The Miracle Detox Diet is another name for the 7 Day Detox Miracle, a brief weight management and detoxification plan developed by several nutritionists in 1999. The 7 Day Detox Miracle program promises to help dieters enhance their overall health and lose weight quickly by following a specific diet plan that, according to proponents, flushes toxins and accumulated waste matter out of the intestinal tract. Although the diet emphasizes many healthy steps, critics fear that it is not a good choice for long-term, sustainable weight loss.
Aspects
The Miracle Detox Diet is based on the book, "The 7 Day Detox Miracle: Revitalize Your Mind and Body with this Safe and Effective Life-Enhancing Program" written by Peter Bennett N.D., Stephen Barrie N.D. and Sara Faye. In the book, a specific seven-day plan is outlined that uses certain foods to cleanse the colon and intestinal tract, in addition to recommending techniques that promote mental health. By doing so, they claim that you will strengthen your immune system, improve the function of your digestive system, increase the stamina of both your mental and physical capabilities and have a more positive outlook on life. According to the plan's authors, if the Miracle Detox guidelines are followed strictly, dieters will experience significant weight loss and increased energy levels before the conclusion of the seven days.
Guidelines
The seven days of the Miracle Detox Diet are broken into two separate phases: two days of a water-only fast and five days of a diet plan that incorporates brown rice, fruit and vegetables. While following these dietary guidelines, dieters are encouraged to take part in a variety of stress-management activities, including hydrotherapy, yoga and sauna treatments for at least one hour every day. During the water fast, you are allowed at least eight glasses daily of filtered or pure spring water seasoned with a squeeze of lemon along with herbal teas and fresh, unsweetened fruit juices diluted 50 percent with water. On the final five days of the detox, focus on organic, cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, bok choy, kale and sprouts. You can choose to take herbal supplements or cleanses during this time, but they are not required.
Advantages
The Miracle Detox Diet can be used by both men and women and does not require the purchase of prohibitively expensive supplements or weight-management aids. The plan is simple to understand and to follow and requires only the purchase of the book, which includes recipe suggestions and sample meal plans. The program also encourages cutting processed foods, sugars and fat out of the diet and puts the dieter's focus on whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables. Stress management and mental health techniques are also emphasized as a way of improving the overall health of the dieter.
Disadvantages
Unfortunately, the dietary changes outlined in the Miracle Detox Diet may be too extreme for some dieters to be able to stick to successfully. The authors do not offer a money-back guarantee for dieters dissatisfied with the plan. In addition, the program does not incorporate any recommendations for regular exercise, a lifestyle habit that medical professionals say is an essential part of any weight-management program that will yield life-long results. The stress management activities that are recommended may be difficult for some people to afford. The Miracle Detox Diet cannot be followed by everyone: you are advised to avoid the plan if you are on a prescription medication, are pregnant or nursing, or suffer from diabetes, hypoglycemia, heart disease or any other serious medical condition.
Expert Insight
According to the Mayo Clinic, the premise behind the Miracle Detox Diet--that accumulated toxins and waste in the intestinal tract causes weight gain, poor health and fatigue--is not supported by any scientific evidence. Detoxification diets can cause a number of side effects, including nausea, dizziness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and dehydration. The Mayo Clinic advises that detoxification diets like the Miracle Detox Diet are largely unnecessary since the removal of toxins and wastes from the body is usually performed efficiently by the liver and the kidneys. If you choose to begin the Miracle Detox Diet, speak to your doctor first.
References
- Diet Spotlight: 7 Day Detox Miracle Review
- Sensational.com: 7 Day Detox Miracle
- Detox Safely: 7 Day Detox Miracle
- Dr. Peter Bennett Naturopathic Doctor: 7 Day Detox Miracle
- Chifountain.com: Spring Cleaning From the Inside Out, 7 Day Detox Plan
- MayoClinic.com: Do Detox Diets Offer any Health Benefits?
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