How to detox

‘Detox’ is a popular buzzword these days, especially when the summer months roll around. But will it work for you? We take a closer look at what detoxing really means, how to detox, and what you can expect to get out of it.

What is detoxing?
Detoxing is a broad term that usually relates to cutting back on or refraining from eating certain foods and drinks. Typically detoxing refers to cutting toxins from your diet and banning caffeine, alcohol and processed foods. But depending on the intensity of the detox it could also mean cutting out carbs, protein or cooked food – or cutting out solid food altogether. The great thing about a detox is that you can tailor it to your routine. Do lots of exercise? Keep the protein content high. Need to up your nutrient intake – start blitzing those veggie juices!

What are the benefits?
It depends on the type of detox you opt for and how long you do it for. ‘While there is no doubt that a detox of sorts can have positive effects on the body, it very much depends on the type of detox and exactly what is being eaten,’ says nutrition consultant Alice Mackintosh. ‘They vary significantly, with some being extremely restrictive and others being a matter of simply eating better and giving up alcohol for a few days.’ However it’s thought that giving your body a break from caffeine and alcohol will help you rebalance and the alcohol ban should see you drop a few pounds too. Taking a break from solid foods and downing vitamin-packed juices is also thought to give your digestive system a break and give your bod a substantial hit of nutrients. According to the Mayo Clinic some people report feeling more focused and energetic during and after detox diets.

When should I do it?
Detoxing is not a long-term solution for weight loss or good health. But it could help to drop those last few pounds for a special occasion or holiday – it’s the perfect last-minute bikini blitz, too! But it can also be a great way to kick-start a healthy regime – especially if you’d had a bit out a blow-out. A three-day juice cleanse could help wean you off those morning lattes and carby meals, and get your stomach ready for regular-sized portions. You shouldn’t detox for any longer than five days and really three days is ideal. It’s a kick-start not a lifestyle change. ‘Remember that our bodies have been designed to detoxify all the time, not in short bursts whenever we feel the need to ‘cleanse’. Ideally we should support liver function day to day and lessen the need for a detox in the first place,’ says Alice.

Any downsides?
You need to make sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need, and that you’re getting enough calories per day. If you’re doing a delivery detox diet or juice diet they should be designed to give you everything you need. If you’re doing your own detox at home make sure you’re eating enough that you don’t feel hungry and try to include a range of fruit and veg. If you’re not eating meat or fish, it may be worth including omega-3 or iron supplements (check with your GP or nutritionist) and a B-vitamin supplement. Check out our list of must-have supplements when detoxing. Plus there’s some debate as to whether a detox actually helps to flush out toxins. According to the Mayo Clinic there’s little evidence that detox diets actually remove toxins from the body. Indeed, the kidneys and liver effectively filter and eliminate most ingested toxins. The benefits from a detox diet may actually come from avoiding highly processed foods that have solid fats and added sugar.