January is detox month. from Dry January Devotees of people who make a New Year’s resolution to try one of the many cleanses and meal plans out there, however much they may be, the start of a new year seems to be a key moment to take stock of our bodies, routines, and overall well-being.
The timing makes sense: After a holiday season filled with cocktail parties and unhealthy meals, the idea of cleansing your body of excess sounds appealing. It’s not Why I’m curious. that it how. As in, how many of those detox diets actually work?
What is a detox system?
While doing a cleanse or following a specific meal plan has become commonplace for many at this time of year, the definition of a detox diet has become vague. So what does “detox” mean to experts?
“It’s a plan that promises to cleanse the body by eliminating toxins, usually through fasting, juicing, or restricted foods,” says Monica Herrero, a nutrition and dietetics specialist at the Multi-Food and Red Medical Center in Spain. And a member of Senior 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 detoxing with weight loss — largely equating it with a traditional diet — but they have no connection to each other. “Detox diets are temporary, extreme, and lack essential nutrients,” Herrero says. “On the other hand, a diet that focuses on healthy 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 talking about detoxifying the body, we have to talk about toxins first. After consuming a lot of excess food or drink, how many toxins does the body accumulate? “The body does not need to detox, because it already has natural systems, such as the liver and kidneys, that eliminate harmful substances,” Herrero says. “What you really need after transgressions is to resume healthy habits: balanced nutrition, hydration and physical activity.”
For this reason, following a detoxification diet, even for a week or two, does not make sense. In fact, it can make things worse. “It’s futile and can be counterproductive,” Herrero says. “These diets are usually very low in calories and nutrients, which can cause imbalances and affect metabolism.”
Instead, the expert says, the key to regaining wellness after a period of excess is simply to return to a balanced diet. Detoxification is not the answer, as it is not sustainable in the long term, and ultimately does not lead to any lasting change. “On the contrary, it is possible that after a detox procedure, you may have a worse relationship with food because it is a restrictive and unbalanced diet,” she says. “Whether you want to lose weight or improve your eating habits, it is best to see a dietitian to create a customized eating plan that fits your lifestyle and helps you maintain your long-term health.”
