What alternative health
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Home Dietary Detoxification (detox)

Detox: flushing out poison or absorbing dangerous claptrap?

“In medicine, the term detox is used in two different ways. In conventional medicine, it describes a programme of weaning drug-dependent patients off their addiction. In alternative medicine, the term is used for treatments allegedly ridding the body of toxins. Alternative detox is all the rage and comes in many guises – anything from diet or supplements to steam-baths or ear-candles. The common denominator is that, allegedly, the body is stimulated to eliminate poisonous substances. The claim is that, if we are not treated in this way, such toxins would cause ill health in all of us. Yet, these assumptions are both wrong and dangerous. Unless someone is very severely ill, the elimination of toxins is most efficiently being taken care of by various organs – for instance, the liver, kidneys, skin, lungs and the gut. In a healthy person, the function of these systems is already optimal. No improvements are needed or can be achieved by detox therapies. Proponents of alternative detox have never been able to demonstrate that their treatments actually decrease the level of any specific toxin in the body. Yet such studies would be very simple to conduct: name the toxin, measure its level before and after the treatment and compare the readings. Why do such studies not exist? I suspect it is because the promoters of detox treatments know only too well that their results would not confirm their assumptions. And that would, of course, be bad for business.” Professor Edzard Ernst, The Guardian (29th August 2011)

Quebec spa detox treatment leaves 35-year-old woman dead

“A Quebec woman rushed to hospital after undergoing an overnight detoxification spa treatment involving intense sweating has died. She and another woman were hospitalized after undergoing a detoxification treatment…The treatments consisted of a process of sweating by being all wrapped in plastic with mud, and also with blankets…Both women were also encased in cardboard boxes. They were both unconscious when emergency services arrived at the rented farmhouse…At least 10 people were undergoing the detox treatments at the time, which lasted for several hours, and did not include drinking water.” CBC News (29th July 2011)

Fashionably toxic

“Whatever the reason for the resurgence of belief in various 'detox' modalities, one thing’s for sure. Unnamed, unknown, undefined 'toxins' are the new evil humors and miasmas, and detoxification is the newest fashionable form of ritual purification.” David Gorski MD Science Based Medicine (23rd May 2011)

Detoxification: A Worthless Scam

“Like many others, I believe that the accumulation of toxins in the body is a myth since the human body effectively eliminates 'toxins' and waste products through the liver, kidneys, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, skin and immune system. So, I don't believe detox is necessary--or that it works. I agree with the following statement that 'the only substance that is being removed from a patient is usually money', made by Drs. Simon Singh and Edzard Ernst in their book Trick or Treatment, Alternative Medicine on Trial.” Simeon Margolis, M.D., Ph.D., Yahoo Health (6th August 2010)

The dark side of snake oil

“Ionic footbaths cannot possibly work on any biological level according to James Randi, founder of the James Randi Educational Foundation. A former magician, Randi is one of the leading debunkers of psychics, charlatans and quacks. "Detoxifying footbaths have been completely exposed on YouTube and the Internet repeatedly," he said in a telephone interview from his institute in Florida. The scheme started several years ago when a faulty footbath began spewing rust-coloured water from the pump. These machines create an impressive water show by corroding an electrode when a current is passed through, causing rust to form. The same effect can be achieved by attaching an electric transistor to two spoons and dunking them in a tub of salt water. "This is simply a badly made pump and circulatory system," Randi said.” Calgary Herald (18th July 2010)

Detox plans may seriously damage your wealth

“…the British Dietetic Association (BDA), which represents 6,000 UK dieticians, says there is no "potion or lotion" to "magically" rid the body of chemicals. "You are buying into a marketing myth if you choose, say, a three-day detox kit," says Catherine Collins, a dietician and spokesperson for the BDA. "These detox products often take a convoluted approach to getting rid of toxins and try to blind people with science – and can be very expensive." Left to its own devices the skin, kidneys, liver and lymphatic system combine to make the body capable of getting rid of most toxins it takes in. But if you want to help optimise your body's health, there are plenty of ways to detox without stretching your purse-strings.” The Guardian (3rd January 2010)

