As a general rule, if a diet delivers a variety of foods from each group, it is likely ample for vitamins and minerals. However, if the diet eliminates an entire food group, specific nutrients may be lacking (as in the case with detoxing). For instance, omission of meat from the diet increases the hazard of insufficient protein, zinc, iron, and vitamin B6 intake; elimination of milk and dairy products increase the risk of poor riboflavin and calcium intake, and the list goes on. In essence, each of the food groups offers essential nutrients. If one group is omitted, key nutrients may be missing in the diet. That said, short-term detoxing may not be such a bad idea every once in a while. However, proper precautions need to be taken. Yes, you will lose a dramatic amount of weight. This is due to the simple fact that detoxing entails selective fasting of different groups of foodstuffs. Even then, a lot of what is lost is water weight. Still, if you would like to undertake a programme based on detoxing, here is what you need to know.

1. On the whole, organic foods and beverages (and lots of water) are essential on a natural detox diet. Moreover, caffeine, alcohol, processed or refined foods, tobacco, and certain supplements are not allowed.
2. Saunas and exercise might also be prudent so as to increase sweating, another way to purge the body of toxins.
3. The ideal detox programme entails ‘clean eating’, that is, no starvation or fasting. A combination of lean protein, fibre, whole fruits, vegetables, water, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. Following this ensures that the plan is not too restrictive, satisfies hunger, can be followed for a longer period of time as opposed to typical detoxing, and focusses on getting in more fluids (with zero calories) and fibre, while also limiting alcohol (a product containing ample quantities of toxins).

One last important note to make is that the body has two organs dedicated to ensuring proper detoxification: the kidneys and the liver. As a result, standard detox programmes may not be worth the trouble as your body has a remarkably efficient way of dealing with the toxins. As a matter of fact, too much restrictive detoxing may, in fact, decrease the efficacy of your kidneys and liver, thereby increasing the amount of toxins in the body!