Smoothy Slim
Photo by Laura Tancredi Pexels Logo Photo: Laura Tancredi

Do you lose weight while detoxing?

A cleanse or fast can help you lose weight, but is hard to sustain over time. A cleanse or fast may help you lose weight initially. “Any time you eliminate certain factors from your diet you're likely to lose weight in the beginning,” Rush says. But after the cleanse or fast is over, you may gain the weight again.

What drinks burn belly fat?
What drinks burn belly fat?

13 Drinks That Melt Belly Fat, Say Dietitians Green Tea. Kombucha. Protein Water. Coffee. Black Tea. Raw Apple Cider. Ginger Tea. Raw Vegetable...

Read More »
Is V8 juice good for losing weight?
Is V8 juice good for losing weight?

Again, vegetable juice can play a key role. A study from Baylor College of Medicine shows that overweight individuals with metabolic syndrome who...

Read More »
Fizzy juice “eats through” 59lbs of stubborn fat
Fizzy juice “eats through” 59lbs of stubborn fat

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

After the holidays – or any time you may not have been eating a healthy diet – a cleanse or fast may sound appealing. But be sure to do your research before trading in solid foods for days of green juice or lemon water. These trendy diets may not be right for everyone. “People want the short cut,” says Joel Rush, a clinical nutrition specialist at MD Anderson. “Cleanses and fasts give us rules that are easy to follow. But as a weight loss method, they tend to fall down.” Cleanses, detox diets and fasts have a wide range of guidelines, depending on which plan you follow. Cleanses may require that participants drink only juice or abstain from certain foods. Fasts may require patients to give up food for certain periods of time. And while a cleanse or fast may help you lose weight initially, there are many risks associated with these trendy diets. Here are four things you should know about cleanses, detoxes and fasts.

Your body does a pretty good job of cleansing on its own.

Toxins are the chemicals that don’t have a place in our diets. You may take in toxins through food, your skin or the air. Usually, your body removes them on its own. Most people don’t need to cleanse to remove them from their bodies. “Our kidneys do a very good job of removing toxins. Our livers do a very good job. Our colons do a very good job,” Rush says. Before you start a cleanse or detox, talk to your doctor to see if it’s something you really need to do. A cleanse or fast can help you lose weight, but is hard to sustain over time.

A cleanse or fast may help you lose weight initially.

“Any time you eliminate certain factors from your diet you’re likely to lose weight in the beginning,” Rush says. But after the cleanse or fast is over, you may gain the weight again. “These types of diets aren’t sustainable over a long period of time,” he says.

Participating in a cleanse or fast may make exercising more difficult.

Exercise plays a key part in maintaining a healthy weight and reducing your cancer risk. But if you’re fasting or cleansing, you may not be getting all the calories and energy you need to exercise as usual. If you’re drinking your calories during a juice cleanse, make sure you’re drinking nutritionally complete juices. In other words, consider if you’re getting enough carbohydrates, fiber, protein and electrolytes. If you’re not sure, talk to your doctor. They can help you figure out if a cleanse is safe for you and your life style.

You’re more likely to maintain weight loss through diet and exercise.

“Cleanses and fasts may seem like a quick fix,” Rush says. “But a better way to control weight is to develop healthy eating habits.”

To build a healthy diet:

Fill two-thirds of your plate with plant-based foods, like vegetables and whole grains.

Try to avoid high-calorie, low-nutrient foods, especially when it comes to snacks.

Eliminate sweetened beverages from your diet. Drinking more water throughout the day can replenish your body without adding calories. “You’re likely to see more long-term success following these tips than using a cleanse or fast,” Rush says. Request an appointment at MD Anderson's Lyda Hill Cancer Prevention Center online or call 877-632-6789.

Can I safely lose 3 lbs a week?
Can I safely lose 3 lbs a week?

Losing weight too quickly can lead to problems like gallstones, muscle loss, and extreme fatigue. Experts recommend a moderate weight loss of 1–3...

Read More »
Is Potato good for weight loss?
Is Potato good for weight loss?

Yes, you can lose weight by eating potatoes. Most people claim that one can lose 0.45 kg daily just by eating potatoes. In addition, research shows...

Read More »
Tasty juice “eats through” 54lbs of thick flab
Tasty juice “eats through” 54lbs of thick flab

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

Does diarrhea mean your colon is empty?

Your Colon Is Never Empty Many people believe they have emptied out their colons after multiple episodes of diarrhea or that they can keep their colons empty by avoiding food. However, since stool is made up in large part of bacteria, fecal matter is continuously being formed.

Your colon plays a vital role in digestion. It's an important part of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which makes up the digestive system. By the time food reaches the colon, it's already through most of the digestion process. The colon's main role is to absorb water, vitamins, and electrolytes from partially digested food after it goes through the small intestine. Then, your colon prepares your body to get rid of the waste by passing stool (poop). Taking the mystery out of your colon will help you better identify signs of common colon problems and help you feel more comfortable talking about this hard-working body part with your healthcare provider. The following facts will help re-acquaint you with your colon. You'll learn where your colon is, how long your intestines are, the function of the large intestine, and even how much poop is in your body.

Why should diabetics avoid coffee?
Why should diabetics avoid coffee?

If you already have diabetes, however, the impact of caffeine on insulin action may be associated with higher or lower blood sugar levels. For some...

Read More »
What are the top 3 fat-burning foods?
What are the top 3 fat-burning foods?

Try eating these top ten foods to burn your body fats quickly. Salmon. Fatty fish, like salmon, are good for your heart and lower your...

Read More »
Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days
Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »
How can I increase blood volume?
How can I increase blood volume?

Drink more water. Fluids increase blood volume and help prevent dehydration, both of which are important in treating hypotension. May 14, 2022

Read More »
Purple mojito “devours” 57lbs of flab?
Purple mojito “devours” 57lbs of flab?

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »
Which drink is good for glowing skin?
Which drink is good for glowing skin?

Drinking an apple and pomegranate juice will improve your skin quality tenfold. It is rich in Vitamin C, other enzymes and antioxidants that heal...

Read More »