Seven-day detoxification, or detox, diets vary in the foods allowed, but dieters' reasons for using the diets are consistent--quick weight loss or cleansing the body of toxins. Detox diets involve a combination of fasting and a strict schedule of eating only limited types of drinks and foods, such as water, fruit juices, fruit and raw vegetables. Some diets require the use of specific supplements or colon cleansing products to help empty the intestines. Some people report positive benefits from detox diets, such as increased mental focus and energy, according to MayoClinic.com.
Detox Diets
The menus for most detox diets usually include whole, unprocessed foods produced without pesticides or other chemicals. Some detox diets restrict dieters to organic or vegetarian foods. The diet is high in fruits and vegetables and requires dieters to drink about 2 liters of water daily. Some diets require dieters to use certain pills or products, such as enemas and laxatives, or certain herbs, such as licorice root or psyllium seed, to enhance the detoxification process. Detox diets require dieters to abstain from tobacco, drugs, caffeine and alcohol and avoid foods that are processed or refined.
Detox Diet Menus
A seven-day menu for most detox diets begins each morning with room temperature lemon water. After day 1, the many detox diet menus differ. One detox diet requires dieters to drink herbal teas and coconut water and eat fruits and vegetables. On day two, dieters add smoothies, soup and more vegetables. Steamed salmon is added to the menu on day four and brown rice is added on day six. The menu for the cabbage soup diet, which is also a seven-day detox diet, limits dieters to cabbage soup, fruits and vegetables. Some detox diets provide recipes for special smoothies or drinks that are supposed to help with cleansing.
Claims
According to KidsHealth, there is no scientific data that supports claims that detox diets work for detoxification or for weight loss. Your body's kidneys and liver remove most of the toxins from your body; however, some people believe that many toxins never leave the body and can cause illness and other conditions or symptoms. Some people promote the use of detox diets as a way to jump start a weight loss plan or to clean specific bodily organs, such as the liver. Most weight loss that occurs during a detox diet is water weight and some muscle loss and the weight returns quickly. Detox diets can actually make it harder for you to lose weight since long periods of fasting can slow your metabolism.
Side Effects and Dangers
The side effects of detox diets include dehydration, dizziness, fatigue and nausea, according to Katherine Zeratsky, a registered dietitian writing for MayoClinic.com. The use of laxatives can cause mineral imbalances and digestive system problems. Frequent use of detox diets and laxatives can be addictive and lead to serious medical conditions, such as heart disease, as well as death.
Tips and Warnings
Talk to your doctor before beginning a detox diet, especially if you have heart disease, diabetes or another medical condition. Detox diets are intended for short-term use because of the dietary restrictions, which can decrease the vital nutrients available to your body. According to KidsHealth, teenagers and younger children should not use detox diets, which do not provide the protein, calories and other nutrients required for the rapid growth and development of teens. Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and people with eating disorders should not use the detox diet.
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