We’ve all heard of them – diets that will hopefully detoxify or cleanse the body of impurities, giving you a fresh start, from the inside out just in time to get your summer body back. They vary greatly in their recommended applications: anything from cutting out all possible sources of sugar, to eating only vegetables and drink only water for days and weeks at a time. In this post, Pick n Pay Dietitian, Leanne Kiezer weighed in on the subject to help you make an informed choice about detox diets.
Detox diets are not scientifically valid, or necessary for health. In fact, extreme detox diets can harm health by excluding important nutrients from the diet. The body is a well-developed system that has its own built-in mechanisms to detoxify and remove waste and toxins. Our body constantly filters out, breaks down and excretes toxins and waste products like alcohol, medications, products of digestion, dead cells, chemicals from pollution and bacteria.
There are no pills or specific drinks, patches or lotions that can do a magic job of ‘cleansing’ your system. If you have over-indulged on alcohol, for example, the liver works hard to break down the alcohol into products it can remove.
Being well-hydrated is a sensible strategy, but drinking too much water can be as dangerous as not drinking enough. It sounds predictable, but for the vast majority of people, a sensible diet and regular physical activity really are the only ways to properly maintain and maximise your health.
People often say they feel better when detoxing and connect that feeling to what they are/are not eating. However, not smoking, drinking less alcohol, getting enough sleep, fresh air and exercise will also help you feel healthier and more energised. This is more likely to be the cause of the feeling of health better than food exclusions.
A balanced diet
It does make sense to avoid excessive intakes of caffeine, alcohol and high-fat, high-sugar foods and eat some fresh foods, which a lot of the ‘detox diets’ suggest.
However, if you want to maintain optimal health then the best approach is a balanced diet, with at least five portions of vegetables and fruit a day; small portions of wholegrain carbohydrates; lean meat, fish and alternatives like beans and pulses and low-fat dairy products. Keep to sensible alcohol and caffeine limits too.
If you are looking to lose weight then consider reducing portion sizes, and don’t forget to be active every day. This is the most sustainable approach to weight management.
Caution about detox diets
Detox diets are a marketing myth rather than nutritional reality. They sound like a great concept and it would be great if they really delivered all that they promised! Unfortunately, many of the claims made by detox diet promoters are exaggerated, not based on robust science and any benefit short-lived.
While they may encourage some positive habits like eating more fruit and vegetables, it’s best to enjoy a healthy, varied diet and active lifestyle rather than following a detox diet.
How we can help you on your journey to better health
Momentum Multiply members enjoy great savings with our partners, like up to 12% in cashbacks at Pick n Pay, Dis-Chem and Makro where you can purchase healthier food. Visit our partner rewards page to see all the other savings you can enjoy on your journey to better health.
Did you know?
Pick n Pay is committed to promoting health and wellbeing among South Africans, and employs a Registered Dietitian to provide free nutrition-related advice to the public. Contact the Pick n Pay Health Hotline on 0800 11 22 88 or [email protected] to start your nutrition conversation.
You may also want to read this post on fad diets.
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