Dear Lynn:

My mother and I would like to go on a detox diet this summer. We have heard about them but don't really know where to start. Any suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated.

--Samantha

Dear Sam:

It's simply amazing how many programs, books and potions are promoted to improve our health that actually can cause severe harm. The detox diet is one of them.

Think about it. According to the detox diet theory, our intestines build up toxic or poisonous material obtained from our diet or the environment.

Theory: We should go on a fruit- or vegetable-juice "fast" for several days to allow our intestines to rid themselves of the poisonous material.

Fact: Our bodies naturally excrete harmful products on a daily basis.

Theory: A detox fasting program allows our bodies to absorb even more nutrients and achieve a higher state of health.

Fact: Fasting or subsisting on only fruit or vegetables doesn't allow our bodies to get the protein, fat, vitamins and minerals we need every day, leading to deficient nutrition.

Bottom line: If you're healthy and not under a physician's care, a detox diet probably won't hurt you, but it won't help either. If you're on any type of medication or being treated for a medical condition, do not attempt this type of diet, as it can cause potentially irreparable harm.

Thanks for asking a great question!

Sincerely,
Lynn Grieger, RD, CD, CDE