The global interest in dieting has increased, and many people have become obsessed with certain fad diets, assuming they are magic bullets for their problems. A fad diet is a popular dietary pattern known to be a quick fix. This review article explores the current evidence related to the health impacts of (amongst others) detox diets (DDs). DDs are interventional diets specifically designed for toxins elimination, health promotion, and weight management. They involve multiple approaches, including total calorie restriction, dietary modification, or juice fasts, and often the use of additional minerals, vitamins, diuretics, laxatives, or ‘cleansing foods’. Some of the many DDs used today are listed below:
| Diet type | Duration | Foods allowed | Proposed claims |
| Liver cleansing diet | 8 weeks | Plant-based, dairy-free, low-fat, high-fiber, unprocessed foods are allowed. Epsom salt and liver tonics are also consumed. | Improved energy levels and liver function Toxins removal Improved immune response Efficient metabolism of fats and better weight control |
| Lemon detox diet/Master cleanser | 10 days | A liquid-only diet based on purified water, lemon juice, tree syrup, and cayenne pepper. A mild laxative herbal tea and sea salt water is also incorporated. | Toxins removal Shiny hair, glowing skin, and strong nails Weight loss |
| The clean cleanse | 21 days | Breakfast and dinner comprise probiotic capsules, cleanse supplements and cleanse shakes. A solid meal in lunch while avoiding gluten, dairy, corn, soy, pork, beef, refined sugars, some fruits, and vegetables. | Toxins removal Improved energy, digestion, sleep, and mental health Reduction in joint pains, headaches, constipation, and bloating |
| Martha’s vineyard detox diet | 21 days | Herbal teas, vegetable soups and juices, specially formulated tablets, powders and digestive enzymes are on the menu. | Weight loss Toxins removal Improved energy levels |
| Weekend wonder detox | 48 h | Protein-rich meals salads, detox-promoting superfoods, and beverages. Healthy lifestyle, spa treatments, and herbal remedies. | Toxins removal Improved organ function Strengthen body Enhance beauty |
| Fat flush | 2 weeks | Large meals are replaced with dilute cranberries, hot water with lemon, pre-prepared cocktails, supplements, and small meals | Toxins removal Reduced stress Weight loss Improved liver function |
| Blueprint cleanse | 3 days | Consumption of six pre-prepared vegetable and fruit juices is allowed per day. | Toxins removal |
| The Hubbard purification rundown | Several weeks | Niacin doses along with sustained consumption of vitamin-A, B, C, D, and E. Daily exercise with balanced meals. Restriction of alcohol and drugs. Sitting in a sauna for ≤ 5 h each day. | Toxins removal from fat stores Improved memory and intelligence quotient Better blood pressure and cholesterol levels |
Currently, there is no good clinical evidence for the effectiveness of DDs and some evidence to suggest they might do harm. Many of the DD are liquid-based, low-calorie, and nutrient-poor. For example, a part of BluePrint Cleanse, Excavation Cleanse, provides only 19 g protein and 860 kcal/day which is far below the actual requirement. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recommends a minimum of 0.83 g/kg body weight of high-quality protein and 1,680 kcal/day for an adult. DDs may also induce stress, raise cortisol levels, and increase appetite, resulting in binge eating and weight gain.
As no convincing positive evidence exists for DDs and detox products, their use needs to be discouraged by health professionals. Moreover, regulatory review and adequate safety monitoring should be considered.
6 Responses to Detox-diets: useless and dangerous
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My recommendations for Detox Diets. Take each one with a pinch of salt (Himalayan of course).
I could see why a claim might be made that they are ineffective, not having evidence for it. But dangerous? You dont stay on these things forever. Our ancestors probably went weeks at a time with little or no food. We are not extinct, yet.
I have often wondered what these toxins are, but nobody has ever been able to tell me.
precisely!
Dr Julian -You may obtain some enlightenment on what toxins may be found , at least intracellularly, by a study of the biochemical processes involved in cellular AUTOPHAGY. Fasting is one of the environmental parameters that can trigger the process. Maybe not quite as useless or ‘faddy’ as some may believe.
🤔 Is it still possible to lose weight with detoxification?
😅 🤣 😂
👆 Dr Meinrad Milz from Bad Grönenbach / Bavarian Swabia promises:
🤰 🫃 🫄 “Treatment for the overweight (and slim people with a bloated stomach)” 🤰🫃🫄
“The CURA VENEZIANA© is a scientifically, naturopathically and psychologically based method that combines various measures to specifically reduce fat, get a flatter stomach and simply become healthier. ”
“In addition to light exercise and muscle training, the regular intake of special medicinal herbs and vital substances is 🌿 💊 💶 now indispensable in the long term!”
https://www.dr-milz.de/die-ganzheitliche-cura-venezianac-nutzt-zur-gesunden-gewichtsabnahme-und-fettreduktion-moderne-wissenschaft-naturheilkunde-und-psychologie
How does the German proverb say?
A beer always fits between the liver and [D. Milz] spleen!
🤣