Do you need to detox?
'Detox' products honestly make my skin crawl. So I won't keep you in suspense - the answer is no.
No, you do not need to 'detox'. Why? Let's chat!
Let's break it down.
Detox = we don’t need a “tea” or other related product to detox. This is why we have a liver, kidneys and even our intestines! A detox tea or similar product will not change, influence or assist this process.
Relationship with food = These products can also be psychologically damaging. What kind of message are they promoting?
Weight loss = This only occurs when we’re in a calorie deficit, not because we drink a “magic” tea. Also, weight loss does not just = health. Your weight does not determine how healthy you are.
The fact these products exist and are marketed in such a way is also a product of diet culture. You are more than your weight.
Dangers = Many of these products (like detox teas) contain laxatives. This is one of the biggest concerns.
Laxatives can result in severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and they can even cause internal organ damage. The belief that laxatives are effective for weight control is also a myth - by the time laxatives act in the large intestine, most foods (and therefore calories) have already been absorbed by the small intestine.
These “teas” can also cause you to feel sick in the stomach, experience pains in the gut, and result in uncomfortable bloating, cramps and gas.
Tell me, how on earth are these promoted as a “health product?”
In summary, you do not need to “detox”!
Please, please, please, save your money and know they that these products are ALL marketing and NO science. And if you have any health concerns (that may be motivating you to look into “detoxing”), please see your GP.
I hope you found this article helpful - You may also enjoy my blog about weight fluctuations and this one about fad diets.
Is there a topic you'd like to see me write about? Let me know!
written for you by
Melissa Eaton
A university qualified Dietitian (MNutrDiet), Nutritionist (BSc ANutr.), PhD student, and former teacher from Sydney, Australia.
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