- There are popular diet plans that claim to target cleansing of the colon and frequently make broad claims that their plans will result in considerable weight loss. Unfortunately, individuals seeking these results generally do not take any potential health risks into consideration when researching a cleansing program.
Fad cleansing diets are commonly the direction most individuals take, and due to celebrity endorsements, consumers are occasionally led to believe that the programs do not cause any harm.
Additionally, some people feel that cleansing their bodies of a variety of toxins can provide health benefits such as an increase in energy, improved digestion, a stronger immune system, greater clarity, a reduction in unhealthy food cravings, and clearer skin. - A vast majority of cleansing diets suggest an individual adhere to a highly restrictive eating plan. This commonly means that the individual cannot eat at all.
The plans do not include consumption of solid foods such as meat and carbohydrates and they often call for the complete elimination of stimulants like refined sugar, caffeine, and alcohol. They generally entail consuming copious amounts of various liquids; most of which do not fulfill any daily nutritional requirements.
Many of these diets do not warn the individual of potential side effects like serious vitamin deficiencies, loose/liquid bowels, and/or a significant drop in blood sugar levels.
Additionally, these liquid potions often cause a laxative effect, thereby stripping the body of healthy bacteria that our bodies produce naturally as a means to self-detoxify.
The diets also suggest lengthy time frames in which the individual must remain on the plan in order to achieve the desired effect, and some plans far exceed the typical 7-day period (30 days or more in some cases). - There are a few setbacks an individual can expect to experience if he does not follow the plan to the letter, particularly, not achieving the desired goal.
Individuals are sometimes warned that any setbacks are likely due to their unwillingness to follow all of the steps, or their inability to be cognizant of the root causes for their cravings (i.e., boredom, prolong fatigue, etc.).
Additionally, they may be warned that setbacks can, and/or will, occur if unauthorized liquids are consumed. - With the onslaught of detoxification books and liquids available today, experts are concerned that more harm than good will come from individuals embarking on these plans with little or no knowledge of proper cleansing techniques. Additionally, there currently isn't any significant scientific data to defend the benefits of cleansing diets.
Implementing a cleansing program, especially a plan that severely restricts healthy caloric intake and an individual's ability to obtain nutrients through vitamin supplementation, is not advised by health experts.
It is, however, advisable to drink plenty of water, satisfy fiber requirements by eating foods such as bran cereal and spinach, and adhere to a regular exercise program.
More importantly, individuals should always seek the advice of their medical provider prior to making any radical changes to their diet. - When researching cleansing diets, be leery of any plan that makes broad claims of substantial weight loss (i.e., losing 18 lbs in 4 days, etc.).
Rapid weight loss can lead to symptoms like headaches, excessive fatigue, irritability, mood swings, and may also cause damage to our vital organs.
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