Detox Diets

If you've heard that detoxification diets can help you drop some weight, you've probably been tempted to try one. But what do they involve and are they safe?

The urge to purge is not a new idea. The ancient Aztecs were keen on enemas, while in 19th-century Europe some doctors argues that removing the colon made sense because it is where the body stores its toxins.

Fasting has long been a feature of some religions. Mostly, however, we're drawn to detoxing as a way to cleanse the body rather than the soul and hope to lose weight in the process. This is what countless magazines, books, celebrities and health gurus sell us.

Detox fans see it as something to be done a couple of times a year to improve digestion, energy levels, skin and to kick-start weight loss. Usually they'll take the pattern of eating only fruit and raw vegetables and drinking juices and water for a few days. Then over the next few days they reintroduce other foods, such as steamed vegetables, soups, fish and poultry, wholegrains, nuts and seeds. Red meat, alcohol, coffee and dairy are usually banned. There is nothing wrong with cutting out red meat, alcohol or even coffee, though I have never seen any hard evidence that a cup or two of coffee a day is anything other than delicious.

I don't like the idea of cutting out an entire food group, in this case, dairy, unless you actually have an allergy. These kinds of detox diets tend to only be for a week or two, and won't do you any harm, but will they do any good? Most doctors agree that your body is perfectly capable of eliminating toxins without the help of a special diet. In fact, the only form of detoxification that many of them recognise is the one for alcoholics when they stop drinking. Believers will counter that the medical establishment is simply behind the times and that because our modern bodies are subjected to pollution and antibiotics and additives in food, they need all the help they can get. Many detox aficionados also claim that the process is cathartic, helping you get in touch with your deepest emotions, which could lead to far-reaching changes in your life. But navel gazing is all you can do when you're light-headed and too weak to get off the sofa. Ouch! That was mean, wasn't it? I do have friends who swear by their January detox and look and feel fantastic. Personally, I find detoxes hard work. I'm for everything in moderation, eating low fat and healthily, with plenty of variety. If you want to avoid pesticides and additives, buy organic food.

FASTING

This is a step beyond detox diets, but is also recommended as a way to cleanse and boost weight loss. The problem with fasting is that it makes you feel weak and dizzy, and any weight you lose will find its way back as soon as you eat normally. The bottom line is that the occasional one-day fast won't hurt you, but please don't try it for longer than a day unless you're under professional supervision. Psychologists have commented that fasting attracts individuals who want to punish their bodies. It's hard not to be down on yourself when you're overweight, but don't punish yourself. Self-loathing and guilt are common feelings experienced by dieters, but they sabotage your good intentions and progress. A healthy attitude to food and your body is the secret of success.


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