Thanks for asking what I think of the popular detox program, Kaeng Raeng:
Let me start by saying I really don’t promote detox drinks or detox supplements for many reasons, but primarily because I feel that feeding the body “less toxic foods”in the first place is a better place to start. However, I am always committed to doing some honest investigating into any product before I make a statement about how I feel it stands up nutritionally. I understand and respect that everyone leads a unique lifestyle and I’m not here to judge a person’s choices be it food, drink or a detox formula. I did not try the product, but wrote my opinions based on information available on the website.
The website has 3 levels of detox. They suggest you start at the beginner level… stating it’s “Our most gentle formula”. In my opinion feeling your best shouldn’t put you through harsh or uncomfortable experiences. Also – might exercise be a little challenging when going through your detox with a low protein and calorie plan? They recommend stretching and low impact weight training but don’t mention aerobic exercise.
It also stood out to me on the website they recommend to do a detox when you feel “fatigued, bloated, or just plain gross” from your usual diet. This is subjective and very vague. I would rather see someone make changes to their lifestyle to prevent feeling bad in the first place. There are really effective ways of improving energy, and removing excess fluid retention than a detox formula. What are these, you ask? Try drinking more water, reducing dietary sodium, drinking tea, exercising, and meeting nutrient needs with minimally processed, balanced meals, and sleeping.
There is nothing spectacular, or particularly “detoxifying” about this shake. In fact, you could blend your own shake and save your money. Most people won’t feel very satisfied just drinking liquids and eating raw fruits and vegetables for a week. If a plan isn’t realistic or sustainable, it likely is not going to result in the kind of changes you might be looking for long term.
The plan suggests up to 3 detox drinks a day and raw fruits and vegetables – so sure it will promote weight loss. Keep in mind 1200 calories can be too low for a lot of people, putting them at risk for lean tissue loss. If someone were to do this every month, I would be concerned that they might cycle up and down with quick weight loss over the course of a week (fat, water and muscle weight) and then put on some rebound weight gain once normal eating is resumed. I also can’t ignore the possibility that a person might feel deprived on their detox and overeat, overindulge at the end of the week.
The bottom line: Eat a balanced, varied diet that includes fruits, veggies, protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats such as olive oil, avocado, nuts, fish and flax. The best way to detox is to limit the amount of added sweeteners, refined sugars, saturated fat, alcohol and trans fat in your daily diet. Exercise, healthy sleep patterns and adequate nutrition will allow your body’s liver and kidneys to do all the detoxing you need. We are fortunate to have bodies built to sustain all that we put them through for as long as they do. Be good to yourself, eat well daily and move. You will be amazed at how great you can feel in just a few days once you turn to a lifestyle that promotes health.
Thanks for asking! 
-Sumner
