Detox Diets May Be Toxic To Your Health
Detox diets are fasting diets that supposedly flush the toxins out of your system, help you to lose weight, clear your complexion, and boost your immune system.
But nutrition experts warn there could be some serious side effects. And you may find yourself running to the bathroom a lot — especially if your diet relies heavily on laxatives.
Celebrities like Beyonce Knowles credit extreme diets for their weight loss.
But when you supposedly rid your body of toxins, you may also eliminate the healthy bacteria in your intestines that’s needed for digestion.
The longer and more often you go on a detox diet, the more likely you are to suffer from vitamin deficiencies, blood sugar problems, muscle breakdown, and frequent, loose bowel movements (also known as really bad diarrhea).
If this occurs, especially the vitamin deficiencies, your immune system is more likely to be weakened and less likely to protect you from infections and other illnesses.
Other side effects include fatigue, headache, irritability, and body aches.
Women who are pregnant or nursing or people with diabetes, kidney or heart disease should be especially careful.
These diets can disturb blood sugar, sodium, and potassium levels in your body.
If you use this type of crash diet for weight loss, you should know that any weight you lose will most likely come back.
So what’s the allure of a detox diet?
As far as I can tell, it’s just a fad made more popular by the Hollywood connection.
But if you still want to try a detox diet, at least see your doctor so you can prepare for potential health problems.
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