“Detox” involves trying to rid the body of so-called “toxins” using certain products, diets, or methods.

Detox regimens are spreading on social media with brands offering products from celebrities and influencers.

Methods of detoxifying the body are not new; It has been fascinating since the time of Hippocrates, who believed that the four bodily fluids (blood, phlegm, and black bile) must be kept in balance to maintain good health. So being ill, the body’s organs and fluids are somewhat out of balance and need to be corrected.

For centuries, these “imbalances” have been treated with everything from enemas and vomiting to leech therapy and blood extractions.

An enema, for example, is a tube inserted into the anus to deliver medicine or fluids into the rectum or colon. An emetic is a mixture designed to make a person vomit. Blood extraction involves the use of certain techniques.

At the same time, throughout history, fasting rituals expressing self-discipline, purity, and holiness were common, especially among women.

Different methods and types of toxicity?

Fast forward to today, and detoxification looks a little different; Detox products sold over the counter or online are usually teas or drinks consumed in place of food.

These methods sometimes begin the program with a fasting or intermittent fasting phase. A “detox” label appears on teas, coffees, sweetened waters, and beverages with added combinations of fruits, vegetables, herbal blends, nutrients, or natural ingredients. But these products often claim to flush toxins from the body or boost the immune system.

Estimated to be over $5 billion by 2022, global projections indicate that the value of the drug product market will grow by a further 50% before 2030.

In a study of detoxification treatments used by naturopaths in the United States, more than three-quarters recommended diets including “cleansing foods” (such as potatoes), vitamin, mineral or antioxidant supplements, organic foods, and detox foods. Probiotics, according to a “Science Alert” report from the prestigious science website “The Conversation.”

While drinking and eating practices represent typical drug practices, there are some unusual drug practices as well. A third of the patients in the same US study underwent colon dialysis, which involves injecting fluids into the colon to remove digestive waste. A quarter of them used combination therapies or herbal laxatives.

Although there is no equivalent data for Australia, a survey of more than 2,000 Australian adults found that 63% had used or consulted someone about complementary therapies in the previous year.

Is detoxification effective?

The short answer is no. A review published in 2022 found that toxic diets failed to identify plausible pathways of detoxification or specific toxins to be eliminated by a particular diet.

This review also noted that detoxification challenges common principles of human physiology; Liver and kidneys are very effective in removing toxins from our body.

Likewise, an earlier review in 2015 found that studies did not provide conclusive evidence to support the use of drug regimens. Therefore, detox products do not have to prove their effectiveness in the market.

In Australia, over-the-counter complementary medicines are regulated by the Medicines Agency, with ingredients assessed for quality and safety. But not whether the products actually work. Therefore, you should check any product and marketing claims before purchasing to see what the manufacturers are saying.

Some of the big promises you should doubt include detoxification, rapid weight loss, stronger willpower, improved self-esteem, increased energy or immunity, feelings of happiness and inner peace, and improved skin, hair and nails.

Possible dangers of drugs

Consuming drug products instead of following a regular diet results in very low calorie intake, thus leading to short-term weight loss. But this is not a sustainable way to lose weight. Detox diets that severely restrict calories or food groups increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies.

Adverse effects include fatigue, irritability, and bad breath. There is also the risk that detox product ingredient labels may be inaccurate, increasing the risk of side effects, overdoses, or other adverse events.

In Spain, a 50-year-old man died after adding the wrong ingredient to a liver detox he was using, leading to manganese poisoning.

The point to emphasize is that some people should definitely not try detox products. This includes people with chronic medical conditions, eating disorders, the elderly, children, and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. However, one positive aspect of detox programs is that they can help you become aware of your current diet, alcohol or lifestyle habits that could be improved. Thinking about these things can motivate you to try to eat healthier.