Detoxification can change aspects of your dietary habits---such as increasing your consumption of certain drinks---to reduce the effects of chemicals, preservatives and refined foods in your diet, according to "Dr Joshi's Holistic Detox." As a result, you start to lose weight and gain other benefits such as an energy boost. However, conventional medical professionals question the benefits of detoxification and more scientific studies are necessary to prove the claims of detoxification practitioners. Before beginning any weight-loss program or making dietary changes, consult your health-care professional to determine whether such changes are suitable for you.
Cranberry Juice
According to Ann Louise Gittleman, author of "The Fast Track One-Day Detox Diet," cranberry juice enhances the liver's ability to metabolize fats due to its high vitamin C content. Poor liver function inhibits metabolism and weight loss. Cranberry juice also contains arbutin, a diuretic compound that helps to flush out water weight trapped in tissues, states Gittleman.
Citrus Juices
These juices are also rich in vitamin C and provide some of the same benefits of cranberry juice. Vitamin C also increases the production of glutathione, the primary antioxidant the liver needs for both phases of detoxification, explains Gittleman. In a study published in the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition" in 2005, researchers found that people with lower levels of vitamin C burn less fat during moderate exercise.
Water
Drinking filtered water plays an essential role in detoxification and weight loss. Your body needs water for several functions including digestion, nutrient absorption and elimination of toxins and waste. In a study presented at the 240th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, participants who drank two eight-ounce glasses of water before each meal lost more weight than those who did not increase their water intake. Brenda Watson, author of "The Detox Strategy," recommends drinking half your body weight in ounces of water each day during detoxification.
Buying
Drinking detox beverages to lose weight is counterproductive if you're still consuming more toxins each day. Gittleman recommends going organic, which is easier to do today as supermarkets and markets frequently offer organic fare. Buy organic cranberries and lemons to make your juice at home. If you're buying juice, choose unsweetened brands.
Side Effects
In general, adding cranberry and citrus juices and water to your diet is considered safe. However, cranberries contain oxalate, which increases the risk of kidney stones, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Drinking too much acidic juice may also cause heartburn or stomach upset. Consult a doctor or dietitian when making significant changes to your diet.
By Kay Uzoma
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