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Drinking diet

Medical expert of the article

Gastroenterologist
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 07.06.2024

A drinking diet is a method of dietary planning in which the main focus is on the intake of liquids such as water, juices, tea, and broths, and the intake of solid foods is limited or completely eliminated for a specified period of time. Drinking diets can have different goals and variations, and their effectiveness and safety can vary widely.

Here are some examples of situations where a drinking diet can be utilized:

  1. Body cleansing: Some people believe that a drinking diet can help cleanse the body of toxins and metabolic waste products. However, there is very little scientific evidence for such effectiveness.
  2. Preparing for medical procedures: Doctors may recommend a drinking diet before certain medical procedures or surgery to reduce the risk of complications.
  3. Weight loss: Some people may use a drinking diet as a way to lose excess weight quickly. However, these diets are often not balanced and can be unhealthy.
  4. Relief of stomach problems: After periods of heartburn, gastritis or other stomach problems, a drinking diet can help reduce the strain on the stomach and intestines.

Drinking diets can be very restrictive and potentially dangerous, especially if done for long periods of time. They can lead to nutrient deficiencies, weakness, dizziness and other unpleasant symptoms. Therefore, it is important to consult your doctor before starting a drinking diet and make sure it is safe and suitable for your needs.

Here are some of the types of drinking diets and their main characteristics:

  1. Water fasting: This is one of the most radical forms of drinking diets in which a person consumes only water for a certain period of time, usually a few days to a few weeks. Water fasting can lead to weight loss and cleansing of the body, but it also comes with health risks.
  2. Juice Diet: In a juice diet, fresh juices from fruits and vegetables are the main source of nutrition. This can help to reduce caloric intake and provide the body with plenty of vitamins and minerals.
  3. Tea diet: The tea diet involves drinking different types of tea, often with honey, lemon and other ingredients added. Tea can help improve metabolism and promote weight loss.
  4. Calorie-restricted fasting: In this case, the basic principle is to reduce caloric intake to a minimum, but the person drinks water or other beverages. This can help reduce weight but also requires caution and supervision by a professional.

In addition, a drinking diet is not a sustainable way to control weight or improve overall health. It is recommended to follow a balanced and varied diet that includes all the necessary macro- and micronutrients and physical activity to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Indications

A drinking diet is usually prescribed for certain conditions and diseases where it is important to monitor fluid intake and choose certain beverages to meet the body's needs. Indications for prescribing a drinking diet may include:

  1. Gastrointestinal Diseases: A drinking diet may be recommended for patients with acute or chronic gastrointestinal diseases such as gastritis, ulcers, and colitis to reduce stress on the stomach and intestines, reduce irritation, and promote healing.
  2. After gastric or intestinal surgery: After gastric or intestinal surgery, when the organs need time to recover, a drinking diet may be prescribed as the first stage of recovery.
  3. Obesity: In some cases, a drinking diet can be used as part of a program to lose weight and improve metabolism.
  4. Diabetes mellitus: Patients with diabetes may have restrictions on sugar and carbohydrate intake, and a drinkable diet can help control blood glucose levels.
  5. Preparing for medical procedures: Before some medical procedures or tests (such as colonoscopy), a colon cleanse may be necessary and your doctor may prescribe special drinks.
  6. Kidney Disease: Patients with kidney disease may have fluid restriction, and a drinking diet can help control fluid metabolism in the body.
  7. Other conditions: The doctor may prescribe a drinking diet in other cases when necessary to maintain health and improve the patient's condition.

Preparing for a drinking diet

Preparation is important to minimize potential risks and improve results. Here are some steps you should take to properly prepare for a drinking diet:

  1. Consultation with a doctor: It is recommended that you consult with a doctor or nutritionist before starting a drinking diet. This is especially important if you have any medical conditions or diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular problems or other chronic illnesses.
  2. Set Goals: Determine what goals you want to achieve with a drinking diet. It could be weight loss, detoxifying your body, or maintaining your health.
  3. Choose the right time: Choose a period when you will have enough time and opportunity to do the drinking diet. Make sure you don't have a lot of stress or other commitments that could get in the way.
  4. Eliminate unnecessary foods: A few days before starting the diet, gradually eliminate heavy and non-digestible foods, alcohol, caffeine and other foods that are not recommended during a drinking diet.
  5. Stock up on necessary products: Prepare for your diet by stocking up on necessary foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables for juices, green tea, herbs for decoctions, and other beverages you plan to consume.
  6. Learn the rules of the diet: Learn the rules and guidelines for your chosen drinking diet in detail. This will help you understand what foods are allowed, how often to eat, and what additional measures should be taken.
  7. Gather the necessary items: Prepare in advance all the necessary items such as a juicer, blender, kettle, thermos and other devices that may come in handy for making drinks.
  8. Prepare yourself for possible effects: Realize that various physical and psychological effects such as hunger, weakness, headaches, and irritability may occur during a drinking diet. Be prepared to deal with these symptoms.
  9. Plan to quit the diet: Make a plan to gradually return to a regular diet after the end of the binge diet. This will help avoid rapid weight gain and reduce the risk of a "yo-yo" effect.
  10. Support: If possible, discuss your plan with a health care professional, dietitian or coach. They can provide tips and advice to make your drinking diet safer and more effective.

