Celebrities slimming down for awards shows and movie roles swear by them. Liquid diets purportedly help shed weight quickly and cleanse the body of unwanted toxins. Cranberry juice diets, recommended mainly by alternative medicine practitioners, typically involve consuming a combination of unsweetened cranberry juice and water to cleanse the liver, kidneys and intestines of environmental and dietary contaminants. Do not attempt this type of diet without the guidance of a physician.
Types
Extreme cranberry juice diets involve drinking cranberry juice and water for a period of one to three days. According to CranberryJuice.com, 32 to 64 oz. of natural cranberry juice per day will produce optimum cleansing. In addition to cranberry juice, drink six glasses of warm, filtered water each day of the diet.
Diet TV says The Fat Flush Plan, created by Ann Gittleman, begins with a two-week cleansing phase that limits calories and excludes dairy, wheat and sugar. A component of the initial fat flush phase includes a mixture of cranberry juice and water taken before each meal. In addition, a special cocktail blended with cranberry juice, water, psyllium husks or flaxseed starts each morning during this detox phase.
Misconceptions
Little scientific evidence exists to support the ability of cranberry juice or any liquid diet to rid the body of toxins. Katherine Zaratsky, a Mayo Clinic nutritionist, insists human bodies do not require the introduction of outside substances to detoxify internal organs and systems. Removal of most toxins occur thanks to the kidneys and liver. The remainder of toxins leaves the body in urine and stool.
Benefits
Antioxidant-rich cranberries boast high levels of vitamin C and dietary fiber. The Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Association reports cranberries also contain bacteria-inhibiting compounds believed to prevent urinary tract infections. The association says these same compounds may block the bacteria that cause ulcers and gum disease.
Medical Uses
The Mayo Clinic recommends a diet of clear, pulp-free liquids for special medical circumstances. Consume clear liquids, like cranberry juice, before medical tests, procedures or surgeries that require no food in the stomach or intestines. Your doctor may advise a short-term liquid diet for digestive problems or following surgery.
Cautions
In an MSNBC.com report, registered dietician Susan Moores expresses concerns about the risks associated with extended or repeated fasting. Prolonged liquid diets deplete the body of nutrients, cause muscle deterioration and adversely affect blood sugar levels. Even short-term use of liquid fasts compromise the immune system and make it difficult for the body to fight infection and inflammation, making a physician's supervision imperative.
Alternatives
Adding cranberry juice to a well-balanced diet provides a sensible alternative to diets consisting largely or solely of cranberry juice and water. Consider following a comprehensive diet plan prescribed by your doctor or a licensed dietitian. A safe, gradual weight loss plan involving healthy eating habits and exercise will give you the best long-term results.
Member Comments
Daisy419 January 20
I agree, fasting is not good for your body. Your liver needs protein to properly detox, healthy proteins like legumes and fish. I don't understand all these extreme cleansing diets.