Detox diets
Detox diets sounds like a great concept, but it is questionable
if years of undesirable eating and drinking habits can be rectified
in a matter of a few days!
Unfortunately many of the claims, such as ‘weekend detox’,
‘clearing toxic waste’, ‘removing cellulite’ and ‘improving energy
levels and the immune system’ are exaggerated diets that often
involve drinking lots of water and eating only fruit and
vegetables. While this may encourage you to eat more fruit and
vegetables (of which at least 5 portions are recommended daily),
restricting foods from other foods groups, such as, dairy and
starchy foods is not recommended as you will miss out on important
nutrients and energy to carry out daily activities. However, it is
sensible to restrict the amount of caffeine, salt and foods that
are high in fat and or sugar and of course think about your
lifestyle; do you smoke and exercise regularly?
Instead of trying fad diets such as detox the best answer for
maintaining optimal health is a balanced, varied diet with sensible
portions sizes, combined with a healthy lifestyle. By doing so this
will generally help your body to maintain the function of our own
‘detoxifiers’; the liver, lungs, skin, kidneys and the gut.
For further information or to make an appointment to see one of the
Nutritionists at Cromwell Hospital please refer to the contact
information below.