{"id":750,"date":"2015-02-24T05:28:09","date_gmt":"2015-02-24T03:28:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dieticiansatwork.co.za\/blog\/?p=750"},"modified":"2015-02-24T12:05:10","modified_gmt":"2015-02-24T10:05:10","slug":"detoxing-diets-myths-vs-reality","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dieticiansatwork.co.za\/blog\/detoxing-diets-myths-vs-reality\/","title":{"rendered":"DETOXING DIETS: MYTHS VS REALITY"},"content":{"rendered":"

Written by: Sue Scharf<\/a> RD(SA):\"detox-your-body\"<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

People often feel that they need to \u201cdetox\u201d when they feel run-down, lethargic, bloated, and that they are carrying more weight than they should be. Articles in the media, popular magazines, and on the web often promise an instant cure from these symptoms \u2013 and typically recommend a \u201cdetox diet\u201d accompanied by supplements.<\/p>\n

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MYTH<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cDetox diets flush toxins out of your system\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

TRUTH<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Your body is already an expert at eliminating toxic substances from your system, no matter what you eat or drink. Toxins do not build up in your liver \/ kidneys \/ colon, or any other part of your body. \u00a0The body has an inbuilt process whereby all toxins and waste products are eliminated (usually via the liver \/ kidneys \/ colon).<\/p>\n

Diets that promise to \u201cdetox\u201d your liver or \u201ccleanse\u201d your colon, by means of adding in supplements, should be avoided. Not only are these diets and supplements not good, but they could actually be extremely dangerous.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

MYTH<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Detox diets improve cholesterol levels, prevent heart disease and help treat diabetes; also treat colon disorders.<\/strong><\/p>\n

TRUTH<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Detox diets DO NOT improve blood pressure or cholesterol levels. There is no positive effect of a detox diet on heart disease. A detox diet is dangerous for those with diabetes, and may cause severe low blood glucose levels with subsequent long-term damage. Long-term colon issues may result as a consequence of repeated \u00a0\u201ccolon-cleansing\u201d.<\/p>\n

On the contrary, a correct \u201cclean\u201d eating plan WILL lower cholesterol, reduce weight and blood pressure and will assist in the management of diabetes, thus preventing long-term complications. See end of article for ideas.<\/p>\n

Typical detox diets are usually short-term, and not intended for the long term, and can range in length from 3 -7 days and even up to 3 months.<\/p>\n

The type and method of detoxing will vary from diet to diet, but does usually involve some form of fasting for a period of 24-48 hours; or alternatively drinking only fluids in this time period. Some detox diets allow some foods, usually fresh fruits and vegetables, and\/or vegetable\/fruit juices. The logic used by the authors of these diets, is that this assists in flushing the body. As mentioned in the beginning\u2026 the body does not need assistance in \u201cflushing of waste products\u201d: it will flush automatically (unless the liver or kidneys have failed, for which hospitalization and dialysis may be indicated!).<\/p>\n

Those following a fad-detox diet often report one or more of the following symptoms:<\/strong><\/p>\n