Detox diets: Why cleansing your body does more harm than good
How detox diets can harm your health (Photo: Freepik)
Popular detox programs promise body cleansing and improved well-being. However, such methods can disrupt hormone balance and harm health, says Ukrainian endocrinologist Olesia Pidmurniak.
Harm of "cleansing" your body
Detox programs usually involve strict dietary restrictions, such as avoiding proteins or fats and replacing food with juices or smoothies.
Such experiments can lead to hormonal disruptions and thyroid problems.
Slowed metabolism and stress for the body
According to the doctor, when you drastically limit calories, the body perceives it as a signal of hunger. In response, cortisol levels rise.
This increases fat accumulation, especially in the abdominal area, which can cause menstrual cycle disruptions, worsen sleep quality, and provoke anxiety.
Thyroid problems
The thyroid gland requires micronutrients like iodine, selenium, and zinc. If, during detox, you consume only juices or plant-based products without protein, deficiencies can arise.
This can lead to reduced thyroid function, hormonal production disturbances (T3 and T4), decreased energy, hair loss, and brittle nails.
Insulin resistance and sugar spikes
Detox diets often consist of fruit juices and smoothies, which means a lot of simple carbohydrates without proteins and fats. This raises blood glucose levels, forces the pancreas to produce more insulin, and can lead to insulin resistance.
Fat deficiency leads to poor hormone function
Fats are needed for the synthesis of sex hormones: estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone.
This can lead to menstrual cycle and ovulation problems, dry skin, and hair loss.
What to do instead of detox
The endocrinologist advises eating a balanced diet, which should include proteins, fats, fiber, and vitamins.
Drinking enough water is the best detox. It’s also worth including foods that support hormonal balance in your diet, such as fatty fish, eggs, and fermented products.
Earlier, we also wrote about 5 products that you should add to your diet in April.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
