What are DETOX diets?

Every day we see in the media different types of therapies, diets, regimens or programs called "detoxification or cleansing", better known as "Detox diets". Their promoters claim that they are methods to eliminate toxins, impurities and waste from our body, in order to improve the functioning of our body and lose some kilos in a healthy way.

In this course we want to bring you closer to Detox diets as another way to improve your health; replacing sugar, saturated fats, industrial products, caffeine and alcohol; for fruits, vegetables and natural products that provide many vitamins, minerals and bioactive substances, able to protect our cells from oxidative damage.

The purpose of this course is solely educational; the information, concepts and opinions expressed here cannot be put into practice without the proper authorization of qualified health professionals in the field of nutrition and 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 visit a nutrition specialist who will prescribe a diet according to your needs. Starting diets or adjusting our meal plans on our own can cause nutrient deficiencies that can cause irreparable damage to our body.

We must consider that there is no one diet that is beneficial for everyone, because factors such as age, sex, physical condition, activity level, blood group, heredity, etc., cause each individual to react differently to different foods.

That is why a nutrition specialist is essential to evaluate the changes that are occurring in your body, and to adapt the meal plan in a healthy way. He will also help you to consolidate all that you have achieved, avoiding that after some time, you return to the initial state and feel a greater frustration for having done everything in vain.

Main characteristics of the Detox diet

• Detox diets are interventions of variable duration, generally less than 10 days, although some are recommended on a permanent basis.

• The diet is mainly based on liquid preparations of fruits and vegetables. In some cases, the use of commercial supplements that mainly provide antioxidants is recommended.

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

• They restrict the consumption of some foods (mainly dairy and meat).

• They have a reduced calorie intake, thus promoting weight loss.

• They promote regular physical activities that stimulate sweating.

The pros and cons of Detox diets.

Benefits of Detox diets

• They promote the consumption of fruits and vegetables, which guarantees a considerable supply of vitamins, minerals and bioactive substances that have a favorable impact on health.

• The significant reduction of intakes predisposes the organism to burn calories, which contributes to the reduction of body weight.

• The consumption of sufficient liquid food and fiber promotes intestinal transit and regular bowel movements.

Risks of Detox diets

• They usually recommend reduced amounts of dairy products and proteins, which would cause, among other disorders, a reduction in muscle and bone mass; and deficiencies of some minerals and vitamins such as calcium and vitamin B12.

• As they are diets that can only be carried out for one day, many people return to their previous condition very quickly.

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