The word “detox” is often thrown around on social media and it's become synonymous with juice cleanses and flat-tummy teas... ... but what actually is detoxing, from a scientific point of view? And, more to the point, is it healthy or is it a potentially damaging practice to inflict on your body? There’s a lot of conflicting and false information out there when it comes to detoxing and the detox diet culture. In this blog post, we will answer all of the questions you may have about detoxing so you can make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you.
What does detoxing mean?
Detox simply means to remove toxins from the body. The "toxins" are any chemicals, heavy metals, and pollutants that get into our bodies which might cause harm.
Toxins can come from a number of places, but commonly they reach us from the environment we live in and the food we eat.
Detoxing and detox diets aim to rid your body of toxins and help you feel better within yourself and improve your overall health.
Can the body detox on its own?
A large part of the scepticism surrounding detox diets is that the human body is already very well-equipped to detox all on its own.
The human body is incredibly complex and resourceful, we have our own innate detoxification system that aims to filter out toxins using our digestive system, liver, kidneys, skin, and lungs.
However, that is taking into account that these organs are healthy and working optimally. If they aren't, that's when you’re likely to start seeing symptoms that would suggest something isn’t quite right.
Should I stay away from juice cleanses and other diets labelled as “detox”?
Yes! The problem with most detox-specific diets is that they rarely address which specific toxin they are trying to rid you of, and how they aim to eliminate them. Many products marketed as a detox just create a laxative effect (that could leave you dehydrated) or involve restricting calories.
Most of these diets also involve foods that are thought to have “detoxing substances” without any real evidence supporting whether or not they are actually effective.
You should avoid any detoxing product that has no scientific evidence behind how it works. Often these kinds of products are endorsed by celebrities or influencers who have likely never even tried the products they’re being paid large sums to promote.
If the product works, you should be able to find plenty of testimonials from people who haven’t been paid to endorse it.
Will detoxing help me to lose weight?
Contrary to popular belief, there is no scientific evidence that suggests detoxing works as a means to lose a significant amount of weight. Juicing seems to work because of the extremely low caloric intake for a short time. However, when the juice cleanse is over the weight is gained back.
Are there things I can do to aid the body’s existing detoxification system?
As with any part of the body, you can make small changes to help your detoxification system run as effectively as possible.
Reducing your alcohol intake
Limiting alcohol intake is one way to support your liver in functioning optimally. When you consume too much alcohol, the liver can struggle to filter out waste and other toxins from your body, resulting in a build-up of toxins.
Getting enough sleep
Sleep plays an important role in ensuring your body can remove toxins. It's your body’s time to repair and remove toxins that have built up during the day. When you're sleep-deprived, the body doesn’t have enough time to do this effectively.
Stay hydrated
Keep your bodily functions moving by drinking lots of water. Water is not just for hydration, it’s responsible for a myriad of things in the body, including the removal of waste products.
Maintain a balanced diet
Try to stick to a healthy, balanced diet that’s low in processed foods and sugar. Over time, processed foods and sugar can prevent your body from performing optimally. Moderation is key!