our digestive system and organs not functioning as they should.

If the body's systems are not eliminating toxins it could lead to a deterioration in our health and a weakening of organ function.

It is worth noting though that although detoxing has become something of a fad, it should not be seen as a substitute for conventional medicine and healthcare.

Jennifer Harper claims the regime in her book will detox you slowly and gradually unlike other programmes. She also says that short term it is not possible to sort out the problems that have taken many years to get into.

Harper's programme offers three levels of detox starting with a "gentle nurturing detox at level 1" that leads to a "deep long lasting cleanse in level 3".

The book contains simple recipes

She says her programme is based on "the wisdom of eastern medicine, particularly traditional Chinese medicine" (which she refers to throughout the book), "the tried and tested knowledge of natural medicine and research from western medical science".

Biography

Dr. Jennifer Harper is a registered naturopathic doctor. She has a PhD in natural health and an MSc in complementary therapies, and is a member of the American Naturopathic Medical Association and many other institutions

She runs the Body Wisdom Clinic in Surrey, where she uses a multi-disciplinary approach of Eastern and Western therapies to treat the "whole" person.

In addition to her regular columns in 'Here's Health' magazine and The Guardian. She is a frequent contributor to magazines such as Red and Zest and appears regularly on TV and radio.

She is the author of Nine Ways to Body Wisdom: Blending Natural Therapies to Nourish Body, Emotions and Soul, and has recorded a meditation CD, Seasons of the Soul.

Detox Handbook by Dr Jennifer Harper is published by Dorling Kindersley, Price £5.99, ISBN 0751339717