In the spring, many people resort to a general detox diet wishing to get rid of toxins and a few extra pounds. Experts, however, say that a liquid-only detox diet can often have more damaging than useful effects.
The general idea of liquid-only detox diets is that for a certain time one should consume only fruit and vegetable juices and no solid food. Fast weight loss may occur, but the cure has several considerable side effects as well.
1. Increased blood glucose levels
Fructose in fruits is far from healthy in large quantities, because it raises blood glucose levels. This can be very dangerous for persons who suffer from diabetes, and even a healthy body may react with headaches, tremors and hunger.
2. Harmful effect on the heart
During a liquid-only detox diet, an increased water loss may occur, and blood pressure may drop significantly. The heart suffers, and besides mood disturbances and concentration disorder even a heart attack can develop.
3. Digestion slows down
Dieters hope that if they only drink juices, the excess pounds will melt away in days. However, this is not going to be so easy, as this kind of nutrition lacks good fats and proteins. The body will not cope well with the decreased nutrition, so it starts to store nutrients and slow down digestion.
4. The muscle mass decreases
Because the body isn’t provided with enough protein, muscle mass is reduced.
5. Fatigue
The lack of calories and liquids and the loss of the muscles will devoid the body of all the energy, so one will feel very fatigued and lacking strength throughout the day.
6. The lost pounds come back
The result of weight loss doesn’t last forever, and once one begins to eat a usual diet, the body will start storing nutrients again and the pounds start creeping back.