Detox diet: What are its benefits to health and side effects?

Detox is a process of neutralising and eliminating toxins. Toxins are elements that can potentially harm body tissues, and to excrete such toxins from the body and transform them to less harmful compounds, the liver, intestines, kidneys, lungs, skin, blood, and lymphatic systems work together. Hence, it is advised to go for detox diets.

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What is a detox diet?

Detox diets are extensively promoted online and in magazines. Three-day, seven-day, and other longer detoxification plans are promoted for weight loss, improved health, and other benefits. Most plans recommend that you limit your calorie intake significantly and also suggest that you consume only juices or smoothies. 

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Experts say:

A detox diet is touted to remove toxins from the body. Experts agree that caring for our bodies with a balanced approach to food, along with adequate sleep and movement, supports our natural detoxification systems. Most often, detox diets are restrictive fad diets that can promote food fear.

—Willow Jarosh, MS, RD

Benefits

Detox diets are popular diet plans, there have been very few clinical trials to support the use of these diets. Initial research suggests that certain foods and substances may have properties that aid detoxification, but most of the research is animal- or laboratory-based. Some people concentrate on vegetable-based recipes, drinking water, and exercising.

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Side effects

The side effects of the detox diet depend on the plan and the duration you are following it. You may feel hungry and weak, or have low energy, low blood sugar, dizziness, nausea or light-headedness during this diet. One of the most common side effects is a headache within the first few days of beginning the detox diet, which is often due to caffeine extraction.

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DISCLAIMER: If any deteriorating of symptoms or new symptoms occur during a detox diet, one should visit a qualified health professional or consult a dietician. Also, the effects of the above information may vary from person to person.

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