Detox Rules

You may have heard that detox diets can speed up the removal of toxins from your body, aid in weight loss or boost your immune system. But you may not know that they can be addictive or cause other health problems. Knowing a few rules and tips for detox diets can enable you to minimize risks or complications, which may be severe in some cases.

Consult a Health Professional

In some cases, a detox diet may be harmful. For instance, you shouldn't try a detox diet if you are pregnant or have diabetes, heart disease or any other chronic condition; consult a physician if you fall into any of these categories. Also, teens should not do detox diets, as they can miss out on vital nutrients their bodies need for healthy growth and development.

Keep Your Detox Short

It's better to do a detox for three to five days twice a year than to try to endure one for a longer period. Prolonging a detox diet increases the amount of time you are missing out on nutrients such as iron, calcium or protein. As a result, it increases your risk of conditions such as anemia, lean muscle loss or constipation. With a prolonged juice fast --- a common method used in detox diets --- you may also miss out on fiber and experience symptoms such as constipation and abdominal cramps or disrupt your blood glucose levels.

Go Natural

Many detox supplements are laxatives, which increase bowel movements and your risk of dehydration, digestive problems and mineral imbalances. A safer route is to consume natural foods --- especially organic --- such as fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds and probiotics. You'll have greater control over what you're putting into your body and keep your nutrient intake at a healthier level than you would if you were relying on supplements.

Drink Enough Water

Staying well-hydrated will help you to cope with side effects of a detox diet such as hunger, headaches and lethargy. Water is also essential for every function involved in the detoxification process, including elimination of urine and bowel movements. Brenda Watson, coauthor of "The Detox Strategy," recommends drinking half your body weight in ounces of water daily. However, be aware that drinking too much water on a detox diet --- on which you may have reduced your sodium intake --- can increase your risk of hyponatremia, a dangerous condition that can lead to nausea, vomiting, confusion, a seizure or coma.