Detoxification (detox) diets are more popular than ever.
These diets claim to clean the blood and eliminate harmful toxins from the body.
However, it is not entirely clear how they do this, what they’re supposed to eliminate and if they actually work.
This is a detailed review of detox diets and their health effects.
What Is a Detox?
Detox diets are generally short-term dietary interventions designed to eliminate toxins from the body.
A typical detox diet involves a period of fasting, followed by a strict diet of fruit, vegetables, fruit juices and water. Sometimes a detox also includes herbs, teas, supplements and colon cleanses or enemas.
This is claimed to:
- Rest the organs by fasting.
- Stimulate the liver to get rid of toxins.
- Promote toxin elimination through feces, urine and sweat.
- Improve circulation.
- Provide the body with healthy nutrients.
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