General information of the drinking diet

The essence of the drinking diet is that the main source of nutrition is various liquids, including water, juices, teas, decoctions and other beverages, and solid foods are limited or eliminated from the diet. This diet can be used in different variations and for different purposes, and its essence can vary depending on the specific technique. Here are the main aspects of the essence of the drinking diet:

  1. Limiting or eliminating solid foods: Basically, a binge diet means temporarily or partially avoiding solid foods. It may mean complete starvation or consumption of limited amounts of easily digestible liquid food.
  2. Fluid intake: The main component of a drinking diet is liquids. These can be water, fresh juices, green tea, herbal concoctions, broths and other beverages. They provide the body with water and, in some cases, nutrients.
  3. Purpose of cleansing or weight loss: Drinking diets can be used for different purposes. Some people choose them to cleanse the body of toxins and toxins, while others choose them for weight loss. Depending on the purpose, the duration and nature of the diet may vary.
  4. Calorie restriction: Drinking diets tend to restrict caloric intake. Since liquids typically contain fewer calories than solid foods, this can lead to a calorie deficit and result in weight loss.
  5. Frequency and duration: Drinking diets can be done at different periods of time. This can range from one day to several weeks. Some people may also do drinking days and then return to a regular diet.

Drinking diets can be effective for achieving goals such as cleansing the body or losing weight, but they can also be dangerous if safety rules are not followed and individual body needs are not taken into account. Before starting a drinking diet, it is recommended that you consult with a doctor or dietitian to make sure it is right for you and will not lead to negative consequences for your health.

Rules of the drinking diet

A drinking diet requires strict adherence to certain rules to achieve the desired results and to be done safely. Here are some basic rules of the drinking diet:

  1. Consult a doctor: Before starting a drinking diet, be sure to consult a doctor or nutritionist. This is important to make sure the diet is safe and suitable for your health.
  2. Choosing the right beverages: The basis of a drinking diet is to consume authorized beverages such as water, tea, broths and juices. Make sure that the beverages you choose do not contain added sugar or other prohibited ingredients.
  3. Distribution of intake: Divide your drink intake into small portions and drink them regularly throughout the day. This will help keep blood glucose levels stable.
  4. Eliminate solid foods: During the drinking diet, completely eliminate solid foods including meat, vegetables and fruits.
  5. Monitoring calorie intake: It is important to monitor your calorie intake to avoid unnecessary energy intake. Drinking diets are usually low calorie diets.
  6. Avoidingalcohol and sugar: During the diet, completely avoid alcohol and foods high in sugar.
  7. Gradual return to regular food: After the end of the drinking diet, gradually introduce solid food into your diet, starting with easily digestible foods. This will help to avoid strain on the stomach.
  8. Follow medical advice: If your doctor has prescribed you a drinking diet due to medical reasons, follow his instructions and recommendations strictly.
  9. Health monitoring: It is important to closely monitor your health during the diet. If you experience any unpleasant symptoms, consult your doctor.
  10. Support and motivation: Maintaining a drinking diet can be difficult. Support from family, friends, or a dietitian can help you succeed.

How does the drinking diet work?

The principle of the drinking diet is based on the fact that restricting food intake can lead to a reduction in caloric intake and therefore weight loss. However, this method is extreme and can have many negative health consequences.

