
A detox diet is almost exactly what it sounds like: a diet designed to cleanse your body of toxins. Proponents of
detox diets believe that seemingly ordinary foods – from meat to processed sugar – contain toxins that
build up in your body and prevent it from functioning normally.
According to
new studies, though it has previously been suspected
by many people, detox diets don’t work. At least, they do not work in the way that they are purported to. The
general way the diet works is that you eat large amounts of fruits, vegetables and drink huge quantities of water,
which will flush out, or detoxify, your system, removing toxins and improving your skin, preventing headaches, reducing
cellulite, helping you lose weight and raising your overall level of heath.
Since many people do not drink nearly
enough water to remain thoroughly hydrated, it is no shock that drinking much more water would help people feel better
and experience fewer headaches. The high levels of antioxidants in fruits and vegetables probably improve skin and add
to a general feeling of well being. And the feelings of lightness that people report after several days on such a diet
are most likely from insufficient calorie intake. But the most misleading part of the diet is simply the claim that
meats and fish have a large amount of naturally occurring toxins, while in fact, vegetables like cabbage and onions can
have far more. The liver is the most vital organ for detoxification, and it processes meats and proteins most
effectively, in addition to metabolizing carbohydrates and fats.
Substituting healthier foods, like fruits and
vegetables, for overly processed junk food will make you be healthier and feel better, without having to give up cooked
foods or meat.