While detox diets and cleanses may sound like a great way to kick-start losing weight, they often come with health risks and side effects. And none of these diets have proven to be effective in the long term.
So, before you start a detox diet, you should consider these three important facts:
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, your body works around the clock to remove internal toxins like lactic acid and urea and external toxins like pesticides and chemicals when you breathe, sweat, or go to the bathroom.
Want to support your body’s natural detox system? You can:
Drinking only certain juices or teas or eating only certain foods are often key factors of detox diets. And some include herbs, supplements, or laxatives. Severely limiting your diet or adding certain substances can sometimes cause harmful side effects.
For example, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH):
According to the NIH, some detox juices have not been treated to remove harmful bacteria that can make people sick. Those especially at risk are children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
The NIH and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration report that several companies have been caught using illegal ingredients in their detox products or selling products under false claims or for unapproved uses. Some illegal ingredients can have dangerous interactions with prescription drugs.
Instead of trying a detox diet that may not work or potentially cause unwanted side effects, get help that will provide you with lasting results.
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