The very word “detox” carries some reassuring connotations – ridding the body of unhealthy substances or working to purify the body of harmful toxins. Detox diets usually composed of healthy foods like vegetables and drinking a lot of water – though they can include fasting – and are meant cleanse the body of harmful chemicals that occur in our modern processed food meals.

Sounds pretty good right?

Well, the fact is that there isn’t a lot of science to back up the claims of those who advocate for such diets. There is even some evidence to suggest that such diets are ineffective and may cause more harm than good. So, when you child comes to you after seeing a commercial or an endorsement in a magazine by their favorite celebrity, should you let them try a detox diet? In this article, we’ll address why your child shouldn’t be on a Detox Diet – and what you can do to help reduce the effects of modern living to make a healthier environment for you and your children.

So What Is A Detox Diet?

Detox diets aim for you to temporarily give up foods believed to contain toxins. The diet is supposed to purify and purge the “bad” stuff. Most detox diets have fasting as a component – you give up food for one or two days and then gradually re-introduce certain foods. The GAPS diet could be considered a variant of detox diet.

People who support detox diets claim that you get more energy and feel healthier because of the elimination of toxins.

There’s no scientific proof that these diets help rid the body of toxins faster than your body can do on its own. There is also no evidence that the elimination of toxins will make you a healthier and more energetic – though it is possible there is a placebo effect in action.

Why Shouldn’t Your Child Try a Detox Diet

Children need lots of nutritional. They need plenty of calories and protein to support quick bodily growth and development.

Detox diets involve fasting and severe restriction of food. These types of diets are not a good idea for a growing child.

Sports and other physical activities require a child to eat lots of food and fasting won’t give enough nutritious fuel for them. Support them.

A detox diet is a bad idea for a growing body and can rob your child of vitamins and minerals for critical thinking as well as physical performance.

What You Can Do For Your Child Other Than a Detox Diet

If you are still concerned about processed foods and the chemicals used in them, here are some suggestions to make both you and your kids healthier.

All detox diets make use of certain foods because they provide nutrients that help your liver eliminate toxins.

Eat a wide range of fruit and vegetables it is recommended that you eat eight daily portions of fruit and vegetables by the American Heart Association.

Fruit and vegetables are chock full of vitamins and minerals that promote quick and efficient toxin elimination.

In addition, nuts, seeds, oily fish and olive oil provide excellent sources of unsaturated fat, helping rid the body of “bad” cholesterol.

You can eat beans, lentils and peas for protein, and switch to whole grain rice, bread and pasta – but make sure you read nutrition labels closely.

Lastly, drinking plenty of water is the easiest way of detoxing the body – so aim for the recommended 8 glasses a day.

Detox Diets – Not For Kids

Detox diets are dubious for adults and should be avoided for your children.

A much better way to detox is to eat “clearly” getting enough fruits, vegetables and good protein, and let your body eliminate toxins the way it naturally was designed to do.

If you haven’t already, you might want to check out our article called “7 Easy To Make Snacks For Kids”

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