Internet myths debunked! Detoxification is not just about eating lettuce and drinking lemon water

There are many "detox meals" circulating on the Internet that claim to help you lose weight quickly, quickly burn fat and eliminate waste from your body. However, if these detox methods are really safe and effective, why are so many people still troubled by obesity? In fact, not everyone can afford to lose weight with these various detoxification methods, and if you are not careful, you may even sacrifice your health! A foreign "Fitness" website lists the most popular detoxification methods on the Internet, and reveals its detoxification theory and what to pay attention to~

(Photo by Zhuang Yuping)

1. Master Cleanse

The fasting method has a history of nearly 60 years. Many foreign female artists such as Beyonce have tried this method. It is claimed that as long as you do not eat any food for 10 days and only drink 6 to 10 cups of special lemon water (made of water, lemon juice, chili powder and maple syrup) every day, and drink iodine-free sea salt water when you get up to help clear the stomach and intestines, you can expel years of stool and toxins in the body.

Health reminder: This detoxification method will not allow the human body to absorb the calories needed for the basal metabolic rate. Instead, it will cause discomfort in the gastrointestinal system. The body also lacks the nutrients it needs for a day. After resuming a normal diet, the chance of gaining weight again is almost 100%.

2. 21 Pounds in 21 Days

The inventor of this detoxification method once published a special book to promote this detoxification method. Although it was clarified on the website that it is not for the purpose of weight loss, it still advocates that as long as the three-week fasting method is implemented, 21 pounds (9.5 kg) can be lost in 21 days. No solid food can be eaten within 21 days. Only vegetable and fruit juices, protein-supplemented milkshakes, herbal teas and soups, and water can be consumed. People are encouraged to purchase vitamin supplement capsules from a dedicated website and to perform regular bowel cleansing and coffee enema.

Health reminder: Relying solely on drinking liquids to supplement nutrition is definitely an extreme method for the body, not to mention taking drastic measures such as enema, which may cause dehydration. This method has no definite scientific basis to support it, so it is recommended that ordinary people do not try it easily.

3. Liver Cleansing Diet

Invented by an Australian doctor named Sandra McRae, it advocates an 8-week detoxification plan that is based on "raw" vegetables and fruits, with some protein supplements (grains, raw nuts, seeds, eggs, beans, skinless chicken, lean red meat, fish), but prohibits dairy products, fried foods, processed foods, alcohol and refined sugar. Drink at least 2 liters of water, tea or juice every day, and it is recommended to buy capsule health foods that supplement liver function from a dedicated website.

Health reminder: Although this detoxification method sounds "seemingly" more humane and healthy, it is dangerous to recommend that people take additional liver detoxification capsules. If you do not have a doctor's examination to determine whether your liver function is normal, eating this type of health food indiscriminately may be detrimental to your health. In addition, a diet lacking dairy products may lead to insufficient calcium intake, which is also a major concern.

(Photo by Zhuang Yuping)

4. The Fast Track One-Day Detox Diet

It was proposed by nutritionist Ann Louise Gittleman, who claims that it can improve metabolism, help detoxification and lose weight. In fact, the whole process takes 11 days, including a 7-day preparation and adaptation period, a 1-day detoxification period, and a subsequent 3-day adjustment and relaxation period.

Phase 1: Limit your intake to 1-3 foods that are good for the liver, such as broccoli, leafy greens, citrus, and eggs, and 1 food that is good for the intestines, such as carrots, apples, and berries; as well as 2 servings of lean protein, 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil, and plenty of water. Fat, sugar, refined carbohydrates, alcohol, caffeine, etc. need to be avoided.

Phase 2: The highlight of the detox day, drink a beverage called "Miracle Juice" all day long, which is made of water, unsweetened cranberry juice, cinnamon, ginger powder, nutmeg, fresh orange juice, and stevia. Drink 1 cup every hour and eat a portion of the above-mentioned intestinal beneficial foods in the morning and evening.

Phase 3: The next 3 days are basically the same as the first 7 days, but you can consume one serving of dairy products every day.

Health reminder: This method is relatively humane, but be aware that it may cause farting and bloating! Also, remember not to go to places without toilets, you will become very dependent on it in the next few days! If this diet is done occasionally in the short term, it will not cause any harm to the human body. However, since the diet lacks high-quality fats and proteins, it is not recommended for long-term use.

Natural detox meals, this is the most natural way to eat!

Only by eating healthily can the body achieve detoxification effects naturally. It doesn’t have to rely on any difficult methods. The following are simple three-meal diet examples, all of which are delicious and easy to obtain ingredients!

Breakfast: oatmeal with almond milk, crushed walnuts, fresh apple slices

Lunch: Tomatoes, white beans, and basil wrapped in whole-wheat crust, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar

Dinner: salmon + broccoli

Snack: Low-fat yogurt + berries, or celery + peanut butter (a popular snack abroad)

Beverages: water, unsweetened tea