What's there to Detox about?

Lose Weight Fast!

Increase Energy!

Improve your Immunity!

Rid your body of all the toxins that are keeping it from functioning properly!

Ah yes, the battle cry of detox diets everywhere-programs that claim to return the body to pristine operating condition by riding it of all those nasty chemicals built up by our diets and the environment.

That all sounds well and good except for one little hangup- the human body is made up of several of the most complex and efficient detoxification machines known to man: the liver, kidneys, intestines, and lungs [1]. Our bodies are constantly working to filter out and rid the tissues of toxins, and it does an incredible job. The body does such a good job, in fact, that there is absolutely no scientific evidence to support the notion that we need to take the additional measures promoted by detox or "cleanse" diets. So if there isn't any evidence that detox diets are doing any good, are they doing any harm?

Detox diets typically include a period of fasting followed by a strict diet of fruits and veggies or specialty shakes and/or vitamins, supplements, and proprietary herbal remedies. Participants of this type of diet often claim to feel more energetic and healthier, but this is a placebo effect likely contributed by feeling happy because they think are doing something good for their bodies [2]. In truth, this type of extreme dieting can lead to several very serious health issues [2,3]:

• Dehydration
• Nausea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• increase risk of slowing metabolism
• increase the risk of some individuals developing eating disorders

Even with all these potential side effects, there is NO scientific evidence that detox diets actually remove any additional toxins from the body [1,2,3]. Anyone who plans to follow a detox diet should only do so under the supervision of a physician.

If you want your body to function at its optimum level, the best diet is one rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low fat dairy [3].

References:

1- Carter D. Coming clean: Detox diets are back. Courier-Journal.com. http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20090821/FEATURES0401/908210322/Coming+clean++Detox+diets+are+back. Retrieved on October 11, 2011.

2- Illiades C. The truth about detox diets. Everyday Health.com. http://www.everydayhealth.com/digestive-health/the-truth-about-detox-diets.aspx. Retrieved on October 11, 2011.

3- Zeratsky K. Do detox diets offer any health benefits. The Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/detox-diets/AN01334. Retrived on October 11, 2011.

Photo Credit: Dora Mitsonia via www.sxc.hu