An image of a fruit smoothie for a detox diet.

January 27

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Do Detox Diets Work? The Truth Behind Body Cleansing

By Harrison Payton

January 27, 2022


Body Detoxes, Detox Diets, And Cleanses

There is no doubt that detox diets have become popular in recent years. Celebrities and everyday people alike have been singing the praises of body cleansing, touting it as the key to natural wellness and better health overall. But do detoxes really work? Furthermore, what does “body detox” or “detox diet” even mean? Let’s take a closer look at this diet phenomenon to find out.

What Is A Detox?

The definition of detox can vary depending on who you ask, but it generally refers to a body cleanse or detoxification. This usually means removing toxins from the body through diet, supplements, and other methods. People often turn to detoxes as a way to improve their health, clear up skin problems, lose weight, and boost their energy.

The Main Claims

So what are some of the central claims made about detoxes? Below are a few of the most popular ones:

– Detox diets can help clear up skin problems.

– Detox diets can help you lose weight.

– Detox diets can help you boost your energy.

– Detox diets can help rid your body of toxins.

Do They Hold Up To scrutiny?

Let’s take a closer look at these claims and see how well they hold up under scrutiny. Are there any scientific studies that back them up? Or are they nothing more than anecdotal assertions?

Claim # One: Detox Diets Can Help Clear Up Skin Problems

There is some very anecdotal evidence to suggest that a lemon detox diet may be beneficial for skin problems. However, there is little hard evidence to support this claim. The medical director of CosmedicsUK, Dr. Ross Perry, says that toxins can’t exit the body through your skin. Instead, your liver and kidneys are responsible for this function.

An image of a water bottle and apple.
A detox diet may help you lose weight, but the results are likely very temporary.

Claim # Two: Detox Diets Can Help You Lose Weight

There is some evidence that detoxing may help you lose weight in the short term. Studies found that a multiple-day detox diet resulted in significant weight loss in participants. However, it’s important to note that this was a very restrictive diet. Due to the lack of nourishing nutrients and calories, this is not something you would want to follow long-term. Additionally, many people regain any weight they lose once they go back to their regular eating habits.

Related Article: Natural Wellness With A Plant-based Diet

Claim # Three: Detox Diets Can Help You Boost Your Energy

There is only anecdotal evidence that detoxing may help you boost your energy. There is no scientific evidence to support this claim. In fact, if you are feeling low on energy, it’s likely because you’re not getting enough nutrients. A detox diet will likely leave you feeling even less energetic than before you started. A healthy diet is vital for maintaining energy levels.

Claim # Four: Detox Diets Can Help Rid Your Body of Toxins

This claim states that detoxing may help rid your body of a number of toxins humans come in contact with every day. However, registered dieticians have remarked that many of the positive effects some people say they feel due to detoxing are merely temporary. This may be in part due to a reduction in common processed foods that can leave the body feeling sluggish and unhealthy. It’s important to remember that short-term fad diets aren’t a lasting solution to feeling better. Supporting your body’s natural filters – the lungs, liver, kidneys, and colon – is the best way to stay healthy and energetic.

The Bottom Line About Body Detoxification

So do detox diets work? Unfortunately, the answer is a little complicated. Detoxing is said to benefit some individuals with weight loss and toxin removal. However, these benefits are usually short-lived, and most people regain any weight or processed food toxins they lose once they go back to their regular eating habits. Additionally, detoxing can be dangerous if done incorrectly and should only be done under the guidance of a health professional.

Read More About Natural Wellness and Health With Danu

We invite you to read our blog series about natural wellness and health. In these posts, we explore various topics related to holistic health and offer tips for living a healthier life. Check out our blog page, aromatherapy products, and broad-spectrum CBD products here!

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