Physical Wellness

Studies Suggest That Majority Of Detox Programs Are Unnecessary

By Abbie Kraft | Update Date: Feb 14, 2017 07:40 AM EST

Countless detox tips would usually flood the news, raging from home remedies to the most complex and expensive detox programs. It is usually implied that the body needs it, but studies suggest that majority of the detox programs are unnecessary and can even do more harm than good.

It was mentioned that the body has a natural way of getting rid of unwanted waste from the body, which is usually excreted through taking a dump, peeing and sweating. Short-term detox methods are said to do more harm than good according to Healthline. Acupuncturist Margaret Maclntosh stated that most detox dietary shift can potentially harm the body, especially if the individual is unaware which specific toxin he/she is trying to wash out.

One of the methods being pointed out is the turmeric cleanse. It was mentioned that turmeric is naturally healthy in small doses, but it can be harmful once consumed more than necessary.

"I am in favor of a healthy diet and lifestyle based on whole foods as opposed to extreme cleanses designed to eliminate loosely defined toxins from the body," MacIntosh said. "The human body has many processes to eliminate so-called toxins from the body."

Detox diets are often advertised, but it was mentioned that one of the best ways to ward off the body's toxins does not involve high-priced regimen. The cheapest method to detoxify one's organs is to have a healthy diet and have at least 30 minutes of daily exercise.

"Like most things, it really depends on the situation when it comes to the quality of a detox protocol," Alison Borkowska, WeightNot's director of nutrition, research, and education told Healthline during an interview. The majority of so-called 'detox products' are really not providing any great benefit to the consumer. Strategies such as 'juice cleansing' are not particularly beneficial."

WebMD then pointed out that detox programs are unnecessary as it is costly, but can be done at home with proper discipline. It is highlighted that it can be harmful to the body, especially with programs that push for weight loss. A healthy diet and regular exercise are what the body needs to be healthy.

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