Demystifying detox diets

Drop a dress size in 10 days, get rid of cellulite forever: these are the sort of claims made by "detoxification" diet plans that have become all the rage. The market is crowded with all sorts of products and plans that are supposed to help purge our bodies of chemicals and toxins, while helping us to lose weight fast.

However, do you really need to rid your body of dietary "poisons"? Do your colon, liver, and lymph nodes need to be flushed and cleaned? Should you try one of these detox diet plans for weight loss and optimal body performance?

According to some doctors and dietitians, the answer is a resounding "no".  A day on a detox diet programme probably won't hurt you, but there's little point in following these restrictive diets. They can even do far more harm than good, says Dr Michelle May, author of Am I Hungry? What to Do When Diets Don't Work."Extreme diets generally do little more than cause frustration, are potentially dangerous, and, in general, are a waste of time and money," May says.

What is a "detox" diet?

Many detox diets promote herbs, pills, potions, colonic irrigation, and/or fasts to rid the body of impurities. They also often promise fast weight loss. While this could help shed unwanted kilos, it won’t be because of any medical ‘magic’ but because these plans are extremely low in calories.

Detox diets tend to be extremely restrictive, allowing only unprocessed plant foods, which are supposed to assist the lymph, kidneys, and liver with the detoxification process.

Litres of water or specially formulated drinks containing herbs are generally the only liquids allowed. One plan calls for only liquids, including laxative teas to be consumed for 10 days, without any solids. Coffee, tea, alcohol, processed foods, and animal products are not usually part of any detox diet plans.

Enjoying a plant-based diet is perfectly healthy, but a lot of detox diets go to extremes, experts say. The limited variety of foods and beverages and minimum calories is of concern because it is very difficult to get all the nutrients and energy you need for good health with such restrictive regimes. Unless you have religious or cultural reasons to fast or follow detox programmes, she advises against them.

Potential dangers of detox diets

Not only do some experts say that we don't need detox diets, they believe these regimens have the potential to be harmful.

Drastic fluid losses can upset the delicate fluid and electrolyte balance, can cause gastro-intestinal distress, headaches, fatigue and irritability, and can lead to dehydration.

Colons don't need flushing unless you are preparing for a medical procedure like a colonoscopy. Colonic irrigation and enemas tamper with the body's natural fluid and electrolyte balance and can lead to infection, irregularity, and dehydration. Instead, you may wish to try a high fibre diet, as eating more fibre in wholegrains, bran, fruits, vegetables, beans, and nuts is a safe and natural way to add bulk to your diet.

Fasting or following very restrictive detox diets can slow your metabolism, making it harder to lose weight once you start eating again. In many cases, these diets can result in rebound overeating because of excess hunger, deprivation, and an out-of-control feeling that is not because of a metabolic imbalance or addiction but instead driven by the deprivation of the diet plan.