Cotton ball diet

The cotton ball diet is a fad diet that involves consuming cotton balls dipped in liquids such as juices or smoothies.^[1]^[2] The cotton is intended to make a person's stomach feel full without them gaining weight.^[2] The diet has been repeatedly condemned as dangerous.^[2]

Health risks

Cotton can cause blockages in the digestive system.^[3] Blockage in the intestines could result in dehydration, bowel obstruction which may cause the death of the gastrointestinal tract and damage to internal organs.^[4] The diet will also result in a nutrition disorder.^[4]

The diet can also cause choking because the cotton balls cannot be broken down and must be eaten whole.^[4] Most "cotton" balls are actually made from bleached polyester rather than cotton,^[2] and toxins in the synthetic ingredients of cotton balls can build up over time and cause organ damage.^[4]

The diet is considered to be an indicator of an eating disorder; eating disorders also come with mood disorders such as depression.^[4]

References

^ Bijlefeld, Marjolijn; Sharon K. Zoumbaris (25 November 2014). Encyclopedia of Diet Fads: Understanding Science and Society, 2nd Edition: Understanding Science and Society. ABC-CLIO. pp. 195–. ISBN 978-1-61069-760-6.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Neporent, Liz (21 November 2013). "Dangerous Diet Trend: The Cotton Ball Diet". ABC News. Retrieved 23 November 2013.
^ "'Cotton-Ball Diet' Rotten, Say Nutritionists". CBS. 22 November 2013. Archived from the original on 25 November 2013. Retrieved 23 November 2013.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e Savastio, Rebecca (22 November 2013). "Cotton Ball Diet Goes Viral and May Kill Dieters". Guardian Express. Retrieved 23 November 2013.

Human nutrition and healthy diets

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