This week, Mint Nutrition Clinic and our nutritionists and registered dietitians are focusing on detox and weight loss cleanses and their health benefits and implications.
What is a Cleansing Diet?
There are several cleanses that promise weight-loss results, elimination of toxins and much more; but, are they effective? That is the question that we wanted to clarify this week. Technically speaking, a cleansing diet refers to a regimented eating plan that has the capacity to eliminate toxins in the GI tract (Dietitians of Canada, 2015). However, they are constantly advertised to increase overall well-being, and even promote weight-loss. Cleanses can recommend drinking large amounts of fluids, or fasting for a long period of time, or using laxatives. All of them vary and some are done for longer periods of time.
Do Cleansing Diets Work?
Unfortunately, there is no significant scientific evidence to support that a cleansing diet has valid results, as promised by many companies (Dietitians of Canada, 2015). Some can even be dangerous to your health and cause dehydration, low blood pressure, electrolyte imbalances and etc (Dietitians of Canada, 2015). It is currently recommended that eating a healthy well balanced diet is one the best ways to reduce your weight and improve your overall well-being.
Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle Change
Maintaining good bowel health, and overall well-being can be accomplished by eating a well-balanced diet that incorporates healthy lifestyle tools (Dietitians of Canada, 2015). It may be difficult to decide what is a healthy diet plan for you; therefore, getting help from a nutritionist may be beneficial. The Mint Nutrition Health Clinic is here to help!
Click Here to meet our Toronto nutritionist and Toronto registered dietitian today!
References
Dietitians of Canada. (2015). Information on Cleansing Diets. Retrieved from https://www.dietitians.ca/Your-Health/Nutrition-A-Z/Fibre/Cleansing-Diets.aspx
Nutrition Therapy and Pathophysiology 3rd Edition: Nelms M, Sucher K and Lacey K: Cengage Learning, Boston, 2014.