Detox Diets Don't Work

These products are usually not effective. The best way to detoxify is to eliminate many of the toxins you take in on a daily basis and take in lots of pure water every day.

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A lot of them have some sort of diuretic and laxative in them as well. Not exactly healthy! I mean, sure you lose weight, but it's nothing but water weight and what's in your gut. I agree...better to just drink water.

Hey does this include the Fat Flush Plan?? I'm about to start this diet, and it seems to revolve around detoxification (of your liver, in particular). Hopefully its not like this!!

Anne - I know the Fat Flush diet, by Ann Gittlemen. It is a popular diet. The first phase is quite tough - lower calories and tight food restrictions. I tend to think the detox claims are probably overrated.

I stand by the statements in the post. There's no point putting yourself thru a gruelling dieting regimen - just to return to poor eating habits a few days or weeks later.

Come back and tell us how you're doing with Fat Flush.

Don't this things also usually involve juice fasts, and colonics? They make people believe that their intestines and kidneys are unable to get rid of waste and toxins by themselves.

What is your take on "Carb/Starch Blocker" pills?

Bonnie - everything I've read written by experts is that they don't work. The opinion seems to be that even if these substances could block carb, it wouldn't happen from taking a few pills - you'd have to eat pounds of the stuff for it to absorb part of the carb.

how about the "3 day fruit flush" detox? it basically consists of protein shakes and fruit-- most recently presented in FIRST magazine (vol 18, issuse 02).
i'd like to know the take of others before investing in a $15 protein powder.

Cris if you want to do that, you could buy cheaper protein powder. Look online, as it tends to be cheaper. Optimum Nutrition is a good brand that is often the cheapest.

But the point is the whole idea of these detox diets. They make you pee and poop a lot. Then you think you've lost weight, but in reality, it is just water and waste. I think whey is a convenient source of protein, and fruit is good for you, but you'd be better off looking into a long-term plan that incorporates these but doesn't exclude other foods.

From what I understand, the 3 day Fruit Flush is suppose to prep your body for healthier eating. It's suppose to help curb your cravings, give you more enery, detox your body and to me it seems like it would shrink your stomach. So after your off, your not eating as big of portions as you used to. As far as going back to poor eating habits a few days or few weeks later, some of the 3 day plans suggest that you do the 3 day flush for a maximum of 12 weeks, so, 3 days on and then 4 days off for 12 weeks. On the 4 days that your off you just eat like you have "some sense". It seems like a good idea to me. I am going to try it for the 12 week maximum (3 days on, 4 days off). On my 4 days off, I am going to eat meals suggested from the GI diet ( the low glycemic index diet). Hopefully it will give me a good start to some serious weight loss. My goal is to loose 80 pounds. Do you think this will work?

Chynny, how many calories is that plan? Cause cutting them too low will work against you in the long run (and losing 80lb is a long run thing - I've been there myself). I wouldn't cut calories to any lower than 300-400 calories less than what you are currently eating (track your unrestricted food in FitDay.com if you don't know how many). If you currently eat 2,500, you would want to cut down to 2,200, for example, and stay at that point until you reach a major stall in your weight loss (2 weeks with no loss of weight or inches).

As for the GI diet, it sounds good to me.

Chynny, good for you! It seems you've decided to really take charge of your life and get healthy. I think you have the right idea by trying this 3 day fruit flush for several weeks. You will undoubtedly lose weight and the nutritional benefit of fresh fruit is without comparison. As far as cutting calories too low working against you " in the long run " I am not a nutritionist nor am I an MD so I cannot say that this is scientifically inaccurate..I can only tell you that from my own personal experience that when I eat a low calorie diet (usually 900-1100 calories per day) I lose weight quite rapidly and do not regain it afterward so long as I do eat like I have "some sense". Congrats again on your decision to lose some weight!

jen, I'm glad it works for you. I had always wanted to find someone for whom very low calorie dieting worked. I knew there had to be someone, or doctors wouldn't keeping recommending them - cause in my experience, I only see people yo-yo or eat 700 calories everyday for the rest of their lives to maintain their weight, I'd never seen anyone do that and then go back to eating close to normal at leat (1,500, let's say) and not balloon up to fatter than when they first started.

As for the science behind it, look up "starvation mode", if you are interested. It explains why for most overweight people, it works against them.

