For thousands of years, individuals have endeavored to eliminate what they perceive as harmful substances from their bodies.
Bloodletting, enemas, sweat lodges, fasting, and the consumption of detoxification beverages are among the historic “detox” practices. These practices even served as medical treatments until the early 20th century.
Currently, the consumption of detox beverages has become a prevalent practice among individuals who wish to rid their bodies of toxins. People have even observed celebrities, including those who follow the “Master Cleanse” diet, consuming these beverages.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate the constituents in detox teas, as is the case with all dietary supplements. Recent discoveries reveal that some “detoxifying” teas and other weight-loss products conceal hazardous medications and chemicals on their packaging.
Ensure that you consult with your physician prior to utilizing any detox product.
Are detox remedies effective for weight loss?
Generally, people consume tea extensively and consider it to be a healthy beverage. The following information pertains to detox remedies and weight loss:
Research
Green tea contains catechins, which are compounds that seem to enhance the rate of fat oxidation during physical activity.
Additionally, research shows that certain teas produce specific fatty acids in the intestine through a reaction between polyphenols, altered gut microbiota, and leftover carbohydrates. As a result, certain teas may help to suppress carbohydrate intake and regulate the bacteria in your intestines, which may facilitate weight loss.
Nevertheless, additional research is required to comprehend this mechanism, and there is no direct clinical evidence that detox tea is an effective weight-loss tool.
Suggestions for diet and exercise
In addition, detox remedies frequently include dietary and exercise recommendations, with some recommending a cleansing period of one week or more.
In order to eliminate impurities from the body, this may include engaging in vigorous exercise and maintaining a healthy diet. Consequently, any weight loss you may experience may be a result of a combination of increased exercise and a reduction in caloric consumption, rather than the tea itself.
Caffeine
Moreover, detox teas may contain elevated caffeine levels, which function as diuretics and may induce transient water retention.
These teas may also have a cathartic effect, which expedites the passage of food through the digestive tract. This can result in a flatter, slimmer abdomen.
However, detox beverages do not result in a genuine or enduring reduction in body fat. Conversely, they may cause you to become dehydrated.
What exactly does detox tea do to your body?
Some detox teas are innocuous blends of tea leaves that are no different from conventional teas. However, others contain additional substances that may be harmful to your health. These ingredients may include:
- Strong herbs, such as senna, can produce diarrhoea when overused.
- High caffeine levels can induce negative effects such as anxiety, sleeplessness, and headaches.
- Laxatives can lead to stomach cramps, bloating, gas, and nausea.
- NSAIDs and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are two examples of hidden pharmaceuticals.
- Prohibited drugs, such as ephedra,
Detox teas contain ingredients designed to provide you with energy. They may also cause you to rush to the restroom on a regular basis. Emptying your bowels and bladder regularly may result in a minor amount of weight loss.
But what you’re losing is primarily water, not poison. This is not a safe or effective technique to lose excess weight.
While some teas contain compounds like ephedra that are intended to “speed” you up and increase your activity level, which is a better approach to losing weight, they can also cause severe complications such as:
Possible outcomes include heart attacks, strokes, convulsions, and death.
There have been additional reports of health issues, such as liver failure and low sodium (electrolyte imbalance).
Drug Interactions
Plus, detox teas may contain herbs and other substances that interact with your prescription and OTC medications.
Detox tea-induced diarrhea may also lessen the effectiveness of your medication because it passes through your system without absorption.
This is a significant problem with hormonal birth control, which requires regular use to be effective.
Other ingredients in detox teas, such as grapefruit, may intensify the effects of any medications you’re taking, resulting in dangerous adverse effects.
Precautions
While green tea has numerous health advantages, detox teas are not a proven weight loss technique, and their ingredient lists are unregulated by the FDA. This means that detox tea sold online or in stores may include potentially harmful substances.
There have been reports of narcotics, poisons, and other dangerous compounds discovered in detox teas offered in the United States.
In one high-profile example in 2014, investigators discovered the antidepressant medicine fluoxetine (Prozac) within a Japanese detox tea known as Toxin Discharged Tea. This medication can have serious and life-threatening side effects, particularly when used with other medications.
The bottom line
Popular products like detox teas promote their ability to help your body eliminate toxins. In actuality, many detox drinks cause weight loss by making you go to the bathroom more frequently.
Detox teas do not contain regulated substances. They may contain potent herbs, laxatives, excessive caffeine levels, pharmaceuticals, and even illicit narcotics that can result in serious health problems or even death.
Avoid “detox” teas and other goods that claim to help you lose weight. The best way to stay healthy is to eat a well-balanced diet, exercise often, drink plenty of water, and sleep sufficiently each night.
