The Detox Diet: Does It Really Work?
A detox diet generally refers to a regimen where consumptions habits are drastically changed over a span of several days to a few weeks. Its main purpose is to remove toxins from the body by leaving a threadbare amount of food to excrete during this period. Proponents believe that by doing so, even toxins which have been stuck in the system for years will eventually be flushed out.
There is little scientific evidence to back the true efficacy of detox, but fasting has been practiced for ages. Most religions have some sort of fasting ritual which, they say, makes a person purer in mind and spirit. Catholics have it on Lent; Jews have their Yom Kippur, and Muslims observe fasting on Ramadan.
Today, you can pick the detox diet of your choice. Some that are gaining popularity in the country are: one that involves all-liquid menus; another that involves complete fasting for three days straight; and yet another where the dieter consumes just one particular type of soup.
Dr. Lanou of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine explains that the toxins targeted in the detox diet are those that have entered our bodies from habits such as smoking or drinking and even from taking prescription medications. Pesticides in the environment and food additives also bring toxins into our systems are also targeted.
When people suddenly shift to a “clean diet,” the toxins are flushed out, resulting in healthier cells in the digestive tract and the respiratory system. Dr. Lanou adds that even if the medical evidence favoring the detox diet is patchy at best, the diet is grounded on some sensible facts.
She says that when the cells of the digestive system are given a rest during fasting, they are able to re-create and jump back stronger and healthier. This may be the reason why people who try it end up feeling lighter and rejuvenated.
Celebrities and the detox diet
Contributing to the hype in detox diets are the celebrities who suddenly show up with new, sculpted figures and swear by the program they’ve just undergone. Beyonce Knowles, star of Dreamgirls, attributes her dramatic weight loss to the Master Cleanse Detox Diet. This is the detox diet that includes laxative tea, a cayenne pepper formula, lemon juice, maple syrup, drinking saline solution, and lots of water.
Waifish Victoria Beckham has also revealed the detox diet which makes her look unbelievably svelte – it’s composed of lettuce, strawberries, soya edamame beans, and seaweed and algae drinks.
There’s some logic to the detox diet she’s taking, though, as algae has detoxifying properties and the seaweed regulates the body’s metabolism. Strawberries are known to be rich in oxidants and edamame beans are rich in protein but are hardly fattening.
Despite these benefits, the detox diet should never be taken for extended periods because they are not nutritionally complete. Most programs lack essential minerals such as calcium, which we need for strong bones and healthy teeth. It also doesn’t give the carbs we need to sustain energy for strenuous activities.