That time of year is here. It’s the holidays! …which may also means that the guilt of over-indulgence is rapidly approaching. Then the story begins. "The holidays bring sugar cookies, stuffing and pumpkin pie, and all this Harry Potter-like magic that compels me to put these holiday foods in my mouth! This magic has banished my sense of reasoning and willpower."
The over-indulgence means that soon it will be time to "make-up" for all the holiday food that has held a hypnotic sway over us for six weeks.
Overwhelmed with guilt, many of us resort to… Cleansing. Just say NO. Consider this your intervention. And if you don’t believe me, I borrowed some key points from the WSJ as to why you shouldn't buy into the "Cleansing" hype.
Here is the explanation of juicing by one expert, Linda Lee, director of the Johns Hopkins Integra-tive Medicine and Digestive Center in Maryland. “The term ‘cleanse’ is a marketing tool, and any claims of its benefits aren't evidence-based at this time.” Dr. Lee goes on to say that no scientific studies have proven that a juice diet or food-cleanse removes toxins from the body.
Wait. Can't you lose weight on a cleanse? Here is the science behind the "magic.” It's called the "Laxative Effect!” Since you are not eating the juices you drink goes right to the large intestine, where it gets fermented by your gut bacteria, which can result in a laxative effect, that of course can aid in weight loss much like food poisoning could help you lose weight.
Dr.Lee says, “I have a lot of patients who say they feel better because they are totally empty,” and you're probably running on fumes.
And, she adds, after a few days of caloric restriction, which likely results in dehydration since much of the body’s water intake comes from food sources, a person probably won’t be at optimal health. You can also become nutrient deficient.
Dr.Lee's advice echos my advice, stick to a healthy diet and make better choices, she says, and there will be no need for a starvation cleanse that could cause more harm than good. I would be more mindful about eating more vegetables and cutting back on sugar and white flour foods.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/do-cleanses-really-work-1418064817