'Detoxing' and the need to repent

“…what it is about the idea of detoxifying that captures the public imagination? Ben Goldacre wrote an article earlier this year that I think really picks up on what’s going on. He talks about the notions of purification and redemption as recurring themes in religious rituals, both currently and in the past. He says: “In our own country, we seek purification from material indulgence. We fill our faces with drink, bad food, drugs and more. We know it’s wrong, so we crave ritualistic protection from the consequences, performing public 'transitional rituals', commemorating our return to healthier behavioural norms”. Goldacre refers to the UK, but this could be extrapolated to North American culture too. In this broader, cultural perspective detoxification has a ritualistic (almost superstitious) purpose; it may be used as a way of punishing and/or protecting oneself from everyday indulgences. This may explain why detox is so popular. Although there is little to no evidence for its concrete benefits, it may feed a more subconscious need.” Aysha Khan, Canadian National Post (6th November 2009) [Aysha Khan is a contributor to Skeptic North, the first Canada-wide blog for skeptics.]

Experts warn of the dangers of detox diets

“Dieters are in danger from fad detox diets which experts warn are of no benefit. Some companies have launched aggressive marketing campaigns aimed at young women who want to lose weight. But doctors said any diet or detox program involving fasting could cause the body to break down. "There's no medical or scientific evidence that there's any health benefits from fasting," Dr Jane Smith from the Royal College of General Practitioners said. "You could be doing your body harm. There's a lot of money to be made selling magic (solutions) to people."…Instead of detoxing, dieticians suggest people cut out caffeine, alcohol and high fat foods for a week to achieve the same results.” Austalian news report (12th October 2009)

One substance shown to be reliably removed by detox

“…in a normal, healthy person the idea that waste products from our bodies might poison us is simply incorrect. Proponents of various detox therapies have never been able to demonstrate that their treatments actually decrease the level of any specific substance in the body. Such a thing would be very simple to demonstrate: name the toxin, measure its blood level before and after the treatment and compare the readings. If the level is lower after the detox treatment, the treatment worked. If the readings are the same, it didn’t. Why do those studies not exist? I suspect because the promoters of such treatments know very well that such a simple and easy experiment would not support their claims. Detoxification is also potentially hazardous to your health. A person might easily get the idea that they can over-indulge, i.e. poison his or her “system” with toxins, and then put everything right by applying this or that detox method. This could prompt many people to live unhealthy lifestyles in the belief they could avoid harm by periodic detoxification. The best way to stay healthy is to avoid unhealthy behaviors, rather than trying to reverse their effects once you get sick…What is the one substance that colonic irrigation and other detox treatments?…” [click on link to find out] Professor Edzard Ernst, Celebrity Diagnosis (6th October 2009)

Detoxification' Schemes and Scams

The products and procedures included in this summary are "colon cleansing"; other powders and potions; colonic irrigation; "ionic cleansing"; "detox" foot pads; methods that increase sweating; unnecessary amalgam removal; chelation therapy; and the urine toxic metals test. All involve the use of misleading scare tactics. By Stephen Barrett MD, Quackwatch (8th April 2009)

Some Notes on Prince Charles's Duchy Originals Detox Tincture (50ml for £10)

"The pathophysiology of 'detox' is non-existent; as a therapeutic approach, detox is implausible, unproven, and dangerous; Prince Charles and his advisors seem to ignore science and prefer to rely on 'make believe' and superstition; detox promotions may contribute to ill health by suggesting we can all over-indulge, then take his tincture and be fine again. Under the banner of holistic and integrative healthcare he thus promotes a 'quick fix' and outright quackery." Follow-up report by Edzard Ernst, MD PhD FRCP FRCPEd (Quackwatch, 30th March 2009)

'Cleansing' diets lure celebs, but not health experts

"Nutrition experts say they'd like to see some scientific evidence the plans work. "I've never seen any published trials that would lead me to believe that if you are healthy, your lungs, kidney and liver need help removing toxins from your body," says Colleen Doyle, director of nutrition and physical activity for the American Cancer Society." USA Today News (March 2009)

Prince Charles detox 'quackery'

"Prince Charles has been accused of exploiting the public in times of hardship by launching what a leading scientist calls a "dodgy" detox mix. Edzard Ernst, the UK's first professor of complementary medicine, said the Duchy Originals detox tincture was based on "outright quackery". There was no scientific evidence to show that detox products work, he said." BBC News (10th March 2009)

Detox debunked

"The idea that 'detox' regimes will help your body rid itself of 'toxins' is nothing more than a marketing invention." Article by Ben Goldacre, MD, Sunday Times (18th January 2009)