I'm looking to try that 3-day Fruit flush plan but I can't find it anywhere. I heard about it from a friend of mine who did it and it worked for her. However since then she has thrown out the magazine the article was in and I can't seem to find it. Does anyone know where I can find this plan on the internet?

I am about to start the fruit flush also. You can get it online. type in fruit flush and you will see jb robb fruit flush or something like that. I just saw it about 20 minutes ago. you can buy his ebook for 5.00.

Hope this helps

Laura, I am on the 3-day diet as well this is my second week on it I purchased the mag at Albertsons I just saw it yesterday again I still have it if you would like I can E-mail .
Good Luck!!! Gloria

I'm working with 3 women who are doing this "fruit flush" plan. It seems a bit extreme, as most "diet plans" are anyway. I'm not seeing any results in the ladies but apparently, it makes then feel good that they are on some kind of "diet". I guess you're nobody unless you are on the latest fad diet train. If people just ate good food in MODERATION (try portion control people!) and exercised a minimum of 3x week....bingo - a healthier you.

J you are right about moderations...I am a mother of 3 boys and my husbands is a amazing man. He deployed to Afghanistan in March 2005 and I went up to 298lbs. I have always been big (250 up and down a few). I always placed everyone before me. Everyone has always loved me and liked me just like I was...I was the fun friend, the jolly mom and the comfortable wife. But I didn't love myself. I decided two months after he left I wasn't gonna get pass 300 lbs. It was time to take care of me. I started slow going to the gym 3 times a week and walking everyday atleast 20 minutes. then I got my diet under control...I cut fats out of my favorite foods, added fruits and veggies ,made sweet snacks healthier and ate at least 5 times a-day small meals for 6 days. I gave me one day off to have one meal no question...no worries...well it worked in 7 months I went from 298lbs to 238lbs. I went from jogging pants to sexy jeans!! Now my husband comes home in a few months and I would like to go down to atleast a size 16. I plan to continue from there. So if a mother of 3 boys, wife of a amazing soldier and woman that didn't sacrafies her favorite foods can do it ...ANYONE CAN...I am a true believer that once you start to love yourself you don't need to diet...just eat in moderations and enjoy life. Eventually your stomach gets small you just don't crave all that junk and excercising is FUN....so for all those women out there looking for the newest craze...I have one for you...JUST LOVE YOURSELF. We are all beautiful:)

Yvonne, you are a great inspiration.

J I think you got why people like these detox diets - the self-sacrifice makes them feel good. It is about the stoicism, not about actual results.

Jim, maybe you can write something on that?

Good for you Yvonne :) Sounds like you have it under control and I'm sure the spouse is pleased.

I have never had a weight issue so it may be difficult for me to understand what alot of people go thru. I do live these diets vicariously thru the ladies here at work though.

It just seems that so many times, they try these diets, go off them, and then back on. Like a roller coaster I suppose.

My cousin is exactly like you describe - she will punish herself with these fruit fasts or soup only, then go off them, eat junk, go back... not very healthy.

Hi, I am not too sure about this Fruit Flush plan as a) fruit is pretty high in sugar and b) most protein shakes are full of whey which pretty much would go against the whole point of detoxing. I am definitely up for being proven wrong though so I am going to read up on it as much as I can!

I think that the only danger of detoxes lays in the reasons that people undertake them. They are not a quick fix and they should not be seen solely as a weight loss thing.

They should be to kickstart a new healthy lifestyle (ongoing) otherwise they can do more harm than good!

Ross

Hi,everybody !! re:diets all the hype etc. I myself had never had a weight problem until my third child 9 years after the second I was always thin and in shape I made the mistake of induldging big time I figured no problem I will just work out watch what I eat no problem my child is now 3 1/2 years old I have been checked out by doctors I go to the gym at least 4X a week I do my cardio and I lift weights I do the small meals beleive me I have done it all consistantly and the weight lingers I will admit I get very hungry when I work out my biggest down fall, but let me tell you I have just completed my 2nd round of this fruit flush I have lost 13 pounds it maybe water like some one above said ,but I will tell you the feeling of acomplishment is unbeleivable it is a kick-start to training yourself how to eat smaller meals and getting used to eating every 2 hours. I dont know if it will be long term or not, but I am determined to make it that way( eating every 2 hours ). Not every diet is for everybody this one is perfect for me I consider it a new way of eating I had to do something, I am always on the go I find myself making better choices and every two hours I make sure I snack on something out of habbit I am very excited to make this work and you know what they say nothing tastes as good as it feels to be thin!!! well good luck to those who try this diet or venture on to others, let me know how it goes to those that feel it is a gimick or a fad it may be like I thought,but I felt I had to try it first and I did I love it and its easy and convenient!!!when I fit into my jeans this morning nobody could of burst my bubble!!!! :)I still have 30 pounds to go, but this is what I needed a short-cut and a little taste of what I am working for!!!!
Good Luck!!!

