Detox flush diets are intended to make the body purge itself of excess waste and toxins so you can feel lighter and healthier. While no scientific evidence exists to support this idea, according to the Mayo Clinic, many people still seek out detox flush diets to either lose a few quick pounds or use it as a gateway toward healthier diets that have restrictions like vegetarianism or veganism.
Diet Types
Detox flush diets come in many forms. One popular choice is the Master Cleanse, which involves drinking a mixture of lemon juice, water, maple syrup and cayenne pepper for 10 days while inducing bowel movements with saltwater drinks and laxative teas each morning and evening, respectively, says Every Diet. It was created by alternative medicine performer Stanley Burroughs as an alternative ulcer treatment, but it has since become a detox and weight loss craze. Another option is the clinical nutritionist Jay Robb created Fruit Flush Plan, which requires that you eat only fresh fruit and water, supplemented with protein powder. On the other hand, a simple detox may just require you to drink more water and nix the alcohol, refined sugars and caffeine.
Advantages
When embarking on a detox flush diet, there are some advantages, even if it doesn't technically detox you. Simply increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables can dramatically improve your health and make you feel better. When maintained for over a week, a detox flush diet can make you have more energy and clear up your skin, according to CBS News.
Disadvantages
Though detox flush diets promise improved health, they can actually harm you, especially the more dramatic of the programs. Prolonged detoxing can cause diarrhea, which leads to dehydration and fatigue. A caloric-restricted diet may also lead to nutritional deficiencies and digestive upset. According to the Mayo Clinic, quickly quitting substances such as caffeine can lead to withdrawal symptoms like headaches and nausea.
Weight Loss
Even though detox flush diets were created to cleanse the digestive tract, many people use these programs now to lose weight quickly. According to Robb, the Fruit Flush Plan can cause a weight loss of up to 9 lbs. in just three days. The Master Cleanse diet makes the same sort of claims. While this may certainly be true, the majority of the weight you lose during this time period is water, meaning it will all be gained back as soon as you're done with the detox.
Considerations
Even though detox flush diets of all kinds are popular, they are not backed up by science. In fact, the lymphatic system and liver function as the body's detoxifiers already. You don't need to follow a detox program to purify your body of harmful toxins, according to the Mayo Clinic. Of course, eating healthier is always a good idea, and you can get the increased energy and improved health by simply cutting out processed foods and loading up on fruits, vegetables and lean protein.
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