THE TRUTH ABOUT DETOX TEAS: DO THEY WORK

Overview

A new fad these days is detoxing i.e. ridding the body of toxins, with the aid of detox teas. There are many advertisements on electronic and print media highlighting the consumption of detox teas to promote weight loss and rid the body of harmful toxins. However, a matter of utmost concern is the ingredients present in the detox teas, as some of them are detrimental to health rather than beneficial. However, it is to be noted that detox practices like bloodletting, enemas, sweat lodges, fasting, and consumption of detox teas date back centuries. These were medicinal practices till the early 20^th century.

There is a lot of publicity regarding detox teas which contain healthy ingredients like mate leaves, peppermint, ginger, lemongrass, etc. However, one ingredient that is present in detox teas i.e. Senna leaf, is a cause of concern among medical practitioners. Senna leaf is an ingredient present in laxatives and the reason why detox teas are so successful in aiding in quick weight loss but temporary nonetheless.

Medical practitioners state that the most effective way to lose weight is a regular diet, staying hydrated, sufficient exercise, and good sleep. These healthy habits aid in normally detoxing our body. We do not need any special liquids or fad diets for the same. Our body is fully equipped to process the good and bad without any external help.

HARMFUL EFFECTS

Some of the reasons why we should limit our intake of detox teas as enumerated here.

GUT health: Some detox teas containing laxatives constrict our regular bowel movement. The body ceases bowel movement on its own as it has become so reliant on laxatives. The day you don’t consume the laxative, there will be constipation and irregular bowel movement. This hampers the smooth body functions. Therefore we need to rid ourselves of such teas containing laxatives and ensure that our body performs its normal body functions regularly.
HEALTH: Some detox teas contain certain stimulants that increase the heart rate and blood pressure in addition to feelings of anxiousness, jitter, or nervousness. Those individuals suffering from hypertension, cardiac ailments, arrhythmias, and some psychiatric illnesses should avoid these teas else their conditions may worsen.
DEHYDRATION: Some detox teas contain diuretics that make us lose a lot of water and dehydrate us. This is one more way we may notice a significant weight drop. Even though there is weight loss, it is not actual fat loss. Dehydration causes loss of sodium, potassium, and other relevant elements required by our heart and muscles for our normal body functions.

PUBLICITY: Some detox teas are widely promoted on electronic and print media and also endorsed by celebrities. These celebrities mostly do not consume these teas but advertise them for some financial gains. We blindly buy the products endorsed by these celebrities without checking whether the ingredients present in these teas are good for us or otherwise. Suppose you buy a tea that is widely endorsed but it turns out it contains some ingredient which causes an allergic reaction. So it is always better to be safe than to be sorry.
CERTIFICATION: The ingredients of some detox teas are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It has been observed that certain teas contain dangerous drugs and chemicals that are not listed in the ingredients on the pack. Consumption of these can cause health hazards.
EFFECTS ON THE BODY: Excess consumption of Senna herbs can cause diarrhea. Excess caffeine content can cause side effects like anxiety, and insomnia and trigger headaches. The laxative content can cause bloating, gas, nausea, and stomach cramps. Certain hidden chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or banned substances like ephedra are harmful and also certain chemicals may cause allergic reactions. There may be other effects like heart attacks, seizures, strokes, and even death. Low sodium as a result of dehydration leads to electrolyte imbalance and liver failure. Some substances may magnify any existing health problems and cause serious side effects.

Caution and Moderation

Thus we can see how we need to be extremely cautious while choosing a detox tea. Simple green tea (no sugar, no milk) or lemon tea can be consumed in moderation. On the other hand, you can brew your choice of detox tea with the basic home-sourced ingredients which are pure and chemical-free. Moderation is the mantra. Regular food habits, adequate hydration, no alcohol or smoking, exercise, and sound sleep are the best combinations for a healthy body and mind.

“No one food, herb, or remedy can cure aliments or disease, nor does it have the ability to “detox” the body”

Manuel Villacorta, R.D author of Whole-Body Reboot: The Peruvian Superfoods Diet to Detoxify, Energize, and Supercharge Fat Loss.

Conclusion

To conclude, your body is the best detoxifier, you do not require any supplements to detox. The human body is a marvelous piece of art. It can cleanse itself of toxins and the clockwork precision of the way the various body parts function together is indescribable. It is truly magnificent and something worth pondering about. The mechanisms that work in tandem so that you can move, feel, and go about your daily life, is a gift, no doubt. It is up to us to maintain this gift and stay healthy and happy. So make the most of it, as we all have one life to live.