If you're concerned about the accumulation of body toxins or losing excess weight, going on a detoxifying liquid diet may seem appealing, though you should also keep your health and safety in mind. Before starting any kind of diet, especially an extreme fasting diet, check with a doctor. To make health and wellness a priority, you need to make smart, sensible choices when it comes to dieting.
Types
A wide variety of detoxifying liquid diets exist, from quick cleanses to more intense fasting regimens. Some liquid diets last only a day or two, with food slowly introduced back into your diet after the initial detox. Other liquid diets may last as long as 10 days and sometimes incorporate other elements such as enemas and laxative supplementation. As far as the type of liquid consumed, this also varies. Some diet programs offer pre-packaged shakes, while other programs use soup or tea mixtures.
Theory
Those who promote detoxifying liquid diets believe that our bodies accumulate toxins, which can lead to sickness and other physical problems. Fasting and flushing out your body with lots of liquid supposedly flushes out these toxins and purges your body of the bad substances left behind from processed food, environmental pollution and other sources. Liquid detox diets are also promoted as a way to quickly lose a lot of weight, since consuming only liquid means you're severely restricting your caloric intake.
Considerations
According to the Nemours Foundation, verifiable scientific proof does not exist to support the idea that a detoxifying liquid diet effectively flushes out toxins. Additionally, most of the weight you lose though this type of fasting regimen is water weight or muscle, not fat. The Nemours Foundation also notes that going on an all liquid diet can actually slow your metabolism, which will make it harder to keep weight off and lose more weight in the future.
Warning
Any type of detoxifying liquid diet comes with some potentially serious risks. The American Heart Association warns that fasting on liquids can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Your body needs a wide variety of nutrients to function properly, and nutrient deprivation stresses your body and can lead to poor health as well as unpleasant side effects. If you experience any problems while on a liquid diet, such as dizziness, nausea, headaches or extreme weakness, call a doctor. Listen to what your body tells you, and make your health and safety a priority.
Alternatives
According to Mayo Clinic nutritionist Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D., your body is perfectly capable of eliminating toxins without fasting on a fad diet. Instead of compromising your health with an extreme diet, consider making more sensible, long term changes instead. Limit fat, exercise regularly and eat less processed food and more fresh vegetables. Follow a balanced diet based on the USDA's nutritional guidelines, which are endorsed by medical professionals and pose no immediate health risks.
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