DIETS
Detoxing
Detoxing
A recent fad has seen ranges of items, including
drinks, supplements, and even shampoos, being
sold as “detox” agents that we can use to cleanse
our bodies and eliminate toxins. However, there
is no scientific evidence to back up such claims.
The detox claim
Detox proponents claim that by following a particular diet, or using
certain products, we can help our body to flush-out toxins that have
built up through our exposure to substances such as alcohol, caffeine,
tobacco, fat, and sugar. Detoxing can therefore improve our health.
Detox methods
A whole industry has built up around an array of
detox methods and products. These include diet
regimes, fasting, food supplements, and even
invasive procedures such as colonic irrigation.
CAN NATURAL
PRODUCTS EVER DETOX?
Although there is very limited
evidence from animal studies
that cilantro may help to expel
heavy metals, heavy metal
poisoning is a serious
problem that requires
medical treatment.
T
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H
E
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A
B
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CELERY
SUPPLEMENTS
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US_202-203_Detoxing.indd 202 23/02/2017 14:40
202
DIETS
Detoxing
203
What are toxins?
Many substances can be harmful in large doses—even water. However,
the body has an efficient system in place, featuring the liver and kidneys,
which neutralizes or expels excess harmful chemicals daily. Toxins do
not accumulate as detox advocates claim. There are a few exceptions,
however. Some dangerous chemicals that dissolve in fat can build up
in our fat stores over years. Exposure to these should be limited.
Colonic irrigation is a potentially
dangerous practice of inserting
liquids (often herbal concoctions
or even coffee) through the rectum
into the colon, and holding it there
before expelling it. Despite what
its advocates claim, the colon does
not need cleaning, and this practice
can perforate its lining, leading
to serious complications.
People have even died from
infections caused by colonic
irrigation.
COLONIC IRRIGATION
The reality of detoxing
Our bodies have sophisticated
ways of removing most of the
unwanted substances we ingest.
Therefore, it is doubtful that the
term “detoxing” has any real
validity. The mainstream medical
view is that the idea is little more
than a marketing myth and a waste
of time and money.
PRODUCT
REALITY
CLAIM
Herbal teas help to flush toxins
out of your system
Supplements boost your body’s
detoxing organs with scientifically
developed vitamin formulas
Some foods, such as garlic, help
to decrease the buildup of
toxins in the body
Detox patches draw toxins out
through the skin
Fasting or low-calorie diets will
help you detox and lose weight
Laxatives can help to cleanse
your colon
Herbal teas
Supplements
Superfoods
Detox patches
Calorie
restriction
Laxatives
They can have a diuretic effect,
making you urinate more—giving
the appearance of “flushing”
While valuable in some cases of
deficiency, there is no evidence
for their detoxing properties
They may contain high amounts
of vitamins and minerals that are
essential to our general health
There is no evidence supporting
the idea that toxins can be drawn
out through the skin
Denying your body the nutrients
it needs to function can result in
serious health problems
Regular use can lead to
dependency—you may struggle
to pass waste without them
A NORMAL,
HEALTHY
PERSON HAS
NO NEED TO
DETOX
POPS
Persistent
organic pollutants
can come from paint
and ink, and residues
of pesticides
on food.
Iodine
An essential
nutrient, iodine can
be toxic in high doses,
particularly for people
with defective
kidneys.
Toxic
metals
Fish may contain
heavy metals including
mercury. It accumulates
in the food chain, so
predatory fish may
have high levels.
D
E
T
O
X
E
D
US_202-203_Detoxing.indd 203 18/01/2017 09:48
202
DIETS
Detoxing
203
What are toxins?
Many substances can be harmful in large doses—even water. However,
the body has an efficient system in place, featuring the liver and kidneys,
which neutralizes or expels excess harmful chemicals daily. Toxins do
not accumulate as detox advocates claim. There are a few exceptions,
however. Some dangerous chemicals that dissolve in fat can build up
in our fat stores over years. Exposure to these should be limited.
Colonic irrigation is a potentially
dangerous practice of inserting
liquids (often herbal concoctions
or even coffee) through the rectum
into the colon, and holding it there
before expelling it. Despite what
its advocates claim, the colon does
not need cleaning, and this practice
can perforate its lining, leading
to serious complications.
People have even died from
infections caused by colonic
irrigation.
COLONIC IRRIGATION
The reality of detoxing
Our bodies have sophisticated
ways of removing most of the
unwanted substances we ingest.
Therefore, it is doubtful that the
term “detoxing” has any real
validity. The mainstream medical
view is that the idea is little more
than a marketing myth and a waste
of time and money.
PRODUCT
REALITY
CLAIM
Herbal teas help to flush toxins
out of your system
Supplements boost your body’s
detoxing organs with scientifically
developed vitamin formulas
Some foods, such as garlic, help
to decrease the buildup of
toxins in the body
Detox patches draw toxins out
through the skin
Fasting or low-calorie diets will
help you detox and lose weight
Laxatives can help to cleanse
your colon
Herbal teas
Supplements
Superfoods
Detox patches
Calorie
restriction
Laxatives
They can have a diuretic effect,
making you urinate more—giving
the appearance of “flushing”
While valuable in some cases of
deficiency, there is no evidence
for their detoxing properties
They may contain high amounts
of vitamins and minerals that are
essential to our general health
There is no evidence supporting
the idea that toxins can be drawn
out through the skin
Denying your body the nutrients
it needs to function can result in
serious health problems
Regular use can lead to
dependency—you may struggle
to pass waste without them
A NORMAL,
HEALTHY
PERSON HAS
NO NEED TO
DETOX
POPS
Persistent
organic pollutants
can come from paint
and ink, and residues
of pesticides
on food.
Iodine
An essential
nutrient, iodine can
be toxic in high doses,
particularly for people
with defective
kidneys.
Toxic
metals
Fish may contain
heavy metals including
mercury. It accumulates
in the food chain, so
predatory fish may
have high levels.
D
E
T
O
X
E
D
US_202-203_Detoxing.indd 203 18/01/2017 09:48
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