Fad detox and "cleanse" diets are increasingly popular ways to lose weight quickly and, ostensibly, flush the body of toxins. One such diet is the cranberry cleanse, which some sources claim can help rid the body of toxins and promote weight loss.
However, experts warn against cleanses that severely limit the diet or don't allow a balanced diet plan. Before trying the cranberry cleanse, speak to your doctor about your detox plan. She can help you determine whether this would be healthy for you, and if so, map out a healthy diet and exercise plan during that time.
Dr. Christine Gerbstadt, MD, recommends adding cranberry juice or whole cranberries to a healthy diet for their antioxidant properties and high vitamin levels.
Types
There are several ways to take cranberry juice to follow the cleanse plan. The two most common ways are via a capsule of concentrated cranberry juice, and in a liquid form.
In capsule form, the standard dose is 500 mg per capsule, to be taken once daily. Capsules commonly also include gelatin, cellulose, and silicon dioxide.
Some sources recommend mixing 100 percent pure with chlorophylle powder and water, and drinking this three times daily to detox the body.
Other sources claim that for best effects, pure cranberry juice should be mixed with water, psyllium fiber and apple pectin.
According to doctors at organichealth.net, however, you can reap the health benefits of cranberry juice without mixing it with other substances. They recommend diluting 2 oz. of cranberry into 8 ounces of water, and drinking the mixture daily.
Benefits
Little research has been preformed regarding the ability of cranberry juice to "cleanse" the body of toxins. In fact, most researchers concur that the body usually doesn't need our help to detox itself. Says Dr. Nasir Moloo, a gastroenterologist based in California: "Your body does a perfectly good job of getting rid of toxins on its own. There's no evidence that [cleanse] diets are necessary or helpful."
However, adding cranberry juice, extract or fruits to an otherwise balanced diet can provide significant health benefits. Cranberry juice is high in vitamins and minerals, particularly fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
2009 research at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts confirmed that cranberry juice helps to ward off urinary tract infections and may be useful in preventing and treating infections of the bladder and kidney, as well.
The andtioxidants and phytochemical nutrients in cranberries may help protect the body from heart disease and cancer. In particular, the proanthocyanidins in cranberry juice may help slow or inhibit tumor growth and the growth of breast cancer cells.
While significant research has not confirmed these claims, cranberry juice may help lower high cholesterol, protect against infection, prevent kidney stone formation, strengthen bones, and prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Warning
While cranberries may work wonders when added to a balanced diet, drinking cranberry juice alone for its cleaning properties may be dangerous and could have seriously detrimental effects on your health. Not consuming enough calories, vitamins or nutrients may help you lose weight, but can put you at risk for serious side effects.
Drastic cleanse diets that don't incorporate a wide range of healthy, protein-rich foods can lead to vitamin deficiencies, muscle breakdowns, weakness, irritability and fatigue. Those on dramatic detox diet plans often suffer from lackluster skin and hair, brittle nails, and dry hair.
Without solid foods, such diet plans also often result in frequent, uncomfortable liquid bowel movements. Additionally, the weight you may lose during a cranberry juice "cleanse" will be difficult to keep off once you've switched back to solid foods.
Choosing a Juice
If you're interested in adding cranberry juice to your diet for its health benefits, consider that research has not confirmed that cranberry juice can "cleanse" your body, and it should always be taken along with a balanced diet.
Many types of cranberry juice on the market today are full of sugar, artificial colors and flavors, preservatives, and additives. It's not uncommon for "cranberry juice" to only contain 30 percent cranberry extract combined with water, sweeteners, and additives. Drinking this kind of juice regularly may actually do more harm than good.
While it does tend to be bitter, if you're looking for health benefits, drink only 100 percent cranberry juice. This can be diluted with sparkling or still water to make it more palatable.
Considerations
Generally, detox cleanses are not recommended by doctors, unless they are rich in a variety of natural foods. If you want to lose weight, speak to your doctor about changing your diet, and perhaps supplementing it with cranberry juice. Dr. Gerbstadt recommends promoting natural water loss by adding cranberries, celery, asparagus, and herbal teas to your diet, as well as limiting sodium intake as much as possible.
Some people should not consume large quantities of cranberry juice. This includes people with allergies to aspirin, cranberries, or blueberries, those with a history of oxalate stones, and those taking anticoagulants or liver medications.
If you are breast feeding and you are considering adding significant levels of cranberry juice to your daily diet, speak to your doctor.
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