Lemon Detox Diet

The theory behind detox diets is that certain foods and environmental pollutants build up harmful toxins in our bodies, cause of weight gain,allergies, a lack of energy and disease. To "flush out" these toxins, a regime based on vegetables,fruit, , juice fasts, water and herbal extracts is often recommended. While each variation of the diet and the different products available for unique features which set them apart, the basic theory remains the same.

This diets promise all kinds of results — including cell cleansing, skin revitalization, colon decontamination and liver purging,improved energy levels. But when you look at the scientific evidence, these promises are largely unsubstantiated. That said, detox devotees say they are less bloated, have clearer skin, fewer headaches and improved energy levels. They also say that following a detox diet helps them feel like they are making a "fresh start" to a healthier way of eating.

So if the science doesn't back up many of these claims, where are these benefits coming from? These benefits are likely to be the positive effect of drinking more water, eating less food (particularly less highly processed foods) and cutting out caffeine and alcohol from their diet. So basically, benefits are seen through reducing the intake of potentially harmful substances rather than the process of toxin elimination itself.

While it's a great move to increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, and to minimize highly processed foods, alcohol and caffeine, some detox diets go to dangerous extremes. The risk is greatest if you're following a particularly extreme detox diet, involving fasting or herbal extracts which can have a laxative effect — especially if taken for more than a few days — because they fail to provide sufficient energy and nutrients.

In fact, this diets are not recommended at all for certain groups of people — including children and adolescents; pregnant and breastfeeding women; people with diabetes, heart disease, kidney or liver problems; and people at risk of malnutrition, with an impaired immune system or taking blood-thinning medication.

Provided you don't fit into one of the groups and are only planning to follow a detox program for a few days, they are probably safe. However, one of our major concerns with the detox approach to health is that it can lead people to believe that you can eat and drink whatever you like and then get "back on track" in a week or two by cleansing your system, only to then return to your usual way of eating. This see-saw approach is unlikely to optimize your wellbeing.

If you want to experience true energy and vitality, at the Sanitarium Nutrition Service we believe the best approach is an ongoing eating style that is based on whole plant foods — fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, wholegrain breads and cereals — and low-fat dairy and soy products. Combine that with being active and enjoying plenty of water, fresh air, sleep, relaxation and quality time with others.