There are several variations of the detox – or detoxification – diet, but they all work essentially the same way. Typically, a detox diet concentrates on consuming food known to be healthy, such as fruit, yoghurt and uncooked vegetables. Consumption of water is another key feature of the diet and some variations of the diet require you to consume virtually nothing but water for the first few days. Some detox diets recommend consuming herbal supplements and liver tonics as well.
Advocates of the diet claim that most of the foods we eat contain harmful substances, which when consumed regularly make us feel tired, lethargic or sick. Therefore, the diet strictly avoids such unhealthy – or toxic – substances such as meats, fish, alcohol and coffee. Eliminating these harmful foods from your diet supposedly helps to rid the body of virtually all toxic and contaminating substances.
Supporters of the detox diet claim that following it not only causes you to lose weight, it also improves general health, energy levels and resistance to various diseases. Detox diets also concentrate on low fat and high fiber foods and there is some evidence that the diet can help to strengthen the intestine and lymphatic system. Doctors have also suggested that the detox diet can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Detox diets have several disadvantages. They cannot normally be safely followed for a period of more than a week, although some people do, claiming it as a “lifestyle” rather than just a diet. Most detox diets mean that the participant is not getting their full share of nutrients or proteins and some critics point out that fruit and vegetables often contain more toxins than fish and meat.
Users of the diet claim of unpleasant side effects such as sore muscles, headaches and a general feeling of weakness. And most normally healthy people will naturally eliminate most toxins from their body by way of lungs, kidney and liver.
In conclusion, like several other “faddish” diets, the detox diet is not recommended by doctors for long term use and is best practiced as a means to start another more established diet.