intake after a cleanse, people experi- ence gas, bloating and diarrhea. This is the toxins being expelled, right?! Wrong. We know that hospitalized patients who have been fed intrave- nously have difficulty digesting and absorbing nutrients after they resume eating; diarrhea and malabsorption can occur. This is due to atrophy of the intestinal lining and reduced enzyme production in the absence of food. The bottom line: The gut is meant

to work; restricting key nutrients is actually harmful and causes the body stress. The gut operates similarly to muscle – it is healthier and functions better when used. Use it or lose it!

We do not have a “build up of waste” in our intestines (up to 20 lbs. some commercial products claim!) poisoning us or causing the current big belly epidemic.

What about “cleansing” for weight loss?

Weight loss always occurs when calories are restricted. But weight loss should be a result of lifestyle changes that include a balanced diet and plenty of exer- cise. Fasting or excluding nutrients will not lead to lasting weight loss; quick losses are mainly water, glycogen and muscle tissue. A prolonged lack of pro- tein causes the body to break down its own muscle tissue and can compromise the immune system and prevent repair and rebuilding, especially important if you are an exerciser. Losing muscle has negative effects on body composition, specifically creating a higher body fat percentage. Herbal laxatives, which can cause

a host of health problems, are very common in detox kits. The intestines can become reliant on the laxative

January/February 2009 Fitness Business Canada 41

stimulant making it more difficult to have a natural bowel movement after you stop taking it. Chronic abuse of laxatives (even the herbal varieties) may result in bleeding and perma- nent damage to the colon. Laxatives can also cause a deficiency in elec- trolytes due to the excessive wa- ter loss in the colon, with symptoms of vomiting and muscle weakness. Dehydration may falsely lead an in- dividual to believe that fat loss has occurred.

What about all that “waste” sitting in my intestines?

We do not have a “build up of waste” in our intestines (up to 20 lbs. some commercial products claim!) poi- soning us or causing the current big belly epidemic. It is simply not true. Waste sitting in our guts in those amounts would be extremely toxic; the body would be in septic shock with a need for hospitalization. Your body is designed to keep your colon and rectal regions clean and healthy. In a healthy individual, the colon is smooth, clean and clear of waste be- cause the cells in our intestinal lining

are shed daily. If these diets have any redeem-

ing quality, it is that they encour- age increased fluid intake. Many of us do not drink enough fluids or eat enough fruits and vegetables. And any emphasis on limiting processed foods is always a good thing! Although there is solid evidence

linking diet with obesity, disease and other conditions, a “cleanse“ is simply not a quick fix. Instead, stick with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, quality vegeta- ble oils, low fat dairy products, lean meats and fish. Limit sweets and pro- cessed foods. Voilà – eat well, live well. FBC

Nanci S. Guest, M.Sc., R.D., C.S.C.S., is a reg- istered dietitian, personal trainer and athletic coach who has owned and operated Power Play: Nutrition, Fitness, Performance since 1995. Nanci holds a Master of Science degree in nutrition, teaches university-level sport nutrition and is the head sport nutrition con- sultant for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. She currently services various facilities in the Greater Toronto Area. You can reach her at www.powerplayweb.com. Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64