Truth About Detox Diets

It seems like everyone is talking about detox diets; you might even be tempted to try a detox diet to quickly lose weight and cleanse your body. But if a diet sounds too good to be true, it is. Here we separate fact from fiction.

Fact or Fiction? A detox diet will help me drop weight quickly.

• Fact. Detox diets reduce caloric intake, causing you to lose weight. But you won’t be able to keep it off for long. It’s better to focus on losing one or two pounds per week by making sustainable changes, such as swapping dessert for fruit.

Fact or Fiction? Fruit is healthy, so a juice cleanse is too.

• Fiction. A liquid-only diet can lead to other health problems, including fatigue, low blood sugar, and nausea. A balanced diet gives your body the nutrients it needs.

Fact or Fiction? I should do a cleanse because my body needs help detoxing.

• Fiction. That’s what your liver and kidneys are for. What improves your health more than a cleanse is “clean” eating, such as avoiding processed foods in favor of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats.

A poor diet can contribute to heart disease and other conditions. Get a fix on your heart health and cancer risks with a free online assessment at FindYourHealth.com.