Many of us have tried a detox at least once in the course of our lives. Although detoxification sounds appealing, what science is behind it? Does it make us healthier?
Five nutrition experts were asked by us to determine if detox diets have any health benefits. Here's what we found
What is a detox?
There are many detox diets, and not just one. Expert in dietetics at the University of Queensland Dr. Veroniquechay says detox diets include everything, including enemas, colonic irrigation, lemon juice detox, or water fasts, exclusion of certain food groups and purging with herbs, large dose nutrient supplementation and sweat lodges.
What are detox diets supposed to do?
One thing unites all detox diets: they purge the body of toxins. These toxins can come from many sources. Dr. Chachay explained that there are external sources such as "molecules from deep-frying and char-grilling as well as alcohol or additives in processed food."
"There are medications, tobacco smoking, and environmental pollutants.
"Toxin buildup is believed to be the primary cause of weight gain, constipation and bloating. "Detoxing" is a process that allows the body to remove toxins. This will make a person feel better and help them lose weight," Dr. Tim Crowe from Thinking Nutrition, a nutrition expert.
Are detox diets worth the hype?
Does this diet claim to detoxify the body? All experts agreed that this was not possible. Expert in diabetes and public healthcare from the University of Wollongong, Dr. Gideon MeyerowitzKatz said, "Generally speaking, the idea of an intervention being able to 'detoxify' someone or that there are things you can and should detox from is not supported by evidence." Many of these diets refer to vague toxins that, even though they are harmful, will not be eliminated by the chosen diet.
Expert in nutrition and obesity at the University of Sydney Dr. Nicholas Fuller says that substances are toxic only based on how many we consume them. When someone is being treated for dangerous levels of a substance that are life-threatening, 'detoxification is necessary.
Dr. Chachay says that the human body is a self-healing, self-detoxing, comprehensive apparatus. No matter what kind of detox you are doing, it will still perform its detoxification tasks. It is important to provide the right ingredients for optimal function every day, and not just a quick fix detox.
What are the health benefits of a detox?
Are detox diets able to "detoxify" the body, as they claim, or do they offer other health benefits?
Dr. Crowe states that "anyone, especially one who had a poor diet, who eats more fruits, vegetables, drinks more water, eats less fat and added sugar, and drinks less alcohol will naturally feel happier."
It is common to notice weight loss when following restrictive detox diets. Dr. Crowe states that this is due to the fact that detox diets can drastically reduce kilojoule intake. Once a person returns to their normal diet, and their carbohydrate stores are replenished, the weight will return.
Psychological benefits of detox diets include the ability to help people think about their food choices. Dr. Crowe says that a detox diet may be the beginning of a long-term change in a person's diet and lifestyle.
What are the downfalls of detox diets
There are many downsides to detoxing. Dr. Crowe sums them up as follows:
Initial feeling of fatigue and lack of energy
Many of them recommend that organic food be purchased at a cost they can afford.
If a commercial program is used, the cost of the detox kit
Supplements can be purchased if recommended by your diet
You will need to be more organized to ensure that you have enough 'allowed foods' at work and home.
It is difficult to eat out and socialize as many restaurants and social events do not offer detox-friendly food.
These short-term benefits, such as weight loss or other positive effects, can also be demoralizing. They may not encourage long-term healthy eating.
Dr. Crowe concluded that the detox fad might encourage people to believe they can live a unhealthy lifestyle for most of the year, and then reverse the damage with a quick detox. This theory does not work.
The bottom line: Most detox diets have negative side effects that outweigh their benefits.
This article is based on five expert answers to the question: Does detox diets have any health benefits?
This expert response was published by Metafact.io, an independent fact-checking platform. Subscribe to their weekly newsletter.
