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It’s human nature to want to achieve your goals as quickly as possible, and weight loss is no exception. We’re constantly looking for shortcuts and hacks to help expedite the results and sidestep the tough parts in life, but the reality is that sometimes this approach can have some dangerous side effects.
Detox supplements and diets are commonly used to “flush your system” and rid your body of toxins which may be slowing down weight loss, but these diets aren’t as good for your overall health as they may initially sound. We spoke with registered dietitian Trista Best and nutritionist Lisa Richards for a reality check on what detox supplements actually do to your body, and the best way to achieve weight loss without them.
The diet industry has effectively led us to believe that detox supplements are essential for achieving weight loss more quickly, but in truth our body is naturally already equipped with a personal detoxification system in the form of the liver and kidney, notes Best. When we attempt to expedite these systems with supplements, we throw the delicate balance of our body off kilter.
“[The liver and kidneys] are responsible for filtering and removing toxins from the body sometimes with the help of the lymphatic system and digestive tracts. When we begin taking detoxification supplements we are introducing additional compounds that must be filtered by these organs,” notes Best. “This added stress is unnecessary, as most healthy organs are able to detox the body at a healthy pace.”
With the added factor of unnecessary detox supplements, the body is then tasked with extra work in digesting these as well. “These organs are now required to process large quantities of toxins at once which can place undue stress on them and potentially cause long-term damage,” Best explains. Your body would have worked through the detoxification process at its own pace with the same end results without supplements, but in adding one to the mix, you run the risk of compromising your body’s pre-existing systems.
If you’re hinging your entire weight loss journey on the concept of a detox or a cleanse, you may be setting yourself up for uncomfortable and unnecessary gastrointestinal issues as well. “Detoxification supplements often induce diarrhea or other gastrointestinal issues, which can lead to dehydration, nutrient deficiency, electrolyte imbalances, and gut dysbiosis,” warns Richards. “Each of these potential side effects makes the body's natural detoxification process less effective and ultimately does not result in the desired outcome.”
Instead of leaning on these potentially damaging supplements that can reduce the efficacy of the natural detoxification system that your body has in place, the best and healthiest method for achieving weight loss is to simply audit the foods you’re consuming in your diet. Prioritizing fruits and vegetables may seem like a boring solution, but it’s discussed so frequently because it works.
Eating ample protein, healthy fats and carbs is also vital for seeing measurable results, but overall the best way to lose weight is by consuming fewer calories than you’re burning throughout the day. Unless you were instructed to follow a guided detox by a healthcare professional, creating a more sustainable approach to weight loss will ultimately award you with healthier results that you can actually maintain.
