The Detox Strategy

January 7, 2008
Commonly used in ancient and traditional societies, herbal cleansing remains central to health care in Asian, Indian and Native American cultures. In her five-part RENEW program, written with physician Smith, nutritional consultant Watson (The Fiber35 Diet
) applies her winning style, demonstrated in her PBS specials, to educate readers about pervasive toxins that cause alarming rates of illness and death. With facts, studies and statistics, Watson contends that consumers cannot rely on regulating agencies to protect them (for example, in 1972 the U.S. banned the carcinogen DDT, but it is still produced here, exported to other countries and then imported back in DDT-treated foods grown there). The program, running from six weeks for basic and advanced cleanses to 14 weeks with optional liver and heavy-metal cleanses, shows readers how to reduce exposure; eliminate toxins from their bodies; and support their natural detox capacity with herbal supplements, diet, exercise and such treatments as colonics and therapeutic baths. Watson includes a few recipes, sample menus and a schedule for periodic cleanses. The weight of toxic exposure from unavoidable sources (pesticides, dental work, processed foods, home furnishings, clothing, playground equipment and fluorescent lighting, among many others) can seem overwhelming, but Watson’s balanced approach provides readers with effective ways to gradually lessen the load.