Nutritionist Sangeetha Aiyer recently shared how people can easily get misled and follow so-called detox diets, which can harm their health. When a woman complained of constant post-meal stomach cramps followed by diarrhea, “case history revealed that she had been drinking 3 different kinds of juices (detox) and juice of 3 lemons every single day for over a year or so following some ‘vegan/vegetarian herbalist nutritionist‘ on IG.” “I asked whether she consulted a doctor to understand the diagnosis. She said no and believed that food would heal her, and for the last 6 months has been trying various things with no outcomes,” Aiyer wrote on X.
The nutritionist admitted that she refused to take her case and sent her to a gastroenterologist. Upon evaluation, a colonoscopy revealed that she had developed rectal polyps, as well as an ulcer. “So, I am on medicine now,” the woman wrote in a message to the nutritionist, a screenshot of which was shared by the nutritionist on X, where she also listed her “feedback”.
She asserted:
1. Stop doing stupid things.
2. Know when to visit a doctor.
3. Food can be preventive but cannot heal ‘everything’
Dr Vikas Jindal, consultant, dept of gastroenterology, CK Birla Hospital®, Delhi, agreed that detox juices have become a popular trend, often marketed as a quick fix to flush out toxins and boost health. However, most people don’t realise that our bodies are naturally equipped with organs like the liver and kidneys that efficiently detoxify without external aid, he asserted.
“Consuming only juices for prolonged periods, especially without medical supervision, can lead to serious complications. In this case, the patient experienced severe stomach cramps and diarrhea after following a detox juice diet recommended by a nutritionist. Juices, particularly those high in fructose or citrus content, can irritate the gut lining and trigger gastrointestinal distress. Moreover, sudden dietary changes and a lack of solid food can disrupt gut microbiota balance and impair digestion,” said Dr Jindal.
Dr Jindal called both rectal polyps and ulcers “serious findings,” adding that such cases “underscore the dangers of blindly following detox trends.”
“Acidic juices can aggravate conditions like ulcers, while a lack of fibre and essential nutrients compromises bowel health. Instead of opting for fads, individuals should focus on balanced, whole-food diets tailored to their needs, and always seek professional medical advice before making significant dietary changes,” said Dr Jindal.
Following these diets for an extended period without proper nutrition can lead to nutritional deficiencies and damage the digestive tract, said Dr Manjusha Agarwal, senior consultant in internal medicine at Gleneagles Hospital Parel, Mumbai.
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People try to avoid doctor visits and believe what they see online, remarked Dr Agarwal.
“One must understand that not everything you see online is true or safe. Most of these health-related hacks or tips are not approved by doctors, which can result in severe allergic reactions. Always consult a doctor before making drastic changes in your daily diet. They can help you understand the potential benefits or downsides of the same,” said Dr Agarwal.
What to note?
Hoping that specific changes in your diet can help fix everything can cause severe harm to your overall health, stressed Dr Agarwal.
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“This is because food is not a medicine for every condition. Some conditions need advanced treatments and not just diet adjustments,” said Dr Agarwal.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.