Weight loss is a highly profitable industry. Americans spend over $37 billion annually on herbal supplements, diet plans and gym memberships, yet obesity rates keep rising. Proponents of cleansing claim that the only way to lose fat permanently is to rid your body of toxins. They recommend eating a severely restricted diet for a few weeks and taking special supplements to aid the cleansing process, after which you can return to a more normal diet.
Theories
Proponents of the Quick Cleanse 15 Day Detox Program claim that the regime will give your body the opportunity heal itself by ridding the liver and stomach of toxins. They claim that this buildup of toxins is the cause of cyclical weight gain. Fat is the body's way of insulating itself against these toxins, so if you lose weight, the toxins are concentrated in your smaller body mass, leading the brain to signal the body to build up its fat stores again. These toxins are also supposedly at the root of medical problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, allergies and even bad breath.
Product
The Quick Cleanse 15 Day Detox Program includes several herbal supplements and probiotics: Stomach Clear Plus, Bowel Clear, Liver Clear Detox and Alive Probiotic. It also includes an eating plan and recipes to prepare during the 15-day cleanse.
Diet
While on the Quick Cleanse 15 Day Detox Program, you should avoid all sources of caffeine, alcohol, sugar and salt, all animal products including eggs, dairy and meat, processed foods and all white flour products. Whole grain flours, breads and pastas are allowed. You should avoid white rice, but brown rice is allowed.
The plan encourages you to eat sprouted seeds, legumes and grains such as alfalfa and mung beans. You can eat fresh or steamed vegetables as long as you consume them late in the day. You can have fresh fruits and raw nuts and seeds at any time. Herbal teas and filtered water, along with some fruit and vegetable juices, make up your beverage choices.
Costs
You can purchase the Quick Cleanse 15 Day Detox Program kit from a wide variety of online health food and weight loss websites. As of 2010, it sells for anywhere between $132 and $87.50.
Warning
There is no scientific evidence to support detox or cleansing diets. According to Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D., nutritionist at the Mayo Clinic, your body is very efficient at removing toxins and does not need special supplements or a restricted diet. Some cleansing programs can be dangerous. Some of the required supplements are diuretics that can lead to nausea, diarrhea and dehydration. Following the severely restricted diet required by the Quick Cleanse 15 Day Detox Program may prevent you from getting enough protein, calcium and other necessary nutrients.
Always speak with your doctor before beginning any detox or cleansing program.
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