Detox diets seem to be all the rage lately, but do they really work? Dietitian Faye Harrison writes for the Good Life on whether detox diets are necessary as part of a healthy and well-balanced diet.
Myth: Detox Diets are needed to cleanse the system and initiate weight loss
Detox diets or ‘detoxing’, usually consist of eating very little (often just fruit) and drinking plenty of fluids intended to ‘cleanse’ the body of toxins and ‘kick start’ your metabolism with rapid weight loss. The weight loss is not fat loss however, it is mainly water and body protein (found in muscles, the heart, lungs and other organs) which is broken down to fuel your everyday functions, such as walking and breathing. This breakdown will occur whenever your body does not get enough energy from food, as in the case of excessive dieting and detoxing. Weight lost, is just as rapidly regained when you start eating again.
Ironically, protein breakdown produces toxins, like urea, which are then removed by the body’s filter, the kidney. The kidneys as well as the liver are your body’s natural cleansers which neutralise and remove bodily toxins on a daily basis. Your body does not need help with the tasks it is already designed to do!
So not only are detox diets ineffective at cleansing, but they are harmful, as they produce toxins and muscle loss. Is there anything you can do to prevent overloading your body with toxins? Yes! Eat a healthy, balanced diet, keep hydrated with 8 glasses of clean, safe water every day and limit toxin-producing processed foods and alcohol.
Myth= busted!
Would you like a consult with a private practise dietitian? Contact Faye on 072 524 4495 or e-mail her at fayecandiceharrison@yahoo.com
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