Here's how the drinking diet works:

  1. Calorie restriction: A drinking diet restricts caloric intake to a minimum because liquids generally contain fewer calories than solid foods. This creates a calorie deficit, which can lead to weight loss.
  2. Hydration: Patients on a drinking diet should be sure to consume fluids to avoid dehydration. This may include water, non-caloric beverages, low-calorie soups, juices, broths, and other liquids.
  3. Weight Loss: Because of calorie restriction and water loss due to the diuretic action of fluids, patients on a drinking diet may begin to lose weight. This occurs because the body begins to use its energy stores to maintain vital functions.
  4. Appetite regulation: Some adherents of a drinking diet claim that it can help them increase appetite control and reduce their desire for solid foods. However, this can lead to nutrient deficiencies and long-term health problems.
  5. Temporary Results: Weight loss on a drinking diet can be quick, but it is usually temporary. After the diet is over, many people start gaining weight again, especially if they return to a regular high-calorie diet.

How much can you lose in a week on a drinking diet?

Drinking a diet in which the main nutrition consists of water can result in significant weight loss in a short period of time. However, it is worth noting that most of this weight loss will be due to water and glycogen (carbohydrate stores) loss, not fat loss. The results will be temporary, and once this diet is over, the weight will return when you start eating regular foods.

It is important to realize that extreme diets, including drinking diets, can be harmful to your health and are not recommended without medical supervision. Here are some basic points to consider:

  1. Fluid and glycogen loss: At the beginning of a drinking diet, you may lose a significant amount of water and glycogen, resulting in weight loss. This is not fat loss and will not lead to long-term sustainable weight loss.
  2. Loss of muscle mass: When you go on a long drinking diet, your body may start breaking down muscle tissue to get the nutrients it needs.
  3. Potential Hazards: Drinking diets can lead to a lack of important nutrients, cause dizziness, weakness, and even prove to be dangerous to your health.
  4. Theopposite effect: After the diet is over, if you go back to your normal diet, the weight will return.
  5. Doctor's Tip: Before starting any diet, especially such an extreme diet, it is always best to consult with a doctor or nutritionist. They can help you develop a healthy and sustainable weight loss plan.

It is generally considered safe to lose weight at about 0.5-1 kg per week. This is a moderate rate and is usually achieved by combining a healthy diet and physical activity. If you follow a drinking diet that, for example, includes drinking plenty of water and reducing calories, you can expect to lose weight in this range.

Benefits

A drinking diet, when used properly, can provide several benefits to the body. Here are some of the benefits of a drinking diet:

  1. Hydrationof the body: A hydration diet helps to meet the body's need for fluids. Hydration plays an important role in maintaining normal cell, organ and system function and improving overall health.
  2. Body cleansing: A drinking diet can help the body get rid of toxins and waste. It is often used before various medical procedures to cleanse the gastrointestinal tract.
  3. Improved digestion: Limiting solid foods for a period of time can reduce the strain on the stomach and intestines, which can be helpful for gastrointestinal problems.
  4. Controlling blood sugar levels: A drinking diet can be beneficial for people with diabetes because it allows you to control your carbohydrate and sugar intake.
  5. Weight loss: In some cases, a drinking diet may be part of a weight loss program. It can help reduce calorie intake and improve metabolism.
  6. Maintaining kidney function: In patients with kidney disease or after kidney surgery, a drinking diet may help control fluid and salt metabolism.
  7. Preparing for Medical Procedures: Before medical procedures or surgical procedures that require a clean gastrointestinal tract, a drinking diet may be necessary to cleanse the intestines.
  8. Gastrointestinal Stress Relief: Temporarily restricting hard foods can help the gastrointestinal system recover from stressful situations or surgeries.

Harms of a drinking diet

Here are some of the potential harmful effects of a drinking diet:

  1. Loss of muscle mass: On long-term binge diets, the body may begin to use its own energy stores, including muscle, to provide essential nutrients to organs and tissues. This can lead to loss of muscle mass and weakening of the body.
  2. Nutrient deficiencies: Drinking diets usually do not provide the body with all the essential nutrients such as proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. This can cause deficiencies in important nutritional elements and disrupt normal biological functions.
  3. Dehydration: Taking in limited fluids without adequate water intake can lead to dehydration, which can cause problems with the kidneys, skin, and other organs.
  4. Decreased energy and performance: Restricting caloric intake and drinking only liquids can lead to decreased energy and performance. This can manifest as weakness, dizziness, and physical inability to perform normal tasks.
  5. Organ damage: Prolonged drinking diets can damage organs such as the heart, kidneys and liver due to lack of essential nutrients.
  6. Fluid and electrolyte loss: Consuming large amounts of fluids without adequate intake of electrolytes (e.g., sodium, potassium, etc.) can cause electrolyte imbalances, which can be dangerous to health.
  7. Risk of backlash: After finishing a drinking diet, there is a risk of rapid regain of lost weight and even weight gain. This can lead to a "yo-yo" effect and negatively affect the overall condition of the body.
  8. Psychological effects: Drinking diets can cause stress, anxiety, irritability and other psychological effects due to food restrictions and feelings of hunger.

