Tea Time: Detox/Cleanses

Research provided by Emily Winokur, Dietetics Student at University of Central Missouri ('19)

• What is it and its purpose
  • Primary purpose or thought behind a detox or cleanse is with the goal of removing toxins from the body, losing weight, or both
  • Various cleanse/detox programs include fasting, consuming only juices or liquids for several days, eating a very restricted diet, using only dietary supplements or other commercial products, or cleansing the colon with enemas, laxatives, or hydrotherapy/colonics
  • Examples of various supplements/diet programs/companies that claim their products detox/cleanse the body (through their use or following of a specific regimen): It Works, Dherbs, Blueprint Cleanse, Isagenix, juice cleanses, among many others
• What the concerns
  • There are many safety issues in following the programs
    • Often are more harmful to health and often have no science based research to back up claims
    • Severe calorie restrictions popularized by cleanse and detox diets can lead to muscle breakdown, extreme fatigue, headaches, irritability, cramping, and diarrhea
    • Depending on which detox you follow, protein, vitamin, and mineral deficiencies are common
    • Again, no scientific backing to these claims or programs, and their safety and efficacy is not tested by the scientific and dietitian community
  • It is important to remember that dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA and are therefore not FDA approved. This means that companies can market their products without this and safety of these products is the responsibility of the company
    • The FDA suggests you check with your healthcare professional or RDN before selecting. Be wary of claims that are unrealistic, quick and effective, and personal testimonials, promises of a quick fix or marketed as an herbal alternative to other prescription drugs
• Cleanses and detoxes are unnecessary for our bodies-we have mechanisms in place (kidneys, lungs, liver, and skin) that work continuously to keep the body free of excess waste
  • Naturally detoxifies around the clock to remove to classes of toxins our bodies are exposed to: endotoxins (that are made by the body, including lactic acid, urea, and waste products) and exotoxins (such as environmental toxins such as pollutants, pesticides, mercury in seafood, tobacco smoke, phthalates from plastic, parabens, and more.
  • If waste and toxins built in our bodies that we couldn’t excrete, we’d likely be in need of serious medical treatment
• Often people feel better during/after detox diets due to the elimination of highly processed foods with solid fats and sugars or “empty” calories and due to the power of the placebo effect
• Colon cleansing can cause cramping, bloating, nausea, vomiting, dehydration, and possible perforation (which can lead to other serious colon conditions)
• Any diet that suggests a miracle cure, short time frame, or other claims is probably too good to be true. Instead, working toward a balanced diet and regular exercise will yield the best results for overall health and wellness
• The companies often have no definition of what is meant by the term, and the vagueness and sensational nature of the word is used to their advantage to market the products—this often sways consumers
• Ways to support the body’s natural detoxification processes
  • Adequate hydration
  • Five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables per day
  • Consume enough fiber each day
  • Eat cruciferous vegetables, berries, turmeric, and green tea; all examples of natural foods that support the process
  • Take multivitamins/multiminerals to fill any gaps that may not be met in the daily consumption of a healthy diet
  • Fermented foods or quality probiotics ​