When it comes to detox cleanses, people are divided into two camps. On one hand, there are people who believe that these are effective in recharging and rejuvenating not only the body, but also one’s soul. Some even compare it to spring cleaning.
And in the other camp, they believe that detox cleanses are just another fad that may do the body more harm than good.
What is often left out of the conversation, after the effects have been discussed, is what actually transpires in the body when you undergo a detox cleanse.
A brief look at detox and cleansing products
Over the last few years, the industry surrounding detox products has steadily grown. Today, you can even choose detoxes that specifically target a particular body part, like the colon or the liver. However, one common theme among these products is their promise to remove toxins from the body.
Defining a cleanse yields varied results. However, various products have a few similarities. For one, food intake is limited to juices, and certain foods must be eliminated prior to the cleanse.
What happens to your body
Cleansing requires the use of fruits and veggies. Ordinarily, adding these to one’s diet can bring about immense health benefits. However, cleansing does not necessarily mean that you will reap the benefits of consuming these like you normally would if you were to simply eat them.
Many undergo weight loss during a detox. However, it is imperative to point out that this weight loss often comes as a result of the body running on a little amount of fuel. Because the body is essentially starved, it must source its needs from what is readily available in the body. Hence, it is common for people doing a detox to undergo muscle breakdown because there is no protein source available.
Some people who try detoxing also report symptoms akin to stomach flu. The reason behind this is the lack of fiber, which affects the large intestine.
In terms of removing toxins from the body, the kidneys, lungs and liver perform the same task even without the aid of a detox.
The verdict on detox cleanses
Do detoxes offer any value at all?
Some experts believe that detoxes are akin to fasting wherein a person only consumes water. Done for a few days at a time, a person can reap the benefits of fasting including longevity, treatment of some chronic illnesses, and slowing down of aging.
What is crucial to point out is that detoxes should not be viewed as a magic cure that can instantly undo years of poor nutrition. This means that before you undergo a detox, you should look at the bigger picture, which is your nutrition.