THV Extra: Cleansing diets, yay or nay? (todaysthv.com - Lemon Diet)

We spoke with Professor and Chairman of Dietetics and Nutrition at UAMS Dr. Reza Hakkak, Ph.D. who says they do not advise anyone to go on a cleanse just to find a quick fix for weight loss.If someone is healthy, they shouldn't need supplements."...Why do they call it a dietary supplement? It means that you didn't get your diet right! If you would have gotten it right you wouldn't need to have a supplement!" says Hakkak.Lemon DietThis "sweeping of the system" is sweeping the nation in today's fast-paced society. These strict regimens with strong ingredients and holistic supplements are touted as a fast fix for weight loss or an energy boost.Hakkak says medically cleanses are used under strict supervision to clean the gut before a medical procedure. But when people turn to them for alternate reasons, like shedding pounds, it can be dangerous."Naturally, the gut--a natural healthy human body should clean the gut every day. If you have one of those diets, it's going to interfere with a lot of the physiology of the gut."Side effects may include dehydration, fatigue and loss of electrolytes. Lemon DietMeanwhile, those who practice and preach cleansing say they wouldn't live without it. In North Little Rock, Trish Craig is eager to share the benefits of colon hydro therapy and other holistic practices.Craig says, "Cleansing is essential. Many of us are not getting the beneficial good-guy bacteria we need so our digestion and assimilation is NOT WORKING!""Cleansing is essential to life. Especially in today's world. Because we are inundated with toxins and poisons everywhere. They're in our body. They're in our organs. They're in our brain. They're everywhere!" Craig is founder of Natural Body Institute and instructor of Colon Hydro Therapy in North Little Rock. She says our digestive area is known as the "second brain" of the body. "70 to 80 percent of the immune system resides in the gut. So everything--all illness, all health, all death...Whatever is going on with you... You need to look at your gut first. And you need to clean up your gut," says Craig. That cleaning, Craig says, can happen safely and effectively through detox. One of the most popular is the Master Cleanse.  It's a combination of fasting, then drinking nothing more than a concoction of organic lemon juice, organic Grade B Maple Syrup, Cayenne Pepper and Purified Water.Millions are turning to these "quick fixes" for a leaner body, clearer complexion and more energy. And it's adding up to be a multi-billion dollar industry. Hakkak and Craig agree on one thing for sure: It's common sense, and it's science- What goes into your body is the major player in how you feel.But the choice to cleanse is where the argument begins. Lemon DietHakkak says do it at your own risk.  "To answer your question, we do not recommend those! Because if you're healthy enough then your gut, or your diet or your lifestyle should do it for you naturally...This is the biggest problem we are dealing with right now in the medical community that there is no scientific evidence behind a lot of the things." says Hakkak.Craig knows it's serious.  It's not something to do without seeking expert advice, but says it can be the answer."You start with your diet, with real food, not potions and elixirs and other things like that. You start with real food and you do it in a balanced way."Is it natural? Is it clean? Is it healthy? For people looking for the answers, it depends on who you ask. Is it right for you? Well, in the end, it may come down to your gut feeling.