What is a detox diet?
‘Detox’ (short for detoxification) diets are touted as as a way to lose weight fast, and they work by eliminating toxins from the body.There are many different types of detox diets but they typically start off with a ‘cleansing phase’, which is around two to three days of fasting. This is usually followed by a strict diet of vegetables, fruit or fruit juices, and water.
Does the body need detoxification to lose weight fast?
Advocates of detox diets say that our bodies are certainly in need of detoxification because they are constantly overloaded with toxins from pollution, cigarette smoke, alcohol and processed foods. It is believed that such toxin buildups will lead to weight gain, fatigue and dull skin, thus a detox diet is required to restrict food intake and lose weight fast.
On the other hand, however, some believe that there is no evidence to prove that detox diets can help one to lose weight. There is actually no need for detox diets, unless you are constantly exposed to high amounts of heavy metals or radiation. The body’s circulatory, respiratory, urinary and digestive systems are perfectly capable of cleaning itself.
Benefits of detox diets
Although there’s little evidence that detox diets can help one to lose weight fast, some people feel more focused and energetic during and after detox diets. Besides this, some also experience a decrease in food cravings as the high-sugar and high-fat foods which they avoid during detox diets, had been responsible for stimulating food cravings.
Other benefits that detox dieters experience include a stronger immune system, clearer skin and shinier hair.
Possible dangers of detox diets
Some detox dieters do lose weight fast, but because they drop their calories so dramatically, their body will think that they are starving. Hence, their metabolic rate and hence fat-burning will slow down substantially. Besides, a majority of their weight loss comes from water loss and muscle tissue loss. The loss of muscle tissues again leads to slower metabolism. Thus, the weight lost will eventually come back very quickly.
Detox diets also severely limit protein and other important nutrients; and this can result in fatigue. Long-term fasting can also cause vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Other possible side-effects of detox diets include cramping, bloating, dehydration, nausea and vomiting