Well, this has been an interesting conversation! I think Yvonne, too, is an amazing inspiration. I have found that while detesting my body and being disgusted at the sizes I have to buy can be motivation for a short-term period, a healthier attitude is neccessary to achieve long-term success. I can starve myself and work out for a little while, but like everyone else, I inevitably fall into the trap of "screwing up" and then loathing myself even more. It's a vicious cycle. But when I exercise to be healthy and take care of myself, I am much more inclined to eat right and feel better (if you can avoid the "i exercised so i'll just eat this pie" mentality!). There's much more to life than weight loss. Rather than putting your life on hold "until I'm a size two again", embrace life. It's easier to lose weight when you're not obsessing about it constantly.

I've done sacred heart in the past, and enjoyed it. I've water fasted, too. Someone said it right- it's a good jumpstart sometimes, and it's exciting to ditch the water weight right off the bat. I am stronger about sticking to my plan if I am seeing the numbers go down, even if it's only quickly for a short time. Also, the stomach shrinking does help. Fruit, to me, is sugary and seems to make me hungrier. Combined with veggies, though, it's quite doable.

Thanks for the info on "starvation mode", Jan. I have read some about this in magazines, but perhaps I should also say that I have never had to "diet" for more than a couple or three weeks because I am not nor have I ever been actually overweight. Perhaps this is why I can do ok on low cal diets without experiencing the yo-yo effect.
Yvonne, you keep talking about what an amazing man your husband is...sounds to me like you're pretty amazing yourself! Taking care of three boys and having to be away from your husband for the past year....I would be a wreck! Congrats on your newfound self-esteem AND your 60 lb weight loss!

jen, I think it messes you up more if you are doing the low-calorie diets pretty close to one another, like say, a month on, a month off - that is what my cousin does. It is amazing that she weighs now the same she weighed 4 years ago, but her body has changed so much, and for the worse - she wears a bigger size, but it seems like her weight shifted from "good areas", like breasts and butt, all to her stomach, which is now bigger than the breasts. I look at pictures and I can't believe it.

DO NOT listen to these people who say that the Fruit Flush type diets/fasts doesen't work. I am living proof that they do. I've always been in good physical shape, and have had a reasonably good diet for years. I excersise several times a week, and even with my body fat being less than 10%, I was able to lose 18 pounds in a little over 5 weeks using the fruit flush. I didn't do anything different than I normally do other than for the three days of the program. My diet has improved a little since the last time I did the flush (around 4 1/2 weeks ago) and I have actually lost about another 6 pounds since then for a total of 24 pounds in 10 weeks. I will say that I believe that it is imperative that one does excercise regularly, or any diet that you go on will be a complete waste of time in the long run. That is, unless you eat only 700 calories a day for the rest of your life as someone eluded to earlier. You MUST burn more calories than you eat to lose weight, period. Diet or no diet. And make sure you drink plenty of water no matter what.

I would encourage anyone to try this type of diet/fasting program to see if it works for you instead of just asking someone who's never even tried it.

P.S. I am a 28 year old male if anyone was wondering.

Yvonne, you are truley a great inspiration. I am a 29 year old wife and mother of two, a son and a daughter. Within 5 years I have gained 25lbs. I have started to feel insecure about myself. For the last month or so I have been faithfully exercising, walking on the treadmill for an hour a day, approximately 3 miles, along with 40 sit-ups a day. I have also cut back on the foods I take in, "eating in moderation." I no longer eat after 6:00p.m. I have started to eat more greens, which I once despised. Today I started the 3 day fruit flush diet. With all the changes that I am making plus inspiration from women, like yourself, I believe I will lose these unwanted 25lbs.

