Do detox diets work?

My doctor has recommended I go on a detox diet because I am feeling sluggish and tired most of the time. She recommended a juice diet for a few days to clear the body of toxins. Will detoxing clear my body of toxins and make me feel better?

Although your body is detoxing all the time through your liver, kidneys and skin, it can be invigorating to follow a detox plan for a couple of days. This can be followed by a light diet that will help improve the environment within your gut, and encourage healthy bacteria. First, follow a bowel-cleansing programme of vegetable and fruit juices, and then go on to a low-sugar, low-yeast diet.

A short detox, of say three days, is sufficient to see positive results. Detoxing is a brilliant way of boosting flagging energy levels, losing a bit of weight and cleansing your body. Avoid alcohol during a detox, to unburden your liver of toxic breakdown products. You should notice clearer skin, as well as a reduction in the dark shadows under your eyes within two to three weeks of starting a detox plan. To maintain the benefits, try having soups, juices and a light meal one day a week. This will help boost concentration and improve your energy level.