What can and what can not?

A drinking diet involves restricting hard foods and eating certain drinks. Here's what you can and can't consume on a drinking diet:

Can be consumed:

  1. Water: The foundation of a drinking diet. You must consume enough water to stay hydrated.
  2. Tea: Some teas such as green tea or sugar-free herbal teas can be included in the diet.
  3. Coffee: However, coffee consumption should be minimized and it is better to consume it without sugar.
  4. Broths: Some types of lean broths are okay to drink.
  5. Juices: Fruit and vegetable juices without added sugar can be consumed in moderation.

What not to consume:

  1. Solid Food: Solid foods such as meat, bread, vegetables and fruits should be avoided during the drinking diet.
  2. Alcohol: The consumption of alcohol should be strictly prohibited during the drinking diet.
  3. Sugar: Sugar and foods containing large amounts of sugar (candy, carbonated drinks) should be eliminated from the diet.
  4. Dairy: Milk, yogurt, and cheese are not usually included in the drinking diet.
  5. Alcoholic beverages: Strong alcoholic beverages should be completely avoided.
  6. Carbonated drinks: They can cause bloating and discomfort while dieting.
  7. Spices and Spice: Be careful with the addition of spices and spices as they can irritate the gastrointestinal tract.
  8. Cocoa and chocolate: Products containing cocoa and chocolate should be excluded.

Contraindications

A drinking diet, like any other diet, may have contraindications and may not be suitable for everyone. Contraindications to a drinking diet may include the following situations:

  1. Serious Medical Conditions: If you have serious medicalconditions such as heart disease, kidney failure, diabetes, cancer, and others, a drinking diet can be dangerous and is not recommended without consulting a doctor.
  2. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Drinking diets may not provide adequate nutrition for the expectant mother and growing fetus or infant when breastfeeding.
  3. Childrenand adolescents: Children and adolescents need more complete nutrients for normal growth and development. Drinking diets can lead to nutrient deficiencies in children.
  4. Exhaustion and low weight: If you are already exhausted or underweight, a drinking diet can worsen your condition.
  5. Allergies and Intolerances: If you have allergies or intolerances to any of the permitted beverages, the drinking diet may cause a reaction.
  6. Stomach and intestinal problems: Some gastrointestinal conditions may worsen or require a special dietary approach, and drinking diets may not be appropriate.
  7. Medication dependence: If you are taking medications, they may need to be taken with food and a drinking diet may be contraindicated.
  8. Mental Disorders: People with emotional or mental disorders such as anorexia or bulimia should not use the drinking diet without medical supervision.

Possible risks

Drinking diets can pose several risks and potential health hazards, especially if they are conducted without proper attention to the safety and health of the body. Here are some of the possible risks associated with a drinking diet:

  1. Loss of muscle mass: One of the main risks of a drinking diet is the loss of muscle mass. Because it restricts caloric intake and usually does not provide enough protein, the body may begin to use muscle as a source of energy. This can lead to weakening and loss of muscle strength.
  2. Nutrient deficiencies: Drinking diets usually do not provide the body with all the essential nutrients such as proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. This can lead to deficiencies of important nutritional elements and disruption of normal biological functions.
  3. Dehydration: Taking in limited fluids without adequate water intake can lead to dehydration. Prolonged dehydration can cause problems with the kidneys, skin, and other organs.
  4. Organ damage: Prolonged drinking diets can damage organs such as the heart, kidneys and liver due to lack of essential nutrients and lack of energy.
  5. Decreased energy and performance: Restricting caloric intake and drinking only liquids can lead to decreased energy and performance. This can manifest as weakness, dizziness, and physical inability to perform normal tasks.
  6. Fluid and electrolyte loss: Consuming large amounts of fluid without adequate intake of electrolytes (e.g., sodium, potassium, etc.) can cause an electrolyte imbalance, which can be dangerous to your health.
  7. Psychological effects: Drinking diets can cause stress, anxiety, irritability and other psychological effects due to food restrictions and feelings of hunger.
  8. Risk of backlash: After finishing a drinking diet, there is a risk of rapid regain of lost weight and even weight gain. This can lead to a "yo-yo" effect and negatively affect the overall condition of the body.
  9. Medical Complications: Prolonged starvation and nutrient deficiencies can cause serious medical complications such as anemia, organ failure, and others.


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