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Hidden Dangers of Detox Diets
Posted on Dec 3rd 2009 11:38AM by Ashley Neglia
Liquid Bowel Movements
Frequent liquid bowel movements can result from a shortage of nutrients such as zinc, protein, vitamin A and B, which help build the intestinal lining. Excessive diarrhea can lead to dehydration, abdominal pain and electrolyte loss. Electrolytes are ionized molecules responsible for facilitating osmosis, the passage of fluid between cells, and regulating the neuromuscular, endocrine and excretory systems. Symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance include fatigue, cardiac arrhythmia and nausea.
Hair Loss
Richard Simmons attributes going bald at age 19 to crash dieting. I know, his hair should have its own zip code, but that only happened after he had 4,000 hair follicles transplanted. Lack of vitamins and minerals in the body can result in brittle hair, which can eventually fall out.
Vitamin Deficiency
When you're ingesting little more than lemon water with a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, the body has no way of replenishing vitamins and nutrients. If you stay on a calorie restrictive diet for more than a week, you may begin to experience side effects from nutrient deficiencies. People who don't consume enough vitamin A can suffer from night blindness and run a high risk of infection. Folate deficiencies can result in weakness, headaches, heart palpitations, irritability and memory loss.
Brain Damage
After being on a severely restrictive diet prescribed by her nutritionist, a British woman incurred permanent brain damage affecting her memory, speech and concentration. Dawn Page, 52, suffered from severe vomiting and an epileptic fit after only one week of being on the "Amazing Hydration Diet." The diet called for her to reduce her salt intake and consume six pints of water per day. When the kidneys are unable to excrete excess water, sodium levels become diluted and result in water intoxication or hyponatremia. A sodium deficiency in the plasma protecting Page's brain allowed water to enter, which ultimately caused brain damage.
Muscle Breakdown
Extreme low-calorie diets can force the body into starvation mode. "Of course, this is the perfect solution if you're in a famine situation," says Sari Greaves, RD, CDN spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. "But if you're trying to lose weight, it's going to do little to help you shift those unwanted pounds." The body clings to fat cells and breaks down lean tissue or muscle to provide the calories necessary to function. As you begin to experience muscle loss, the metabolism begins to slow. Once the diet ends, your metabolism will remain slow, fewer calories will be burned and fat will continue to build until the lost muscle is restored.
Cardiac Arrhythmia
In 2006, a 25-year-old British woman died due to cardiac arrhythmia after spending six months on a crash diet. Matilda Callaghan dropped 140 pounds from her original 462-pound frame on a diet that permitted little more than three packets of powdered food per day. Because of the rapid weight loss, Callaghan may have experienced an electrolyte imbalance, which could have resulted in an irregular heartbeat. To avoid heart-related problems when dieting, especially if you've experienced past arrhythmias, take it slow and aim to lose only 0.5 to 1 lb. per week, says Greaves.
Depression
Detox diets deplete the body of much-needed nutrients, including folic acid and vitamin B-12. Being deficient in these vitamins has been shown to trigger or exacerbate depressive symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. This deficiency coupled with low blood sugar can result in headaches, mood swings and, ultimately, depression.
Bowel Perforation
Colonic irrigation, a fancy word for an enema, is a steadfast requirement for some detox diets. While doctor-controlled enemas can relieve severe constipation, colonic irrigations done in the home can be dangerous if not performed properly. Internal bleeding may result if the bowel or rectal tissue is accidentally ruptured, which can lead to infection and death if not cared for properly.
Gallstones
A severe change in eating habits associated with crash diets can result in gallstones. According to the Mayo Clinic, as the body metabolizes fat during prolonged fasting and rapid weight loss, the liver secretes extra cholesterol into bile, which can cause gallstones.
Anemia
Restrictive eating can result in vitamin deficiencies across the spectrum. An iron deficiency inhibits the body from producing hemoglobins, a substance in red blood cells that enables oxygen transfer. Additionally, riboflavin, or vitamin B2, found in yogurt, almonds and soy nuts, supports the body's absorption of iron. A deficiency can result in a sore mouth and throat, skin rash and even anemia.
Reduced Immune System
As your body transitions from a healthy state into starvation mode, every cell becomes stressed and tries to hold onto every nutrient it has. As the vitamins and calories begin to dwindle, systems throughout your body begin to shut down, including your immune system. If you remain on a restrictive diet for long enough, your body will no longer be able to fight off bacteria and viruses, which will lead to infection and illness.
Pallid Complexion
Starvation stresses the body, and any kind of stress or malnourishment can negatively influence the way your skin looks, no matter what kind of acne medication or birth control pill you're on. Without the proper nutrients, your skin will no longer have a healthful glow, and a severe vitamin A deficiency can result in scaly skin.
