Like most weight-loss trends, detox diets have made it onto television shows - particularly health and weight-loss oriented shows. On one such show, the "health professional" described the detox diet that participants were on as "drawing out the poisons and toxins from their bodies."

Commenting on this particular show, CalorieKing.com dietitian Allan Borushek reminds us that just because you see something on television doesn't make it true! "These claims are inaccurate and irresponsible," he says. "It's not the sort of regimen that we at CalorieKing.com would recommend - nor indeed would any other respectable health professional. For the high-intensity exercise the participants were cajoled into doing, it would have been far healthier to have a moderate diet of 1200-1500 calories with normal protein and proportionate carbohydrates. The participants' energy levels would have been maintained as well as their morale. There would have been little difference in their weight losses, and their exercise performance would have been much improved."

Borushek is not alone in his criticism of detox diets. Health professionals everywhere are warning about the dangers of detoxing. Dr Rosemary Stanton, well-known international nutritionist, agrees. "A prolonged detox that involves very little food and lots of water can disturb the body's balance of potassium or sodium, leading to serious changes in blood pressure and heart rhythms" she says.

If you're striving for a healthier lifestyle, better weight control, and more energy, it's easy to think that a detox can provide a quick fix.

But while giving up smoking, excessive alcohol, and junk food and eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will certainly help you to feel and be healthier, you're best to skip the expensive detox supplements and the extreme fasting.

Though it's not half as radical as a detox diet, calorie-controlled eating, regular exercise, and a well-balanced eating plan are far more likely to help your health and waistline, and make you feel more energized physically and mentally, than 100 glasses of carrot juice ever will!