| If you have been on the diet front lately, you have | | | | For the most part, the diets are meant to be relatively |
| probably heard of detox diets. Basically, detox diets | | | | short term, or at least the most stringent part is. You |
| are the next big player in the fad diet game. Like | | | | will only be required to fast and undergo body |
| Atkins, Southbeach, even the cabbage diet, different | | | | cleansing for a few days. Anything longer will definitely |
| detox diets are popping up all over the internet and in | | | | cause health problems. Fasting for any length of time |
| bookstores. What exactly are detox diets, do they | | | | will cause nutritional deficiencies, fatigue, dehydration, |
| work, and are detox diets safe? | | | | and possibly eating disorders. Likewise, the colon |
| The premise behind detox diets is that your body is full | | | | cleansers that are used to rid the body of waste are |
| of toxins, many of which come from the foods you | | | | basically laxatives that can also cause dehydration and |
| eat. A basic detox diet will have you fast for a certain | | | | nutritional deficiencies if used in excess. So it would |
| period of time, which means you will not eat at all. You | | | | seem that you are doing something very dangerous, |
| will then only eat specific foods that are believed to be | | | | but because you only do it for a short time, they try to |
| toxin free, completely refraining from other foods, such | | | | pick out the potential beneficial aspects of it. |
| as sugar, red meat, wheat, and eggs. Most detox diets | | | | While healthy people may be able to go on a detox |
| also call for a cleansing process during which colonics, | | | | diet, not have any complications, and potentially even |
| or enemas, are used or herbal colon cleansers. | | | | benefit from it, a person that is not at their best should |
| It is important to understand that detox diets are not | | | | see a doctor before taking part in it. Likewise, children |
| really designed for weight loss; instead they are to | | | | and teenagers should not go on a detox diet because |
| cleanse your body of harmful toxins. The goal should | | | | their bodies still need a certain number of calories and |
| not be to lose weight. Secondly, there is a great deal | | | | fat grams to maintain healthy growth and optimal |
| of controversy over these diets and whether they are | | | | development. If there is any question, see you doctor |
| safe. | | | | before starting any diet plan. |