The detox debate

Though it’s nice to believe in the power of the detox diet, in reality, fasting on grapefruits for a week post-holiday gluttony may not be a long-term solution. In fact, the basic premise behind these diets – that your body is unable to cope with toxins – is flawed.

“We have an awesome detox system in the body, which is namely the liver,” says Sydney-based GP Dr Ginni Mansberg (drginni.com). “But the skin and kidneys also process toxins in our environment so they don’t end up in our bodies.”

Extreme measures

Detox diets are often extreme, many touting an unhealthy combination of minimal nutrients plus supplements or a key sugar-rich ingredient.

“If, for example, you’re removing all nutrients through a water-only diet, you’re going to go into a catabolic process whereby your body will start eating itself to get energy,” warns Mansberg.

You may lose weight, but because your brain needs carbohydrates for energy, you’ll feel lightheaded, moody and unable to concentrate. And while you may drop a dress size, you’ll lack the funds to buy a new wardrobe.

“If you’re detoxing with a pharmacy, you can spend up to $200. If you’re consulting a naturopath, it can cost a lot more,” says Mansberg.

Psychologically, the diets give you permission to re-tox almost immediately after.

“Because there’s a finite detox period, you get the impression that what you eat afterwards doesn’t matter,” says Mansberg. “It’s much better to make fewer changes that are sustainable over a longer period.”

Watered-down plan

Though many people proclaim they feel better after a detox, it’s often because of the simple things, like drinking more water and cutting out processed food.

“The best and most practical way to detox is to remove substances that are doing you no good,” says dietitian Amanda Clark (greatideas.net.au).

“A period of excluding sugar, salt, caffeine, alcohol or food additives can alter your taste perception and lower your need for them.”

Instead of going down the drastic detox path, stick to the 80/20 rule: being healthy most of the time and enjoying the occasional naughty moments. Drink enough water, eat one salad meal a day and limit yourself to 10 standard alcoholic drinks a week. Mansberg warns, “If you take the detox mantra to heart, you’ll end up like one of those people who only go out for dandelion coffee!”

Detoxes debunked

Mansberg breaks it down.

Juice fasting: The juicer takes all the good stuff out of the fruits and vegetables – the skin, pips and core – so you end up with water, sugar and none of the fibre.

Master cleanse (lemonade, maple syrup and cayenne pepper): Made popular by Beyoncé, this diet restricts your kilojoules, but the energy you do get is nutritionally void.

Raw food: Did you know that you get more antioxidants out of a cooked tomato than a raw one? So the idea that only raw vegies are healthy is completely flawed.

Colon hydrotherapy: This is a totally unnecessary and dangerous procedure known to remove healthy bacteria and cause bowel perforations.

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