Photo: Julia Larson

Will a cleanse help me lose weight?

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.

mdanderson.org - 4 things you should know about cleanses, detoxes and fasts

Who is fasting not recommended for?

Some people should steer clear of trying intermittent fasting: Children and teens under age 18. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. People...

Last updated Nov 17, 2019

What burns fat cells naturally?

Here are 11 healthy foods that help you burn fat. Fatty Fish. Fatty fish is delicious and incredibly good for you. ... MCT Oil. Medium-chain...

Last updated Sep 14, 2022

Weird “juice ritual” removes 65lbs in weeks

A potent powdered supplement, based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »

Promotion

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.

Is Frozen juice better than Bottled?

Although we might assume that all orange juice is the same nutritionally, new research shows that ready-to-drink versions contain about 30 percent...

Last updated Aug 15, 2020

What vegetables are best for skin?

Broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts are all high in Vitamin C and other antioxidants, which help to maintain healthy skin. These veggies...

Last updated Jul 15, 2019

Tasty juice “eats through” 54lbs of thick flab

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

Learn More »

Promotion

What speeds up metabolism fast?

Fat-burning ingredients like protein, spicy peppers and green tea have been proven to bump up metabolism. Eat some form of these foods, especially...

Last updated Jan 20, 2023

Why juicing is not good for you?

Juicing cuts fiber and can spike sugar And if your juice contains fruit, that can lead to a big dose of sugar. That's because while fruit offers...

Last updated Sep 17, 2021

Common yard weed melts 60lbs of fat?

Made into a potent powdered supplement blended right into water or your favorite beverage to be appreciated as a scrumptious morning smoothy.

Learn More »

Promotion

What vitamins can I take to give me energy?

The eight B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, B6, biotin, folate and B12) provide the most energy, as they aid in cell...

Last updated Mar 9, 2020

Fizzy juice “eats through” 59lbs of stubborn fat

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

Learn More »

Promotion

How do I speed up my weight loss?

9 weight loss tips Eat a high protein breakfast. ... Limit sugary drinks and fruit juice. ... Stay hydrated. ... Choose weight-loss-friendly foods....

Last updated Feb 25, 2019