Spring is here, and with it comes feelings of a fresh start and spring-cleaning. Some take spring-cleaning to a new level, hoping to cleanse their bodies of unwanted waste and toxins. The most common forms of these cleanses are detoxification (detox) diets and juice cleanses. But are they necessary, and more importantly, are they safe?
What Are Detox Diets?
Detox diets have been touted as a way to remove harmful substances from the body. Those who promote and follow detox diets typically believe that harmful toxins accumulate over the years and therefore, must be removed for the body to continue to work efficiently. Detox diets are also said to provide added benefits such as weight loss and general feelings of good health.
A typical detox diet may include several days of fasting, or consuming specified liquids or supplements. There may be medication involved to speed up bowel movements. These diets are sometimes endorsed by celebrities and typically call for supplements or foods that can only be obtained from the advertising company.
Detox: Myth or Necessity?
The truth is our bodies have their own internal waste management and detoxification system, mainly through the kidneys and liver. The kidneys work to remove waste from the blood stream and excrete it as urine. The liver detoxifies chemicals and also filters blood. Our own internal organs and immune system work constantly to rid the body of waste and toxins.
Many believers in detox methods note weight loss as an added benefit. The unknowing consumer believes this but fails to realize that initial results are based on fluid loss, and further weight loss occurs because of the extremely low calorie intake. Whenever calories are severely restricted, through detox or otherwise, weight loss will be a result. But is this a safe way to lose weight?
Are Detox Diets Safe?
The safety of individual detox diets depends on a number of factors, one of which is the length of the diet. Those that last for only a day or two shouldn’t be too harmful from a nutrient perspective. The body can recover fairly quickly from a couple of days without adequate nutrient intake. Detox diets and cleanses that last longer than a few days not only affect energy levels (due to a lack of calories), they can also create chemical imbalances within the body, a much more dangerous scenario.
Another safety consideration is the chemical makeup of supplements and powders provided with the diet. Low-calorie, nutrient-poor diets can cause fatigue, muscle pains, nausea, and feelings of lethargy.
Remember, the body has it’s own detox system. There is no need to try and help the body do something it’s already efficient at doing. The best detox system is a consistent diet that is based on whole fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. This same diet is also best for optimal health and weight loss.
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