One of the latest health trends is the Detox Cleanse. They claim to detoxify your body by flushing out toxins, while giving you more energy, making you feel less bloated, and helping to regulate bowel movement.

So why the controversy?

Some detox cleanses suggest fasting during the cleanse. Which is basically another way to starve yourself to lose weight. Starving yourself can “shock” your system into losing weight, but it’s not the safest or healthiest way to lose weight and keep it off.

It’s essentially a crash diet that often leads to rapid weight gain, and sometimes gaining even more than you lost. Fasting also lowers your metabolism, making it harder to burn calories while depriving your body of necessary nutrients.

Some common side effects of using the Detox Cleanse and fasting include irritability, headaches, fatigue, and difficulty thinking clearly. There are healthier ways to lose weight (even quickly) without starving yourself.

Eating a well-balanced low-carb diet that is rich in protein, vegetables, fruits, and legumes is a much safer way to lose weight and keep it off. Replace whole grains with white bread, pasta, and rice. It keeps you full and energized for longer than refined carbohydrates.

Exercise is a key factor in losing weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It is a healthy and natural way to burn calories, blow off steam and relieve stress. Detox cleanses discourage exercise while fasting, making it harder to burn calories.

Detox Water drinks are not a cleansing fast. They act as a natural diuretic to prevent bloating and are a great substitute for carbonated and sugary drinks. Good. Now we are talking. Drinking plenty of water is essential for losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight.

Most Detox Water drinks are just fruit water. However, there are recipes that include vinegar and spices. Adding various fruits, vegetables, and herbs to the water creates a natural cleanse or diuretic. It also makes the water taste good, which promotes drinking more water. The sweetness of the natural fruit also helps prevent cravings for sugary drinks like juices or sodas.

Drinking more water not only makes you feel fuller, but it prevents dehydration that causes headaches, fatigue, muscle cramps, dizziness, and constipation.

If you decide to try a Detox Cleanse, keep an eye out for these symptoms: headaches, fatigue, irritability, and digestive problems. If you experience any of these symptoms, you may want to reconsider fasting and opt for a safer natural cleanse.

As for an all-natural detox water, drink it. It’s a natural and healthy way to stay hydrated, prevent bloating, control appetite, and reduce cravings for sugary and sweet drinks.