People undergo detoxification diet plans to clean their bodies of the toxins they are exposed to daily in cleaning products, pollution, pesticides, processed foods and beauty products. Some people also undergo extreme detox plans in hopes of losing weight quickly. Safe detox plans are possible, but many offer too few calories and skimp on nutrition.
Features
Detoxification diet plans range from all-out fasts to sensible eating plans that simply eliminate processed foods. Most recommend eliminating caffeine, alcohol and tobacco. Some plans advocate consuming specific supplements that assist you in cleansing the colon or other parts of your digestive tract. Those plans that permit whole foods usually emphasize fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, raw nuts and sometimes, meat such as chicken, fish and lamb. Detox plans may last just a few days or several weeks.
Misconceptions
A special detox diet is not necessary for the body to get rid of toxins. The kidneys, liver and lymphatic system are quite efficient at eliminating contaminants in the body, notes Mayo Clinic nutritionist
Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D. Ingesting supplements is not necessary to assist these systems. People often report feeling more energetic and better after a detox plan, but this is most likely a psychological effect that is prompted by their belief that they are doing the right thing for their body, says Zeratsky.
Considerations
A detox diet plan that emphasizes healthy foods can help you feel better. Extreme detoxification diet plans seem to work because they eliminate processed foods high in sugar, additives like MSG, sodium and refined flours that tend to cause bloating, spikes in blood sugar and malaise. Registered dietitian Keri Glassman recommends a diet that includes whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, whole grains and water, while eliminating alcohol, caffeine, most meat and dairy. This type of diet, Glassman told CBS News in April 2008, can help to make you more aware of the foods you choose daily and can jump-start a healthy eating plan.
Weight Loss
The March 3, 2006 issue of the journal "Obesity" published a study reporting that 46 percent of over 4,000 online respondents would rather give up one year of life than be obese. A detox diet seems a simple sacrifice to achieve quick weight loss. Even if you do manage to lose weight on an extreme detox plan, much of this weight will return as soon as you go back to eating a regular diet. If you use a healthy, whole foods detox to help you break a processed or fast-food habit, it can help you better manage your weight as long as you continue to take in adequate calories for nutrition and avoid unhealthy, high calorie foods.
Warning
Some detox plans are dangerous. They prescribe too little in the way of food, risking nutritional deficiencies, fatigue and dehydration. Glassman points out that some detox diets may cause side effects lsuch as vomiting, headaches and nausea. Pregnant and nursing women, the elderly, children and anyone with a compromised immune system should not undertake a detox diet.
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