Detox diets have been circulating the Internet for quite some time, and have always been a popular way to quickly drop weight and eliminate ‘toxins’ from the body. However, if done the wrong way, they can be harmful to you and your internal system. So before you go trying that crazed juice detox your colleague can’t shut up about, read up on these detox myths and facts you need to know.
Myth #1: Detox is the best way to quickly shed excess fat.
Fact: While detoxes in their different forms can help you lose weight quickly, the pounds usually pack on quite rapidly the moment you end the diet. Eating a well-balanced diet and exercising regularly, while slower than a detox diet, is healthier, more effective, and can actually help you reach your goal weight more quickly.
Myth #2: Juice detoxes can eliminate toxins from the body.
Fact: Unfortunately, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Not only is your body able to remove toxins magnificently on its own, juicing removes the fiber-containing solid parts of fruit that are important for our digestive system, causes a blood sugar spike due to the large amounts of fructose found in the juices, and can cause a loss of muscle mass due to the lack of protein in your diet.
Myth #3: Detox supplements can work wonders for the body.
Fact: Not only can using these products adversely affect the body by causing liver and colon damage, they can also cause mood swings and psychological effects. Without medical consultation, these supplements can even lead to death.
Myth #4: Drinking excessive amounts of water can detox the body.
Fact: It’s true that water can help clean out and enhance the function of the liver and kidneys, but excessive water consumption is actually not healthy for the body. The overconsumption of water can cause a number of side effects, which include headaches, nausea, and disorientation.
Myth #5: Sweating it out in the sauna can help release toxins from the body.
Fact: Though saunas may be a great way to release the toxins from your skin post-workout, they are not a detox solution. Long periods of time in a sauna can actually cause dehydration and even inhibit your body’s ability to naturally detoxify over time.
