From ancient Egyptians using colonic hydrotherapy and coffee enemas as a means of decongesting bodies, to fasts, grapefruit diets and even the bizarre taco cleanse, where you eat nothing but tortillas for an entire month — there are too many detox diets available at a click of the mouse. But what is a detox all about? “Detoxification is a natural process by which the human body rids itself of toxins. Physiologically speaking, it is the primary biochemical process for removing toxins by converting them into compounds that can be eliminated through urine, sweat, bile or faeces. Our bodies are equipped with a system to eliminate the daily toxins but in this day and age, we are overloaded with toxic compounds — from pollution to pesticides, additives and other chemicals in our food. Detoxification is an important part of health and healing, and it can be supported by diet and lifestyle,” says Dr Eileen Canday, head dietician at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital.