We are surrounded by a lot of harmful substances every day. It is understandable that you may be tempted to give up alcohol and drugs in order to lose weight. Do they live up to expectation?

Eliminating toxins from your body is one of the main goals of the cleanse diet. A period of fast is followed by a strict diet of fruit, vegetables, juices, and water. A lot of the time, they include a lot of herbs, teas, and supplements. They are usually short and intense. Many celebrities and influential people promote the benefits of diet and cleanse on social media. Medical professionals say that they can be dangerous for our health.

To see if there is any evidence to back up the health claims, we looked into the common health claims. We talk about what actions you can take to rid your body of toxins.

What is detoxification?

The removal of toxic substances from the body is the main part of the process. The Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease states that the liver is the center of this process. It is the most abundantAntioxidant in the body and it can regenerate itself.

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There are two phases in the process of removing toxins from the body. Toxic substances are converted into less toxic compounds during phase I. These are not allowed to build up and stay in the body. They need to be removed from the body with urine and feces. It's done by making the watersoluble.

The body has a lymphatic system that helps it rid itself of toxins.

liver illustration

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Detox diets & cleanses: What they can and can’t do

The scientific community doesn't agree on the benefits of diet and lifestyle changes. There is very little clinical evidence that they can deliver on their promises. Some studies have shown that certain food compounds may be able to boost liver detoxification processes, but they've been mostly done on animals, so it's hard to translate these findings to humans.

Liver detoxification 

The diet claims to increase the amount of bile in the body. It's possible that the extent to which components can do this is limited. Glutathione can be found in some vegetables. The body doesn't have a direct transport system for Glutathione, and it's poorly absorbed in the GI tract.

The right diet can help to increase our levels of Glutathione. According to a review published in the Nutrients journal, taking the vitamins and minerals can increase the body's production of glutathione. Multiple studies have shown that regular consumption of cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, cauliflower and brussel sprout, can help to increase the activity of the liver's detoxification system.

There isn't much evidence that certain supplements can help with the removal of toxins from the bile duct. Studies done with human subjects did not show the same results as studies done with animals.

The liver may not be able to remove some chemicals. There are substances like lead orBPA. It can take a long time for your body to get rid of them even if you eat a lot.

Toxin elimination  

The diet claims to rid the body of toxins through feces, urine and sweat. There are aspects of the diet that can help with this. If you drink more water and eat more fruit and vegetables you will be able to remove toxins from your body.

The excessive use of various 'cleanses' is endorsed by many Detox Diets. Laxatives, enemas and colon hydrotherapy are some of the activities and products that can cleanse your bicyle.

Medical professionals are worried about the consequences of abusing cleanse. The absorption of water and electrolytes from the gut is what makes normal bowel function possible. Laxatives can help with occasional constipation, but shouldn't be used frequently. Studies show that abuse of laxatives can cause harm to the body's acid balance and electrolytes.

Circulation

Many diet plans claim to improve circulation. Eliminating alcohol, coffee, cigarettes, and refined sugar will have a positive impact on both the short and long term. Blood pressure can be lowered by drinking more water. Intermittent fasts may help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

In most cases, a diet that lasts long enough to change your cardiovascular health isn't a good idea. They may not have the right amount of heart-protecting vitamins.

Detox diets & cleanses: Are there any risks?

There are risks to your physical health and mental wellbeing if you follow a high-restriction diet. According to a study in Obesity Reviews, long-term fasts can lead to deficiency of vitamins and minerals, as well as exhaustion. There is a risk of getting too much of a variety of supplements and even water.

woman making a vegetable juice in her kitchen

(Image credit: Getty Images)

The juice fast is an example of a diet that can be very bad. The risk of dehydration and electrolyte abnormality can be increased with a liquid diet. Some of the juices used in this diet are not adequately Pasteurized. It is possible that raw juices contain harmfulbacteria that can cause illness.

It's possible that a diet that's free of toxins is harmful to mental health. Some people who drink and eat too much may feel the need to drink only juices in order to get back in shape. This may lead to a vicious cycle of restriction and binge eating. A study from Hungary made a connection between eating disorders and diet plans. There is a mental health disorder called orthorexia nervosa. Feelings of anxiety, isolation and depression can be caused by strict diet and eating habits.

How to detox safely

Some of the features of a detoxify diet could help you get rid of toxins. Drinking plenty of water, eating plenty of fresh produce, avoiding sugars, alcohol, and caffeine, and taking care of your body can all help improve your health. The problem with most diet is that they are usually short term interventions. Long-term behavior changes are the only way to improve your health. It is more effective to maintain a balanced diet than it is to follow a radical diet. Our Mediterranean diet meal plan is easy to follow.

  • Related: Why is water important? 

Improving your gut health is more important than using colon cleansing. A functional system of the stomach will promote good health. Poor diet quality, antibiotic use, and excessive alcohol consumption can change the composition of your gutbacteria. Prebiotic foods can be added to your diet. You may want to look into a supplement that protects your body from harmful organisms.

It's not just about what you eat. If you want to stay free from toxins, you need to change your lifestyle: give up smoking, reduce your exposure to pollution, and engage in physical activity.

Good sleep hygiene is important. According to a review published in Brain Sciences, sleeping allows your brain to reorganize and replenish itself, as well as remove toxic waste from the environment. You should aim for seven to nine hours per night to get the health benefits.

The article is not meant to give medical advice.

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