Everyone has heard of them. They are always in the media. The celebrities are always doing it. Achieving amazing and miraculous results.

Today our fabulous resident health expert, Riss from Larissa Beer Personal Training talks Detox diets and whether they actually work.

Image source: Yoga by the beach

So you survived the Christmas and New Year period and you know that you have eaten all the foods you normally wouldn’t and shouldn’t eat.

As a result you’re probably feeling sluggish and bloated. It can be easy to say to yourself: ‘Hey self, you feel crap why not go on a detox diet to flush out all the stuff that is sitting inside my stomach, surely I will feel refreshed and brand new, and ready to start the new year right??!!’

Detox diets claim to get rid of the toxins in our bodies from poor food and drink choices, which as a result can cause weight loss. Unfortunately, you might not get the results you expect.

A detox diet or cleanse are touted as a way to remove toxins from the body, while specific detox diets vary it is typically a period of fasting, followed by a strict diet of raw fruit and vegetables, some fruit juices, and water. Some other detox diets may call for the use of herbs and other supplements to increase colon cleansing to empty the intestines.

Here’s the truth…Detox diets are popular, but they’re not scientifically proven. They are a fad just like many other weight loss gimmicks on the market. While some people have reported feeling more focused and energetic during and after detox diets, there’s little evidence that detox diets actually remove toxins from the body. Indeed, the kidneys and liver effectively filter and eliminate most ingested toxins. The benefits from a detox diet may actually come from avoiding highly processed foods that have solid fats and added sugar.

If you are considering trying a detox diet speak to your medical professional first as there can be side affects. Some detoxes can severely limit protein intake or require fasting which can result in fatigue. I cannot also stress enough to make sure you don’t detox for too long as this can result in vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Dehydration can also be a concern.

Finally, keep in mind that fad diets aren’t a good long-term solution. For lasting results, your best bet is to eat a healthy diet based on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean sources of protein, and combine that with regular exercise.

As always, I am here to answer any fitness related questions you have, so please email me at centralwestnest@outlook.com and I will respond as soon as possible!

Happy health Nesters!