Getting healthier, specifically when it comes to weight loss and dieting, tends to top the list of New Year resolutions each year. As a result, the concept of 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 important to understand the truth about detox diets and make informed decisions for long-term health and wellness.
Mercy Health Cautions Against Detox Diets
CINCINNATI, OH (January 14, 2025) – Getting healthier, specifically when it comes to weight loss and dieting, tends to top the list of New Year resolutions each year. As a result, the concept of 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 important 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 own 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 turning to 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, which is essential for removing waste from the body.
- Focus on Whole, Nutrient-Dense Foods: A balanced diet that includes 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 that includes both aerobic and strength training exercises can help improve your metabolism and overall energy levels.
- Mindful Eating: Take time to 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 guidance in areas such as nutrition, physical activity, and behavioral health.
“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.
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About Mercy Health - Cincinnati
Mercy Health - Cincinnati is part of Bon Secours Mercy Health (BSMH), one of the 20 largest health systems in the United States and the fifth-largest Catholic health system in the country. The ministry's quality, compassionate care is provided by over 60,000 associates serving communities in Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, Virginia, and throughout Ireland. Mercy Health – Cincinnati has served Greater Cincinnati for over 160 years. It provides an integrated network of leading physicians, compassionate caregivers, comprehensive services, and exceptional care at more than 180 regional locations. The Mercy Health – Cincinnati care network includes five award-winning hospitals, senior living communities, primary care and specialty physician practices, outpatient centers, fitness centers, and various outreach programs. Mercy Health - Cincinnati hospitals have earned national Truven Health Analytics' 100 Top Hospitals honors more than all other Cincinnati hospitals combined, placing them among the best hospitals in the nation. Truven has also named Mercy Health - Cincinnati as one of the nation's Top 15 health systems six times, which is more than any other health system in Cincinnati. In 2023, BSMH provided more than 600 million dollars in community benefits across five states, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to health care for our patients in need. In addition to charity care, BSMH invests in community benefit programs that address chronic illness, affordable housing, access to healthy food, education and wellness programs, transportation, workforce development, and other social determinants of health that directly affect the communities we serve. The Mission of Bon Secours Mercy Health is to extend the compassionate ministry of Jesus by improving the health and well-being of its communities and bringing good help to those in need, especially people who are poor, dying, and underserved. To learn more, visit mercy.com.