Detox Diet

Safety of the Detox Diet
By Linda Rogers

We hear of detox diets toady as something reassuring us against the horrors of bad eating and dietary intoxication. Celebrity chat and rehabilitation stories of former addicts appear to value the detox diet as some lifesaving means of healthy living. Nevertheless, scientific research has found that diet publicized as detox can cast harmful side effects to body health, especially in adolescents and young adults.

Nature of Detox Diet

Proponents of detox diets assert that toxins are not effectively removed by excretion but they tend to linger in the digestive, lymphatic, and gastrointestinal systems of the body. Hair and skin also harbor these toxic substances. These noxious chemicals cause a number of health problems like tiredness, headaches, and nausea.

To cleanse the body of toxins, supporters of detox diets suggest stopping the intake of certain types of foods that bring toxins into the body. Many of these diets stress on some kind of fasting i.e. stopping the intake of certain foods for a few days and then gradually reintroducing them. Enemas and use of herbal supplements are also encouraged in these dietary approaches.

Detox Diet Plan

Typically, a detox diet plan puts the subject on a completely liquid diet for a couple of days followed by four to five days of fruit, brown rice, and steamed vegetables. Gradually other foods are reintroduced but not allowing eggs, sugar, red meat, or junk foods.

Toxin Elimination

Supporters of detox diets contend that these diets eliminate toxins. However, there is no convincing scientific evidence that these diets can actually eliminate toxins in the body. Furthermore, the elimination of toxins alone does not make a person healthier and stronger.

Disadvantages

It should be remembered that detox diets are meant for short-term use for beginners. These diets are not recommended for teenagers because teens are in great need of proteins and carbohydrates for growth. Fasting and other food restrictions make detox diets a bad choice for adolescents and young adults.

Another disadvantage of these diets is their addictive quality. Serious eating disorders can arise as a person becomes addicted to detox diets and fasting. Then there is the case of laxatives frequently used in these diet plans. Laxatives cause frequent visits to bathroom and this can cause dehydration, mineral imbalances in the body, and other digestive disorders. Fasting also slows down the metabolic processes, causing weight problems. To sum up, it is important to remember that detox diets have certain advantages but ignoring other diets that are essential components of growth and body health is not a wise choice.

Author Details:
Linda Rogers, copywriter for various websites including, Detox and The A - Z

Article Source: Top Articles

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