Group Fitness Classes Fitness Class Descriptions Personal Training/Private Instruction Health, Wellness & Nutrition Articles

Suggestions for Clinically Detoxifying at Home

Challenging, But Doable

Dr. Ralph Ofcarcik, Ph.D.
Director of Nutrition Services

It was approximately 2 years ago when Red Mountain Spa’s Health Services Director, Dr. Brad Crump, first suggested that the resort offer a clinical detox program.  “What did you have in mind?” I asked.  “Well”, answered Brad, “Since effective detoxification requires the avoidance of key pro-inflammatants and food allergens, we would need to offer guest participants a diet that is free of beef, pork, dairy products, glutenous grains (no wheat, rye, barley, spelt, kamut, or rolled oats), corn, eggs, soy,  shellfish, peanuts, oranges, chocolate, canned goods, commercial condiments, sugar, corn syrup, alcohol, caffeine, and – of course – no xenobiotic food additives”.  “Piece of cake”, I said, “but you do plan on feeding these people, right?”  “Correcto”, came the response.

That was the original, foreboding challenge.  Months later following dozens of meetings with our chefs, the resort launched its first week-long detox program in April 2005.  And despite our initial fears of a scant, unappetizing detox menu, food offerings for program guests are plentiful, varied, certainly tasty – all compliments of our creative Culinary Arts personnel.

For our readers who are considering undertaking a clinical detoxification program at home, we offer the following suggestions – a few adaptations from the resort’s detox menu in addition to streetwise tips from the Health Services Department:

• Commit yourself to 4 weeks of detoxifying and purposefully avoid all of the foods listed above.  Although program guests at Red Mountain spend one week at the resort, they continue the program at home for an additional 21 days.  By experience, many of the noted health improvements (high-octane energy, less soreness/stiffness, uninterrupted sleep, etc.) become apparent during weeks 2 to 3.
  
  
• To minimize the discomfort of withdrawal, gradually wean yourself off coffee (ditto black and green teas, chocolate) and alcoholic beverages before D (detox initiation) - Day.
  
  
• Consume 2 fruit smoothies daily using a supplement specifically designed to max out the 2-step liver detoxification process.  We recommend UltraClear by Metagenics which offers nutrient support in addition to rice protein powder (very hypoallergenic).  For fruit choices, all are fair game except oranges.  And, a good idea from RMS . . .  Use frozen fruit - which when combined with the UltraClear and a smidgen of rice milk or apple juice - produces a thick, scrumptious and goal-supportive shake-like drink. 
  
  
• Use gluten-free breads.  We highly recommend “Food for Life” breads (millet, red rice, black rice) that can be purchased in the frozen food section of most health food stores. As a substitute for wheat pasta, consider brown rice pasta (the best) or quinoa pasta that is free of cornstarch.  (Note:  Pasta made from quinoa should be handled ver-ry carefully since it is inclined to disintegrate with even normal mixing.)

• Meat choices . . . not a problem.  They include poultry (chicken, turkey, duck), game meats, lamb, and fish.  Avoid beef, pork, and shellfish.

• Nearly all fresh, frozen, and steamed vegetables are on the “go” list.  Avoid canned and processed foods, especially those containing added sugar and corn syrup.

• For sweetening, use xylitol or fructose – no table sugar, turbinado, corn syrup, or diet sweeteners.  Red Mountain uses Southwestern agave syrup in many of its recipes since it is a natural food product (from a cactus) and derives its sweetening value from low-glycemic fruit sugar (fructose). 

• For salads and vegetables, use healthy oils (olive, almond, flaxseed, avocado, etc.) and non-sweetened vinegars.

• We suggest avoiding most commercial condiments because of the high sugar content (catsup, barbeque sauce), ingredients (eggs in mayo, wheat in some mustards), and low nutrient value.  Instead, opt for fresh salsas, chutney’s, etc.

• For desserts, consider the current offerings at Red Mountain, i.e. baked apples or pears top with roasted nuts (no peanuts) and agave syrup.   The resort also offers fresh seasonal fruit and homemade sorbets (such as coconut or mango) top with chopped mixed melons, herbs, and sparkling flavored waters. 
  
  
• Upon completion of a month of detoxifying, add back the usual suspects (gluten, dairy, etc), one at a time, noting changes in how you feel (no matter how minor) up to 3 days after consumption.