A natural cleanse, synonymous with a natural detoxification or simply detox diet, involves consuming only foods or liquids that supposedly flush the toxins from your system. Natural cleanse programs are fad diets and may feature a single food item or a combination of specific foods, such as citrus fruits, according to the “Gale Encyclopedia of Diets.” Attempting to cleanse or detoxify through diet is likely to have an undesirable effect on your bowel movements. See your doctor for advice before starting any new diet.
Diet Components
A natural cleansing program has no basis in health, according to a report in “USC Health Now,” a nutritional publication from the University of Southern California. Components of a natural cleanse may include drinking unpalatable liquids such as lemon juice combined with hot pepper and syrup or drinking freshly extracted juices of vegetables. Unfortunately, there is no clinical evidence that confirms any health benefits from this type of fad diet, except weight loss due to severely restricted caloric intake.
Bowel Movements and Other Side Effects
Diarrhea is a common side effect of a cleansing diet, according to the USC article. If diarrhea continues, the dieter is at risk of an electrolyte imbalance and dehydration. While you may lose weight, you may also lose muscle mass and increase your risk of blood sugar problems. Other adverse effects include nausea, tiredness and decreased immunity against viruses and infections.
Method
Cleansing diets include, but are not limited to, juice fasts in which the dieter drinks nothing but water, vegetable or fruit juice and herbal teas. A mono cleansing diet features only one food, usually a fruit such grapes or apples or a vegetable like carrots or celery. Some programs suggest taking a multivitamin supplement while others require extra detoxification practices like sauna baths, colonics or massage therapy.
Considerations
Do not start a natural cleansing program if you are pregnant, breast-feeding or if you have a kidney, heart or bowel condition, advises the USC article. Cleansing diets may promote a yo-yo dieting effect, reports the “Gale Encyclopedia,” in addition to being a symptom of an eating disorder. Talk to your doctor about healthy dieting and avoid fad diets.
References
- “The Gale Encyclopedia of Diets: A Guide to Health and Nutrition”; Jacqueline L. Longe, 2008
- USC Health Now: Debunking Detox Diets
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