Scientists say drop the “detox”

Homo sapien never had a detox supplement to hand! Our bodies have built up a huge array of mechanisms to help the body release toxins naturally:

Kidneys – they get rid of waste products such as the waste from broken down foods, fluids, drugs, toxins or hormones that you take in and excrete them in the form of urine. One of their main functions is to maintain the water balance of your body and the concentration of key electrolytes, such as salt and potassium.
The concentration of electrolytes in the body is very important for your health. This concentration can be affected by changes in the amount of water or electrolytes in your body. Some detox diets advocate the drinking of excessive water as a means of getting rid of toxins. However, beware, this can affect your electrolyte balance and lead to some severe consequences. There was a case in the UK last year, where a lady was left brain damaged as a result of excessive water intake and low salty intake whilst on a detox diet.

Stomach and intestines – they prevent many harmful bacteria from entering the body. The colon is responsible for production of waste and gases from the body. Products that claim to cleanse the colon don’t help this process and may harm its protective membrane. In fact in some cases, detoxing could be stripping you of good bacteria in your gut and may be putting chemicals into your body that are not meant to be there.

Skin – your skin helps to excrete salt through sweating and aromatic substances in foods and some waster products when the kidney function is impaired.

So as you can see the body has several waster disposal mechanisms to deal with the excesses. The best detox diet is a healthy diet to nourish your organs. Beware of any diets that suggest cutting out major food groups such as dairy or wheat. If you do choose to cut these foods out, make sure you get the key nutrients such as calcium, fibre, iron and B vitamins from other food sources.

As Dietitians, we are bound by our Code of Practice to give evidence based advice. And as such we do not advise detox diets as there is no evidence behind their benefit. However, we do advise that people start eating more healthily, especially after a excessive festive season. Tummy troubles such as bloating, wind, constipation and diarrhoea may be helped by more healthy eating, which may may also help reduce fatigue, along with getting a better nights sleep.

The food pyramid is an excellent tool to help you in the right direction, otherwise, consider seeing a Dietitian for a January Nutrition NCT! We have many clients who come to see us to to review their diet and to help put them back on the right track.

© Nutritionwise Nutrition Consultancy