If you're feeling sluggish and overweight, the idea of a quick-fix detox cleanse during one or more days can be appealing. Limiting what you eat and drink to just a few items may help your body release toxins and lighten its load. Whether you can actually lose weight permanently, however, is doubtful.
Detox Diets
A number of programs provide detox regimens, promising results ranging from more energy to weight loss. Every Diet lists more than 30 diets that claim to aid the body in detoxification. The Master Cleanse, or Lemonade Diet, is considered the most popular and is based on a regimen of maple syrup and lemonade. Other well-known detox diets include the Raw Food Diet, the Clean Diet, the Fat Flush Diet, Quantum Wellness and the Weight Loss Cure.
Detox Foods
According to Every Diet, these diets have several elements in common. They tend to recommend only organic foods and beverages, whole and unprocessed foods such as grains, seeds and nuts, a large quantity of fruits and vegetables, two liters of water per day, and certain herbs. They also recommend limiting alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, drugs, processed and refined foods, and certain supplements.
Detox Length
Detox cleanses can last from just a few days to several weeks. Life123 recommends a one-day "fast track" detox diet but cautions that cleanses are best conducted with support of an expert. Preparation includes following a light and healthy diet for a few days prior to the cleanse, then scheduling a single day at home -- with a restroom nearby -- for relaxing, meditating, practicing yoga and following the detox diet of your choice.
Warnings
Although detox diets make a wide variety of claims, whether they actually live up to those claims is disputed. According to Elizabeth Somer, nutritionist for "Shape" magazine, there's little evidence that the body needs cleansing with these diets, and they can be dangerous. Weight lost during the first two or three days of a detox diet or fast is from loss of excess water and quickly returns once a regular diet is resumed.
Recommendations
According to the "New York Daily News," detox diets have been practiced for centuries, and an "ongoing cleanse" of limiting toxins may be beneficial, by eating organic foods, foods rich in antioxidants and more fruits and vegetables. It's important to check with your doctor before trying a cleanse; actually losing weight requires following an ongoing diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in animal fats.
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