This is for Lindsay, Hi girl when I read your conversation I remembered those feelings all to well I to would just get repulsed and have the same conversation daily in the morning with myself this day I am making changes I will do this differently or I will do that and then that one wrong choice I made would just down ward spiral well all I can tell you is that I guess what finally got me on track was getting to that space within myself that I was truly ready not disgusted in myself ,but truly ready!!! Dont do it for any other reason ,but yourself reward yourself on goals weekly not long term like at the end but weekly I also purchased an outfit that I really wanted in mid-size as a way to go incentive also I myself find it helpful to read Oxygen magazine please dont let the muscle girls fool you read the articles they are very very inspirational all well most of these woman did not look this way, but if you read their stories they are amazing also they give out great work out tips and diet ideas and even sometimes recipes I will tell you I have had this subscription for about two years and never took the time to actually read it I would just set them aside for that extra time I thought I would get. I could kick myself I have learned so much in just the 4 I have red I went back and started reading others alot of great ideas that way you can compound it into something that you can stick with it did take me awhile to put it into good use that is why this fruit flush is so wonderful for me beacause it boosted me into starting position ,anyway I just wanted to let you know Good Luck!!! I know you will do it,because you sound like I did!! I beleive in you!! I really do.

I just read the sharings about the 3-day fruit flush that was in the 1/9/06 issue of First magazine. I talked my husband into it. We've just finished our day of 5 protein shakes (I bought Whey vanilla at Wal-Mart, around $11 for a large container), and a 6-cup fresh vegetable salad with 6 oz. grilled chicken. I was full after 4 cups, so I'm continuing the salad at supper tomorrow night. We eat fruit (which I'm gonna love) for two days. I'm not overly worried about losing weight on this plan, but hope to detox the junk food from my system, and get away from eating it. To feel more energetic (though I use a gazelle every morning while I watch the news), and hopefully, sleep better at night. The shakes aren't bad! I just wish my garden was growing (we have snow :), as it would be a lot less expensive eating. I'd like to hear how everyone else does when they finish up the 3 days. I'll be listening. :)

Hi - just reporting in. Day two of Jay Robb fruit flush 3-Day Detox. I'm down 3 lbs. this morning, and soooo looking foward to eating fruit today. That first day was hard because I'm used to grazing all evening and just about every other hour through the night. I actually only woke up twice last night, rolled over and went back to sleep. The weight loss is okay, but if I can sleep all night again without waking every few hours, getting out of bed and trudging to the refrig, that's my goal. I've done this for years. Hard habit to break. I'm 50 and remember my father doing the nighttime graze (aka, nighttime waltz with the cookie tin). My husband is really funny. He's sticking to it... somewhat.., and complaining about being hungry. He stole a banana last night and skipped two protein shakes. Maybe if he hadn't skipped the protein shakes he wouldn't have been starved for the midnight banana.

Hello
This has all been great info. I am on my third week of the 3day Fruit Flush. The first week I lost nothing but it was "that time of the month". Last week I lost 5.2 lbs. but ate terribly two days of the four days off... We'll see what happens this week. I have tried Weight Watchers and lost a few pounds but I starve to death on it... Has anyone tried slim in 6, or sonoma diet? I love to cook, have 3 children, a husband who could lose a few pounds also. We are not picky eaters, we love sweets, and need to watch portion control. I don't want my girls to have to go through this in their adult lives and I want to teach them to make good healthy choices. I am the type that needs a plan though... Any ideas from anyone with similar backgrounds? I know my metabolism is very slow... but I cannot get meds because it is always on the low end of normal... Thanks for your time!

Hi - Day three here (AM) and I weighed myself - 5 lbs lighter. I cheated last night while I was babysitting my grandson, stole 1/2 a piece of pepperoni off the stale pizza in the frig. and 7-8 peanuts. Not bad! My husband is funny, funny, keeps calling me a work during the day to say he is starved. He ate half a box of cereal last night. I bet he is losing, too, though he hasn't said one way or another. I doubt he's been on a scale in years. He's pretty athletic (barn chores and trains horses as a hobby). I think the greatest thing about the flush is it shows you how "stuck" we can get in our eating habits. Hopefully, I'll keep the 5 lb. off by watching. If not, we may go through this again when we get closer to summer and I have fresh garden veggies and fruit is more plentiful. I would imagine I've spent $85 on the protein, fresh fruit and vegetables for three days. So far, it has been well worth the expense. I've slept better the last two nights than I have in a long time - no midnight grazing. :)

Hi! I am on day 2 of the fruit flush plan. I did great yesterday until 4:00. I was exhausted, and ended up taking a nap. This morning I was 4 pounds lighter. Way too much too fast. I am using Jay Robb shake mix. Expensive, but good! Today has been tough, just eating fruit. And again, I am so tired. I'll see what the scale says in the morning. I have not been to the gym the past 2 days, which is bad. I ususally go 5-6 days a week. I will get back in my routine on Friday.
It nice to read about other people doing this flush. Everyone-keep up the good work!