Detox: Nonsense for the gullible

David Colquhoun, Research Professor of Pharmacology, University College London, looks at new pamphlet from Voice of Young Science and the dodgy behaviour of "Detox in a box" on the BBC's Today Programme on 5th January 2009. (DC's Improbable Science)

The Detox Scam

"What the marketers of detox products have done is made the term 'detox' meaningless — actually the term now is nothing but a red flag for snake oil." Article by Steven Novella, MD, Neurologica Blog (6th January 2009)

Woman left brain damaged by detox

"A woman has been awarded more than £800,000 after she suffered permanent brain damage while on a detox diet…..Detox diets are based on the theory that toxins from "unhealthy" food and drink build up in the body and can lead to health problems. Purging those toxins — through restricted diets, lots of water or using particular supplements — is meant to leave people feeling better and, often, thinner. But critics disagree with the principle. Dr Andrew Wadge, of the Food Standards Agency, has branded detox regimes "nonsense" and said the body has its own system of getting rid of toxins — the liver. Dieticians are regulated by law in the UK, but nutritionists and nutritional therapists are not. Catherine Collins, chief dietician at St George's Hospital in Tooting, told the BBC: "As a dietician I frequently see people who have been given the wrong information by nutritionists or nutritional therapists and we deal with the consequences," she said." BBC News (3rd July 2008)

Demystifying Detox Diets

The Master Cleanse or Lemon Detox Diet, Fat Flush, 21 Pounds in 21 Days, the Liver Detox Diet … these are just a few of the so-called "detoxification" diet plans that have become all the rage. Holistic healers and diet gurus are pushing all sorts of products and regimens that are supposed to help purge our bodies of chemicals and toxins, while helping us to lose weight -- fast! But do you really need to rid your body of dietary "poisons"? Do your colon, liver, and lymph nodes need to be flushed and cleaned? And should you try one of these detox diet plans for weight loss and optimal body performance? According to doctors and registered dietitians who spoke to WebMD, the answer is a resounding "no." Article by Kathleen M. Zelman, MPH, RD, LD — Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD, WebMD Feature (2nd July 2008)

The Detoxification Myth

Critical evaluations of detox products including electrical foot baths, Kinoki foot pads, and bowel cleansing pills (said to be herbal, and which cause the intestines to produce long, rubbery, bowel movements which is claimed to be 'mucoid plaque'). Skeptoid Podcast transcript (15th January 2008)

Detox Diets Are A Waste Of Money And Time'

Andrew Wadge, Chief Scientist, Food Standards Agency, UK, says the best thing to do is drink one or two glasses of water, get some exercise, and then enjoy home cooked meals. He adds that tap water (in the UK) is fine and is more sustainable than bottled water. Wadge also explains that the human body has its own very efficient detox mechanism — the liver." Medical News Today (29th December 2007)

The detox diaries

Two student medical doctors spend a week on a detox diet and conclude that the benefits do not offset the effort required. Tarig Babiker and Alexander Hamilton, Student BMJ (October 2006)

Detox Diets Under the Spotlight

Detox Diets Report: Do detox diets work? Are they good for you? Dietitian Juliette Kellow investigates detox and concludes that there is no good evidence that a detox diet is necessary or actually works. Weight Loss Resources (25th April 2006)

Detox diets: Do they offer any health benefits?

"Detoxification, or detox, diets are touted by many as a way to remove 'toxins' form the body. This practice stems from the belief that the food you consume contains a range of harmful substances which accumulate in your body, causing fatigue, headaches, nausea and even disease. But there is no evidence that his is true or that detox diets have any health benefits. Also, in some cases, detox diets can have harmful side effects…..The best diet is one based on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean sources of protein and unsaturated fats. Add regular exercise and stress reduction techniques, and you have a solid foundation for good health." Jennifer K. Nelson, Registered Dietitian, Mayo Clinic (11th April 2006)

Detox's medical claims face probe

Details of the BBC1 Real Story programme 'Doctors on a Detox' which looked at the medical claims made by several products, including Gillian McKeith's 24 Hour Detox. The marketing of detox products is to be investigated by the UK government — the Medical Health Care Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is reported to be taking action based on the investigations made by the programme. BBC News (27th March 2006)

Detox diets are a waste of time and money, say scientists

"Most of the pills, juices, teas and oils that are sold for their detoxifying effects on the body have no scientific foundation for their claims, according to toxicologists and dieticians. They will not influence the rate at which the body rids itself of toxins, and any beneficial effects would be matched at much lower cost by drinking plenty of tap water, eating fruit and vegetables and getting a few early nights. The entire market for detox products, which is worth tens of millions of pounds a year, rests on myths about the human body that are hitting consumers in the wallet…" Mark Henderson, Science Correspondent and Fran Yeoman, The Times Online (3rd January 2006) NOTE: Several well-known detox products come under scrutiny in this article.

