Cleansing diets, such as the six day cleansing program, are touted as a jump-start to greater health through detoxification. Many people, however, use the diets as quick fixes for weight loss before a big event, such as a wedding or special date. Dieters might see rapid results, but the slimming effects are probably due to water loss rather than fat loss. These pounds generally reappear when the dieter resumes normal eating habits.
Cleansing Diets
The six day cleanse is a fad diet that focuses on eliminating certain foods as a means to clearing toxins form the body and promoting weight loss. Numerous variations of the diet exist, each consisting of specific, regimented meal plans and meal times. Some also incorporate vitamins and herbal supplements, which could be dangerous for some people, particularly while using other medications. People with underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, should never use the six day cleansing diet or any other fad diet without first consulting a doctor.
Theories
Although some people claim to glean greater energy from a detox diet, such as the six day cleansing diet, little evidence exists to back these claims, says MayoClinic.com nutritionist Katherine Zeratsky. Proponents of cleansing diets theorize that modern day pollutants and widely used medications can tax the liver, and that detox diets relieve stress on the internal organs. However, your kidneys and liver are able to effectively remove and excrete most of the toxins you ingest.
Risks and Side Effects
Detox diets can cause nutritional deficiencies, muscle breakdown and noticeable side effects for some people. Among the risks are dehydration, fatigue, nausea and dizziness, which often result from consuming too few calories. Additionally, some dieters find that restrictive diets lead to binge eating and eventual weight gain.
Considerations
The six day cleansing diet is generally not a good idea for people who want to achieve permanent weight loss. Because this type of diets focuses on temporary changes for speedy results, dieters miss out on the opportunity to enjoy their meals and develop new eating patterns.The American Dietetic Association notes that slow weight loss -- about 1 lb. per week -- is more likely to last. When choosing a diet, don't focus on whether the plan yields results; instead, ask yourself if it's a healthy plan and if you could sustain it long term.
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