What are detox diets - nutrition detox

Various types of therapies, diets and programs known as "detoxification or cleansing", commonly called "Detox diets", are presented daily in the media. Their promoters claim that these methods help eliminate toxins and waste from the body, improving its functioning and facilitating weight loss in a healthy way.

In this course, we will approach Detox diets as an option to improve your health, replacing sugar, saturated fats, industrial products, caffeine and alcohol with fruits, vegetables and natural products that provide vitamins, minerals and bioactive substances that protect our cells from oxidative damage.

The purpose of this course is purely educational, the information, concepts and opinions expressed herein should not be applied without the authorization of qualified health professionals in nutrition, endorsed by the competent authorities of each country.

Visit your doctor

If you are considering starting a detox diet or any other diet, the first thing you should do is to consult a nutrition specialist to help you develop a plan that is appropriate for your needs. Undertaking diets or dietary changes on your own can lead to nutritional deficits that can damage your health.

It is important to remember that there is no universally effective diet, as factors such as age, gender, physical condition, activity level and blood type cause each person to react differently to food.

Therefore, a nutrition specialist is essential to evaluate the changes in your body and adjust your eating plan in a healthy way. He or she will help you consolidate your achievements, avoiding that after a while you return to your initial state and experience greater frustration for having done it in vain.

Main characteristics of the Detox diet

• Detox diet interventions usually last less than 10 days, although some may be recommended on an ongoing basis.

• The diet focuses mainly on fruit and vegetable-based drinks, although in certain cases commercial supplements rich in antioxidants are suggested.

• They prohibit the consumption of sugars and highly processed foods.

• They restrict the intake of certain foods, mainly dairy and meat.

• They have a reduced caloric intake, which favors weight loss.

• They promote regular physical activities that stimulate sweating.

Advantages and disadvantages of Detox diets

Benefits of Detox diets:

• They promote the consumption of fruits and vegetables, ensuring a significant intake of vitamins, minerals and bioactive substances that benefit health.

• Reduced caloric intake prepares the body to burn calories, aiding weight loss.

• The consumption of fluids and fiber improves intestinal transit and regularity of bowel movements.

Risks of Detox diets:

• Generally, it is recommended to limit the consumption of dairy and proteins, which could cause disorders such as loss of muscle and bone mass, as well as deficiencies of minerals and vitamins such as calcium and vitamin B12.

• As these diets are of short duration, many people tend to return quickly to their previous habits after finishing them.

• They can cause adverse reactions such as fatigue, headaches, dizziness and gastrointestinal problems.