What Is the Best Drink to Flush Your System? Detoxes & Cleanses

Every year, we witness a new fad or concept coming up with various claims of boosting health or increasing longevity. Although practiced in various forms for centuries, detoxification or detoxdietand procedures have become quite popular lately.Detox dietsclaim that they remove “toxins” from the body and improve your overall health.

The “toxins” as mentioned in these diets are the main culprits that cause ill health and various problems such as aches and pains,hair loss,acne,obesity, dull anddry skin,joint painand lethargy. These “toxins” include various environmental pollutants, pesticides, chemicals used in farming, food additives, metabolic wastes produced in the body and various bacteria and their metabolic products.

Although many easy-to-make foods and drinks claim to “clean up” our “system,” do they “really” help? There is limited scientific evidence available to support that we “really” need such external detox for maintaining the health of our bodies. Our bodies have their in-built detoxification system that includes theliver, kidneys, blood cells and antibodies. We do not need any drinks or special foods to get rid of toxins. A healthyfiber-rich diet, regularexercise, adequatesleepand plenty of water are good enough to keep us healthy.

There are significant health risks associated with detoxes and cleanses and they are not particularly safe.

Thehuman bodyhas an organ dedicated to detoxification, the liver. The liver works to purify the blood of all the toxins the body ingests. Although so-called detoxification diets (detoxes or cleanses) claim to clear the toxins from the body, aid inweight loss, or promote health, people with good overall health don't need to cleanse because their bodies are already doing a good job.

Though detoxification diets are popular, there is little evidence that they eliminate toxins from the body. There are significant health risks associated with their use and they are not particularly safe.

A better approach is to eat healthier and make lifestyle changes rather than go on a potentially harmful cleanse. Cutting back on sodium, added sugars and refined grains and eating more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, proteins, and healthyfatsis the healthier option.

Cleanses go by many names and descriptions, including:

• Liquid cleanse:Replaces the solid food with liquids, such as juices, smoothies, soups or herbalsupplements.
• Elimination diet:Supports the body’s natural detoxification by providingsupplementsthat boost liver and kidney function.
• Colon cleanse:Cleanses thedigestive systemby using laxatives. This is also called colonic irrigation.

Detoxification programs range from total starvation, intermittent fasting to simpler food modifications. These include:

• Fasting
• Drinking fruit and vegetable juices, water or similarbeverages
• Drinking only specific liquids, such as salted water or lemon juice
• Eating only certain foods
• Avoiding foods high in heavy metals and contaminants
• Avoiding all allergenic foods and then slowly reintroducing them
• Taking supplements or other commercial products
• Taking herbs
• Using colon cleanses, enemas or laxatives
• Eliminatingalcohol, coffee, cigarettes and refinedsugar
• Reducing environmental exposures
• Using a sauna

Before planning a detox diet, it is important to get a doctor’s advice and learn the potential side effects and risks of detoxes and cleanses. Side effects and risks include

• Calorie restriction:Several detox diets recommend fasting or severe calorie restriction. Short-term fasting and limited calorie intake can result infatigue, irritability andbad breath. Long-term fasting can result in deficiency of energy,vitaminsand矿物质as well aselectrolyteimbalance and sometimes even death.
• Deficiency of nutrients:When food intake is restricted, important nutrients, such as healthy fats,vitamins, minerals and proteins needed for body functions and optimum health may not be available, posing various risks to health.
• Short-term weight loss:When people fast for several days, weight loss will happen due toloss of waterweight and muscle mass, but not fat. Most people regain the lost weight after stopping the detox and when they start eating again.
• Overdosing:Some detox diets pose the risk of overdosing on supplements, laxatives, diuretics and water, causing harmful effects on the body.
• Lack of regulation and monitoring:The ingredient labels on detox products may be misleading. There is always the risk of serious and fatal consequences associated with these products.
• Glycemic control in diabetic patients:In people withdiabetes, low caloric intake or high intake of fruit juices may alter the bloodsugarlevels. This would require changes in theirinsulinregimen during the cleanse program. Before going on a detox diet or changing eating patterns, consultation with a doctor is necessary.
• Detox diets can be addictive:Going without food or having an enema can make some people feel high. This can lead to a dangerousaddiction, leading to health problems,eating disorders,heart问题,甚至死亡。
• Laxativeeffects:Most supplements used during detox diets are laxatives and can cause gastrointestinal distress, frequent bowel movements,dehydrationand electrolyte imbalances.
• Metabolism slows down:长时间禁食can slow down a person's metabolism, making it difficult to keep weight off or tolose weightlater.
• Unpasteurized juices:Unpasteurized juices or regular packaged juices that have not been treated to kill harmful bacteria can cause serious illness in children, the elderly, the immune-suppressed people and those at high risk for infection.
• High oxalate intake:Many juices are made from foods that are high in oxalates, such as spinach, beets, kiwi, parsley andsoy. Drinking large quantities of high-oxalate juice can increase the risk of kidney problems.
• Risks in colon cleansing:Associated risks with colon cleansing include bowel perforation, infection, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, cramping,bloating,nauseaandvomiting. People with a history of gastrointestinal disease, colon surgery,hemorrhoids, anatomic colon abnormalities,kidney diseaseorheart diseaseare at a higher risk.
• Dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities:Detox diets, calorie restriction and bowel cleansing programs could lead to dehydration and electrolyte disturbances.

Cleansing dietsare not recommended for

• Populations at risk:某些人不应该圣art detox or calorie-restricting regimens without consulting a doctor first. People at risk include children, adolescents, elderly, malnourished people,pregnantor lactating women and those who havediabetes, eating disorders or other chronic medical conditions.
• Teens:Teenagers need adequate calories and protein to support their rapid growth and development and physical activities. Detox diets don’t provide enough calories and can be risky for teenagers.
• Athletes:Lack of carbohydrates would result in loss of sources of energy duringexercise. So, a detox or cleanse isn’t suitable while training for any sport.