Do Detox Diets and Cleanses Work? (2024)

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Do Detox Diets and Cleanses Work? (1)

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Are you thinking of trying a “detox” or cleanse? They claim to help you lose weight or rid your body of toxins. After a winter of holiday eating, they might seem like a way to kickstart better habits in the new year. But are these trendy programs and products healthy or just a bunch of hype?

“Detoxes” aren’t all the same. Some involve fasting, followed by eating only certain foods. You may be limited to drinking only juices or liquids. Some include dietary supplements or herbs. They can involve cleansing the colon, or lower intestinal tract, with enemas and laxatives.

Are they effective? There aren’t many high-quality studies of detox programs and cleanses. In 2015, a team of experts concluded that results so far don’t support the use of detox diets for weight loss or removing toxins. Another group found that juicing and “detox” diets are probably just a short-term fix. There may be early weight loss because you start out consuming fewer calories. But detox diets tend to lead to weight gain once you resume a normal diet.

Detox diets can also have risks. The FDA has charged several companies for selling detox/cleansing products that contain harmful ingredients. Talk with your health care provider if you’re planning on starting a detox diet or cleanse to make sure it’s safe. Learn more about detoxes and cleanses.

Do Detox Diets and Cleanses Work? (2024)

FAQs

Do Detox Diets and Cleanses Work? ›

A detox diet does not eliminate toxins from the body, and there are risks associated with long-term or severe caloric restriction, diet pills, supplements, laxatives, and diuretics. These diets require a high level of effort, making you feel hungry and weak.

Do detox diets really work? ›

Detox diets rarely identify the specific toxins they aim to remove. The mechanisms by which they work are also unclear. In fact, there is little to no evidence that detox diets remove any toxins from your body. What's more, your body is capable of cleansing itself through the liver, feces, urine, and sweat.

Does a detox cleanse make you lose weight? ›

There may be early weight loss because you start out consuming fewer calories. But detox diets tend to lead to weight gain once you resume a normal diet. Detox diets can also have risks. The FDA has charged several companies for selling detox/cleansing products that contain harmful ingredients.

How do I know if my detox diet is working? ›

Here are some ways to tell if your detox diet is playing off and helping to create a healthier you.
  1. You lose weight. ...
  2. You don't get sick as often. ...
  3. Your gas doesn't smell as bad. ...
  4. You have more energy. ...
  5. Your skin looks and feels better. ...
  6. Your blood pressure decreases. ...
  7. Your bowel movements are more regular.
Mar 26, 2016

What happens when you detox and cleanse? ›

Restricting your diet and calories during detoxification can leave you with little energy to exercise or take on the tasks of a day. The process may disrupt your metabolism and blood sugar levels, too. Gastrointestinal distress. Many cleanses and detoxes include a laxative effect.

What is the best drink to flush your system? ›

7 Healthy Detox Drinks You Can Easily Make At Home
  • Lemon and Mint Infused Water. Start your detox journey with a classic yet revitalizing option. ...
  • Green Detox Smoothie. ...
  • Cucumber and Ginger Cooler. ...
  • Berry Antioxidant Detox Water. ...
  • Turmeric Detox Tea. ...
  • Pineapple and Coconut Water Elixir. ...
  • Herbal Detox Infusion.
Aug 11, 2023

What's the best detox cleanse? ›

While detox diets have a seductive appeal, your body is fully equipped to handle toxins and other unwanted substances.
  1. Limit alcohol. ...
  2. Focus on sleep. ...
  3. Drink more water. ...
  4. Reduce your intake of sugar and processed foods. ...
  5. Eat antioxidant-rich foods. ...
  6. Eat foods high in prebiotics. ...
  7. Decrease your salt intake. ...
  8. Stay active.

How much weight do you lose on a 3 day detox? ›

It can be tricky to break bad habits, but a detox regime can help to kick start a healthy eating programme - an effective detox provides a quick and simple boost to health, boosting weight loss, energy levels, concentration, and skin tone. In fact, many people lose 4 to 5 lbs following 3-day juice diets.

How much weight will I lose on a 3 day water fast? ›

We watched hundreds of videos on 3 day water fasts and people reported losing between 4.5 lbs to 12 lbs on their fast. This depends on a lot of factors including starting weight and height. The three-day water fast can be a powerful tool for natural healing, weight loss, and overall well-being.

What color is your urine when you detox? ›

Yes, your urine may be pale yellow or even darker if you are detoxing. In addition, they can even have a strong smell indicating an overload of molecules that need to be treated during detox.

Do you smell when detoxing? ›

Another physical sign of detoxification can be a stronger body odor. This symptom results from the evacuation of accumulated waste and toxins. The process of toxin expulsion can lead to heavy perspiration, which in turn may cause a strong body odor.

Do you pee a lot when detoxing? ›

Detoxification can also lead to increased urination as the body flushes out toxins.

What not to do after a detox? ›

The biggest challenge after doing a detox is to not re-pollute your body when you go back to your daily routine. This is why we encourage you to eat whole natural foods and stay away from processed foods, processed grains, poor quality dairy, meats, alcohol, and SUGAR for as long as possible!

How do you know if your body is full of toxins? ›

Some signs that your body has a toxin buildup include:
  • Brain fog.
  • Hair loss.
  • Fatigue.
  • Brittle toenails.
  • Bad breath.
  • Nausea.
  • Weight gain.

What is the best detox supplement? ›

The following supplements are also believed to be helpful for cleansing the body of toxins by many health experts:
  • Activated charcoal.
  • Dandelion greens.
  • Green tea.
  • Probiotics.
  • Psyllium husk.
  • NAC.
  • Milk thistle.
  • Spirulina.
Dec 28, 2020

How much weight do you lose on a 3-day detox? ›

It can be tricky to break bad habits, but a detox regime can help to kick start a healthy eating programme - an effective detox provides a quick and simple boost to health, boosting weight loss, energy levels, concentration, and skin tone. In fact, many people lose 4 to 5 lbs following 3-day juice diets.

How long should a detox diet last? ›

Lasting anything from 24 hours to a few weeks, 'detox' diets vary but often involve: Fasting for short periods. Eating only fruit and vegetables, or their juices. Cutting out major food groups, such as wheat/gluten and dairy.

What is the 3-day detox diet? ›

A 3-day cleansing diet is a short-term diet plan that focuses on consuming whole and natural foods to help detoxify the body. It typically includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds. Drinking plenty of water and herbal teas are important too, as they help to flush out toxins.

How can I lose weight in 7 days detox? ›

Basic Detox Rules to Follow
  1. Start every day with a hot mug of water and lemon.
  2. Keep meals simple and eat only whole foods.
  3. Eat at least 5 portions of fruit and veg per day.
  4. Cut down on processed foods and animal products.
  5. Avoid black tea, coffee and alcohol.
  6. Exercise gently to keep the digestive system moving.

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