Your Body Doesn't Need a Detox -- Here's What You Should Do Instead

Maybe even your friends have tried them.

But according to nutritionists, these so-calledquick fixescould be doing more harm than good.

“They can have strong laxative effects and contain ingredients that aren’t necessarily ‘healthy.'”

And let’s be honest, solid food is just more satisfying.

What are cleanses and detoxes?

Cleanses and detoxification (aka detoxes) usually conjure up visions of lots of water and not enough food.

However, these terms are broad and encompass a variety of methods and programs to lose weight rapidly.

Somedetoxes also include fastingand, in extreme cases, using laxatives.

There’s no way to magically make the food you ate yesterday disappear.

The physical symptoms you experience during a detox are not actually due to any detoxification process.

Rather, they are likely a combination of malnutrition, withdrawal from sugar and caffeine, and electrolyte imbalances.

Beyond causing unnecessary hangriness, misery and diarrhea, cleanses promote and reinforce unhealthy ideas about food and nutrition.

People who do cleanses are more likely to fall prey to restrict-and-binge cycles.

Detox marketing often capitalizes on primarily younger women’s insecurities and negative body-image.

These companies rely on people to maintain an unhealthy relationship with food to get to make a profit.

Ifweight loss,increased energyorgut healthis your goal, focus on sustainable, healthy changes to your lifestyle.

Increasing your physical activity and maintaining a balanced,nutritious dietare the best practices.

If the answer is “yes” for a majority of your food, you’re probably fine.

But you will be given specific instructions from a medical provider for this.

Otherwise, food restriction and purging of any kind are not viable health practices.