Cleanse diets starve your body of essential nutrients. Fatigue and irritability are common side effects of such diets, but they can also cause more serious complications like vitamin and mineral deficiencies and kidney damage (especially in those with underlying renal disease or low baseline hydration).
Colon cleanses or enemas, which are encouraged as a part of Sonne’s 7-day cleanse, come with their risks. Colon cleansing involves flushing large amounts of water or other substances through the rectum and into the colon.
Proponents believe that they flush harmful, disease-causing toxins out of your system. However, there is no evidence to suggest that they are necessary or beneficial, and they can cause dangerous side effects such as dehydration, infection, electrolyte imbalances, and, rarely, rectal perforation.
Plus, the Sonne’s 7-day cleanse, as well as many similar cleanses, promote the use of products that may not be safe.
“Packaged cleanses typically fall within the realm of dietary supplements, which are largely unregulated,” says Whitney Linsenmeyer, PhD, RD, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and an assistant professor of nutrition and dietetics at Saint Louis University in Missouri. “These may contain unlisted substances and may interact with other medications or supplements you are taking.”