by January is detox diet month. From the Dry January devotees to the people who make it a New Year’s resolution to try one of the many cleanses and meal plans, however dubious, the start of a new year seems to be an important moment to take stock to be carried out. Our bodies, our routines and our general well-being.
The timing makes sense: After a holiday season of cocktail parties and not-so-healthy meals, the idea of cleansing the body of excess seems appealing. It’s not that Why That I’m curious. It’s that How. How many of these detox diets actually actually work?
What is a detox diet?
While a cleanse or specific meal plan has become common for many this time of year, the definition of a detox diet has become murky. What does “detoxification” mean to the experts?
“It is a plan that promises to ‘cleanse’ the body by eliminating toxins usually through fasting, juices or restrictive foods” and a member of top doctors. “However, these diets have no scientific basis, are unnecessary and can be harmful to health.”
What is the difference between a detox diet and a more traditional diet?
Many people associate detoxification with weight loss – essentially equating it with a traditional diet – but they have little to do with each other. “Detox diets are temporary, extreme, and lack essential nutrients,” says Herrero. “On the other hand, a diet focused on healthier eating should be a personalized plan that meets each person’s specific nutritional needs and promotes sustainable, healthy changes.”
Does anyone need to detox?
When we talk about detoxifying the body, we must first talk about toxins. How many toxins does the body accumulate after consuming a lot of excess food or drink? “The body does not need to detoxify because it already contains natural systems such as the liver and kidneys that eliminate harmful substances,” says Herrero. “What you really need after excesses is to resume healthy habits: balanced nutrition, hydration and physical activity.”
For this reason, the detox diet makes little sense, even for a week or two. In fact, it could actually make things worse. “It’s useless and can be counterproductive,” says Herrero. “These diets tend to be very low in calories and nutrients, which can cause imbalances and affect your metabolism.”
Instead, the expert says, the key to regaining well-being after a period of excess is simply to return to a balanced diet. Detoxification is not the solution as it is not sustainable in the long term and ultimately does not lead to lasting change. “On the contrary, it is possible that you could have a worse relationship with food after a detox because they are restrictive and unbalanced diets,” she says. “Whether you want to lose weight or improve your eating habits, it’s best to see a nutritionist who can recommend a personalized eating plan that fits your lifestyle and helps you maintain your health long-term.”
