With the arrival of summer, we find ourselves following different diets to regain a healthy weight. Being followed by a nutritionist will allow us to lose weight by providing the right amount of nutrients to our body. Diets, however, require a certain amount of sacrifice and renunciation. This is why, sometimes, shortcuts are sought through extreme diets. An example of this are the detox diets that would allow you to lose weight in a short time, purifying the body. Be careful because according to science, detox diets are dangerous and must be avoided.
Detox diets
Detox or “detox” diets are designed to eliminate toxins from the body and aid in weight loss. Typically, these are low-calorie diets that involve the consumption of only one type of fruit, vegetables or supplements. Examples are the lemon diet or the low-calorie Mediterranean diet. Other diets involve the consumption of tea, vinegar, or drinks mixed with micronutrients. They are often accompanied by the use of laxatives and long periods of fasting. In all cases, weight loss is real but transient. The communication that pushes to undertake detox diets relies on the use of natural products and the intake of lots of water. However, even natural products eaten in large quantities can be harmful. Anything can hurt if taken in excess.
Be careful because according to science, detox diets are dangerous and must be avoided
At best, detox diets are of no benefit. In 2019, the head of the NHS (British health system) Stephen Powis issued a warning about the dangers of detox diets. In a British study (Toovey OTR et al., 2017) the case of a woman hospitalized after following a detox diet is reported. The diet included a mix of herbs (including valerian root) and plenty of water. Drinking too much water led to overhydration with decreased sodium concentrations. This resulted in constant fainting and seizures. Detox diets are often accompanied by malnutrition, muscle weakness or dizziness. Going on a diet without the supervision of a nutrition biologist could result in health problems.