1-14-2025 8:55pm

Mercy Health Cautions Against Detox Diets

Beth Callahan Editor

Photo via Pexels.com

Story courtesy of Mercy Health

MASON, OH -- Getting healthier, specifically regarding weight loss and dieting, tends to top the list of New Year resolutions each year. As a result, detox diets became especially popular in January, but there is a lot of misinformation surrounding the practice. As tempting as it may be to quickly "reset" after the holiday season, it’s essential to understand the truth about detox diets and make informed decisions for long-term health and wellness.

“Detox diets, like juice cleanses or extreme fasting, are often marketed to eliminate toxins from the body. However, the truth is the body already has its natural detoxification systems, including the liver and kidneys, which work continuously to cleanse and filter toxins,” explained Heeran Abawi, MD. “While detox diets might offer short-term results like weight loss, they don’t necessarily improve long-term health and can sometimes cause nutrient imbalances or dehydration.”

Instead of extreme detox regimens, providers at Mercy Health—Cincinnati’s Weight Management program encourage individuals to focus on healthy, sustainable lifestyle changes that support overall well-being and aid in natural detoxification processes.

Here are a few healthy alternatives to reset your system this new year:

Hydrate Naturally: Drinking water is one of the best ways to support your body’s natural detoxification process. Staying hydrated helps promote healthy digestion and supports kidney function, essential for removing waste from the body.
Focus on Whole, Nutrient-Dense Foods: A balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains will provide essential nutrients and fiber that help support digestion and overall health. Avoid fad diets or restrictive eating habits that deprive the body of vital nutrients.
Regular Physical Activity: Exercise helps to boost circulation, which encourages the elimination of toxins through sweat. A consistent fitness routine with aerobic and strength training exercises can help improve your metabolism and overall energy levels.
Mindful Eating: Enjoy your meals and pay attention to portion sizes. Mindful eating can help regulate hunger cues, reduce stress around food, and prevent overeating.

Mercy Health- Cincinnati's Weight Management Program provides personalized support through medically supervised plans for individuals looking to take a more structured approach to health, weight loss, or wellness this new year. The program emphasizes sustainable lifestyle changes, offering expert nutrition, physical activity, and behavioral health guidance.

“We believe in supporting our patients with practical tools and resources that lead to lasting results,” says Dr. Abawi. “Rather than focusing on quick fixes like detox diets, our Weight Management Program helps individuals create a personalized plan that aligns with their goals for long-term health.”

Mercy Health - Cincinnati’s Weight Management Program offers a range of programs to help you meet your goals. In addition to surgery, patients can choose an Obesity Medicine program and/or a diet-based program. All options offer access to nutrition counseling from a registered dietitian nutritionist and support groups to provide the ongoing support needed to create habits that last beyond just January.

For more information about weight loss options available, visit mercy.com.