Cleansing diets focus on detoxifying harmful substances from the body. These substances are typically derived from packaged and processed foods. By fasting, your body purportedly removes these toxins and you become healthier. Cleansing diets are also used to kick-start certain weight loss programs. However, there is no scientific evidence to back the benefits of cleansing diets, and they can even be dangerous depending on your health condition. Consult with a doctor before starting a cleansing diet.
Function
Cleansing diets purportedly help your body remove toxins out through waste. Toxins are purportedly removed from the liver and kidneys. The diets are restrictive, most of which focus on beverages derived from fruits and vegetables. Some cleansing diets allow you to consume minimal amounts of fruit or vegetable soups in conjunction with juices. The length of a cleansing diet varies, usually lasting from one week up to one month.
Types
According to Everydiet.org, the most popular type of cleansing diet is the Master Cleanse, in which you primarily drink lemonade mixed with maple syrup. Other diets, such as the Raw Food Diet, focus on eating nothing but raw vegetables and some fruit. Colon cleanses are available on the market that are designed to help flush out toxins quicker. Such cleanses can leave you dehydrated, due to the rapid amount of fluid loss.
Misconceptions
Companies market their cleansing juices as methods of toxin removal that cannot otherwise occur on your own. USAToday.com points out that major organs in your body are capable of natural toxin removal without the use of restrictive diets. In the short-term, you will lose weight from cleanses. However, the weight you lose through any of these diets is likely attributed to water weight. When you stop the diet, you are susceptible to rapid weight gain.
Side Effects
Cleansing diets are harmful in the long-term, as they restrict nutrients and protein from the diet. Although the diets have sensible restrictions, such as no junk food, there are unreasonable restrictions against healthy sources of protein and carbohydrates. Over time, you will likely feel run down and fatigued. According to USAToday.com, cleansing diets may worsen preexisting diseases such as heart disease and hypertension.
Bottom Line
The effects of cleansing diets are temporary, and there is no evidence to show that your body is detoxified after doing them. You should not use detox diets for disease treatment since these diets lack clear-cut evidence that they work. Some of these diets may also be more caloric than you think. For example, USAToday.com reports that a day's serving of drinks from the Master Cleanse diet packs in 1,300 calories. Instead, you can eat a variety of healthy lean meats, fruits, grains and vegetables and still achieve the same amount of calories while gaining beneficial nutrients.
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