The Skinny on Cleansing / Detox Diets? - Personal Trainer Community - Forum

[Dinah]

A client asked me about whether or not a cleansing / detox diet would be good for them. Obviously I can't say either way because I am not an RD, but could someone (possibly Joe '-) shed light on this subject? Also what is the difference between cleansing / detox vs elimination diet? Any good material I can turn to as a resource?

Thanks for any insight.




Dinah

[Joe Cannon MS CSCS]

Dinah. Somebody just asked me about this today. most of these cleansing diets are just fancy laxatives. Short term use is probably harmless, for a few days. long term is probably not healthy . People with diabetes or heart problems should not do cleansing diets. worst case scenario is that they might :

1. lower blood sugar levels (bad for diabetics)
2.cause irregularities in the way the heart beats.

the cleansing diet people often talk about how they rid the body of toxins, but they never tell us what "toxins" they are talking about. Thats a red flag in my book.

I don't think most people need cleansing diets. most of the weight lost is water, which returns very fast as soon as people eat again.

If people eat well they are already clensing the body.

Exercise is also a great cleanser. Ever notice how people often have to go to the bathroom after they work out...

Joe

[Dinah]

Thanks, Joe. I knew I could count on you to ring in. '-)

Yeah, I'm not even sure why my client would think that she would need it. But I guess people tend to look everywhere but diet and exercise to help them through.

And elimination diets are just that -- you're eliminating certain things from your diet -- sugar, wheat, etc. to get handle on allergies or irritations that are happening in your system. Then you slowly add them back in, correct? I guess an RD would be a good person to bounce this off of to.

Thanks again, Joe!

[Joe Cannon MS CSCS]

I agree its always good to have an RD to help when things get more intricate. I know Margie, who frequently posts here helps on these matters
Joe