Detox: Press Statement from Sense About Science

Scientists say drop 'detox', have a glass of water and get an early night: "Our bodies have their own 'detox' mechanisms. The gut prevents bacteria and many toxins from entering the body. When harmful chemicals do enter the body, the liver acts as an extraordinary chemical factory, usually combining them with its own chemicals to make a water soluble compound that can be excreted by the kidneys. The body thus detoxifies itself. The body is re-hydrated with ordinary tap water. It is refreshed with a good night's sleep. These processes do not occur more effectively as a result of taking 'detox' tablets, wearing 'detox' socks, having a 'detox' body wrap, eating Nettle Root extract, drinking herbal infusions or 'oxygenated' water, following a special 'detox' diet, or using any of the other products and rituals that are promoted. They waste money and sow confusion about how our bodies, nutrition and chemistry actually work." Includes a summary of scientists' views on detox. Sense About Science (3rd January 2006) NOTE: Read more about chemical scientists' criticisms of the detox industry in the January 2006 report 'Making Sense of Chemical Stories' [see link immediately below].

No proof' detoxing diets work

"Detox diets do no more than the body's own natural system to get rid of toxins, US researchers claim." BBC News (7th June 2005) [See link immediately below to read the research]

Detox Diets Provide Empty Promises

"Detox approaches generally focus on but restrict fruit and vegetable intake, prohibit animal protein consumption, and promote the intake of extracts and unorthodox recipes. These approaches are contrary to scientific consensus and medical evidence and are not consistent with the principle that diets should reflect balance, moderation, and variety. The scientific basis for these kinds of stringent diets is lacking, and adherence to these regimens may mask clinical presentation or delay diagnosis of a health-compromising illness." Roger Clemens, Dr.P.H., Director, Analytical Research Professor, Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, USC School of Pharmacy, Los Angeles, Calif., and Peter Pressman, M.D., Internal Medicine, Geller, Rudnick, Bush and Bamberger, Berverly Hills, Calif., Food Technology (May 2005) [pdf]

Are Detox Diets Safe?

"Like many other fad diets, detox diets can have harmful side effects, especially for teens… Lots of claims are made about what a detox diet can do for you, from preventing and curing disease to giving you more energy to making you more focused and clear-headed. Of course, anyone who goes on a low-fat, high-fiber diet is probably going to feel more healthy, but proponents of detox diets claim that this is because of the elimination of toxins, as opposed to carrying around less excess weight or having a healthier heart. However, there's no scientific proof that these diets help rid the body of toxins faster or that the elimination of toxins will make you a healthier, more energetic person." This article, written specifically for teenagers, includes links explaining the functions of the rectum and the colon; advice from a medical doctor and a registered dietician about herbal dietary supplements (and why to be wary of them); and information on eating disorders, nicotine and alcohol. Article reviewed by Jessica R. Donze, RD, and Susan Konek, RD, Teens Health (April 2003)

The Aqua Detox Scam

"One way to scam people is to diagnose and correct a nonexistent problem. Aqua Detox practitioners do this by claiming to remove toxins and balance cellular energy. During treatment sessions, the customer's feet are bathed for 30 minutes in salt water that is subjected to a low-voltage current transmitted through an electrode assembly called an "array" (the dark cylindrical object to which the wire is attached). Aqua Detox International claims that the apparatus "produces a frequency of positive and negative ions, which gently resonates through the body and stimulates all the cells within it. . . . rebalancing the cellular energy, enabling the cells to perform efficiently and . . . release any toxins that may have built up." During the process, the water typically turns reddish brown. Some marketers refer to the process as "ionic cleansing" or an "ionic foot bath."….. Positive and negative ions cannot "resonate" throughout the body in response to any such device. And the skin has no ability to excrete toxins. Real detoxification of foreign substances takes place in the liver, which modifies their chemical structure so they can be excreted by the kidneys which filter them from the blood into the urine." Article by Stephen Barrett MD (DeviceWatch)