Detox
Detoxing can help when diet and exercise aren’t enough to get the body shape you want. Dr Ian Campbell, GP and honorary medical director of Weight Concern, tells us how it works.
What is it? Detox
How does it work? Detoxing is based on the theory that our bodies can become overloaded with toxins, which make us sluggish and result in weight gain. During a detox, you restrict yourself to only natural foods or even just fluids for up to ten days.
Who is it good for? It might be the choice for you if you want quick results. Diabetics and anyone with an underlying health condition should check with the doctor before embarking on a detox.
How effective is it? It will help you lose weight initially, but keeping it off might be hard. Most people put weight back on after a detox and some people may feel ill on such a low calorie intake.
Dr Campbell says: This is not something I would recommend, as there is no evidence it helps achieve long-term weight loss. It will disrupt the bowels, often leading to constipation, and some may leave you deficient in vitamins and minerals.
Eleana Needham (pictured here), 48, a homeopath, lost over a stone in under two weeks following the Lemon Detox. Eleana is divorced and lives in Epsom, Surrey.
“When I went through my divorce in 2004, eating became a major source of comfort to me. I put on four and half stone in three years and I couldn’t stand the way I looked. I found out about the Lemon Detox from a patient of mine who lost loads of weight on it, and I thought, ‘I want to have a go at that.’
For ten days last January I had nothing but eight to ten glasses of the detox liquid, which you make from a special syrup mixed with freshly squeezed lemon juice. The syrup contains minerals, such as calcium and potassium, to ensure you have all the nutrients you need.
The first three days were absolute torture. I didn’t miss solid food, but I missed the sensation of chewing. I also had really bad headaches. However, by then I had lost four pounds, so the discomfort was worth the results.
At the end of ten days I had lost 18 pounds, and I noticed that my taste buds had changed. My weight has stabilised at 11 stone and it is so nice to not have to hide myself in big clothes any more.”
A litre of Madal Bal syrup costs £39.99. Visit lemondetox.com for more information
For a less extreme detox, try our 21 day plan
