Detox diets and supplements promise to eliminate harmful toxins from your body, claiming benefits like weight loss, increased energy, and reduced fatigue.

While these detoxes might seem like a remedy for various health issues, their effectiveness and safety are questionable. Dr. Josephine Ni, MD, a gastroenterologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center, notes that there is minimal evidence supporting popular detox trends.

Moreover, these detoxes are typically unnecessary for health maintenance and can sometimes cause more harm than good. YSL News consulted with gastroenterologists to understand the risks involved.

What does a detox mean?

Although there is no clear medical definition for “gut detox,” various supplements, fad diets, and colon cleanses are advertised as methods to purify the body of toxins, according to Dr. Ni.

In medical terms, “toxins” refer to compounds from bacteria, viruses, fungi, or plants and animals that can harm human cells and nerves, explains Dr. Sarah Kahn, MD, a board-certified gastroenterologist at Stamford Health.

Supporters of detoxing claim benefits such as enhanced energy levels, weight reduction, relief from constipation, and decreased occurrences of headaches, fatigue, and muscle pain, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

One particular method, colonics, raises concerns for Dr. Ni. This process involves using enemas or other forms to wash out “physical toxins” from the colon. While it may sound beneficial, there is no substantial evidence to support its advantages. “I haven’t seen any clinical trials proving the long-term benefits of colonic cleanses,” Dr. Ni states.

Are detox diets needed?

Detox regimes and cleanses are not required for maintaining good health. “As far as I know, there’s no scientific proof backing the use of these cleanses for gut health,” says Dr. Ni.

It’s essential to note that “the body is naturally equipped for detoxification,” says Dr. Kahn.

Various bodily functions help remove “normal byproducts that could become toxic if they accumulate,” Dr. Ni elaborates. Organs like the kidneys, liver, and gastrointestinal tract help expel waste naturally.

As the body is capable of detoxifying itself, there’s no need to introduce additional compounds or mixtures, she advises.

Are detox diets safe?

Dietary products intended for detoxification are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This means that their ingredients and the specific laxatives included are unpredictable, warns Dr. Ni. “Some laxatives can actually harm your health depending on how they work,” she explains.

Additionally, you might think that doing a detox diet poses little risk, but it could lead to a lack of essential nutrients. For example, juice cleanses often replace meals with juices. By only consuming juices devoid of natural fiber from fruits and vegetables, you’re missing out on vital fiber, which is crucial for good digestive health. Consequently, a juice cleanse could take away a fundamental part of a healthy diet, according to Dr. Ni.

Are there safe methods to detoxify your body?

“There isn’t a one-size-fits-all safe way to detox because, firstly, detoxes lack extensive study, and secondly, they aren’t regulated,” Dr. Ni explains. “Thus, it’s hard to confirm their safety when purchased from the market.”

Instead of resorting to a detox or colonic treatment for any health issues, Dr. Ni recommends consulting a healthcare professional. A primary care provider can create a personalized plan that not only addresses your health objectives but also ensures that any dietary or lifestyle changes are both healthy and sustainable.