Hi All,
I just started the Fruit Flush this week. I tried it last week and lost a few lbs but I did not finish it and basically ate what ever I craved, which is usually bread - whole grain, whole wheat but too much of it. Anyway, Glad to see that its working for so many. I do belive that you can get your liver and intestines detoxed with this diet. I exercise quite a bit but sometimes I just need to rid my body of whatever makes me so sluggish. I'll have to come back and see how everyone else is doing. Good Luck.

Yira

Hey, over the past few months I have really added fruits and vegetables to what I eat throughout the day. What I've been doing lately is just eatings fruits until around noon and then eating healthy throughout the day and within 4 hours before bedtime If I do eat, it's fruits. This really helps over a period of time, as for me I was 195 @ 5'10 my sophomore year and now I'm 160 @ 5'11 my junior year. Just change your life style and the choices you make when it comes to food and you'll see changes, don't see it as a certain amount of time where you're going to decide to eat healthy. Start seeing food as fuel for your body and not as a pleasure. Best of luck...

I just finished my third week of the fruit flush. The first week I lost nothing, the second I lost over 5 lbs and this week I gained back two... Any suggestions... I freeze to death while on the flush and am very tired. Am I messing with my metabolism in a detrimental way by doing this???
Thanks, WJW

I finished my third day of the fruit flush yesterday - lost 5 lbs. total, which I think is pretty satisfying. My husband says he didn't lose anything, though he didn't weigh himself to begin with (he also cheated). Today, I had my back-to-normal bowl of oatmeal, coffee, and a glass of skim milk. I carried the rest of my fruit to work and had a Balance bar to eat for lunch since I was too busy to leave. I tried to nibble at all throughout the day to keep my metabolism going. The best part is, the three days helped me break the "midnight graze" (more like all night, every hour on the hour :), and hopefully, will lead to better sleep habits for me. I was never tired or sluggish from the fruit flush. It was more craving food. In a recent magazine (maybe the First magazine where I found the fruit flush), I read about acupressure points behind the ear to help with weight loss. I tried that when I had strong cravings for food, and it seemed to work, though it may have just taken my mind off being hungry... or thinking I was hungry. I probably will not go back on the fluit flush unless I gain all the weight back, or summer comes and the fruit and vegetables come from my backyard. I'll finish the whey protein mix over time. I have a good Amish friend with low blood sugar that keeps a glass of that mixed with water by her bed. She said it helps her sleep and eliminates some headaches. Since it has soy in it, I would think it would be good for menopause symptoms, too. Besides, I liked the taste.

After reading an article in First magazine, i have decided to kick start my diet with the three day Fruit Flush. I have read good and bad, but i believe in trying it for myself to see if it actually works.So, today is day 1..The only problem with this diet is that there is not alot of information on it unless you buy it. Like are you allowed tea or coffee on it...
But from past experience, the more water you drink them more you lose..Stay tuned till day 3!!

I read about the Fruit Flush diet in First magazine and I also downloaded the eBook from the Jay Robb website. I was only able to do it for two days. The first day was fine, drinking the protein shakes and having the salad at dinner (although, to me, the olive oil/lemon juice on the salad was disgusting!!). I wasn't hungry at all, although I did get a headache by 4:30 that afternoon. According to the eBook, that's not unusual. Day 2 I did the fruit, and that's what did me in. I have never been a big fan of fruit, and after a day of eating it every two hours, I discovered that I really hate fruit!! The third day I got up and realized I wouldn't be able to choke down another piece of fruit for quite a while. The only way I cheated was by having coffee, which isn't allowed - but you'd have to lock me in a facility before I'd give it up!!! - and the second day I replaced the olive oil and lemon juice on the salad with light salad dressing out of a bottle. I lost 3 and a half pounds in those two days, however. If anyone needs more info on what's in the eBook, feel free to ask.