Detox diets or programs are used for a number of reasons. Some people use them to lose weight while others use them to "cleanse" their bodies. Detoxing usually involves avoiding most solid foods and drinking only water or juices. Some require people to drink herbal teas or supplements to help speed up the "cleansing process." Detox diets can last up to 10 days.
Health Benefits
Whether detoxing diets offer any health benefits is up for debate. According to experts at the Mayo Clinic, the body is very effective at getting rid of toxins through the kidneys and liver. This means that detox diets are, at best, useless. Detox diets might provide some short-term benefits, but this is usually a result of drinking more water and eating more natural foods, not because your body is being "cleaned." Some of those benefits include eliminating bloating, keeping your skin and body hydrated and increasing the amount of nutrients you consume, usually in the form of fruit and vegetable juices.
Dangers
Detox diets can cause a number of side effects, some more serious than others. Common side effects include nausea, dizziness, weakness and fatigue. Dehydration is possible with longer detoxing. It can also cause diarrhea, especially if the diet requires you to drink special teas or supplements that are laxatives.
Expert Insight
Short-term detox diets might be OK for adults who are strong and healthy. According to doctor Victoria Maizes from the University of Arizona in Tucson, a one-day detox diet that's based on fresh juices should not present any dangers as long as you're healthy. If you have a medical condition or if you plan on detoxing for longer, you should talk to your doctor.
Extreme Effects
According to a 2008 article published in the UK's "The Sunday Times" newspaper, a patient slipped into a coma for four days after following a strict detox diet. The diet required eating very little and drinking lots of water. This resulted in hyponatremia, or water intoxication. This is a serious risk of extreme diets that can affect people of all ages, even if they're healthy.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Do Detox Diets Offer Any Health Benefits?; Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.; April 2010
- Kids Health; Are Detox Diets Safe; Mary L. Gavin, MD; January 2009
- Weight Loss Resources; Detox Diets Under the Spotlight; Juliette Kellow BSC RD; February 2004
- The Sunday Times; Is Detox Safe?; Peta Bee; August 2008
- Health.com; Are Detox Diets Good for You?; Alicia Potter; May 2008
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