Scientists criticise detox diets

Detox diets have been criticised as a waste of money by experts.

Scientists from the Sense About Science Organisation said that drinking ordinary tap water and ensuring you get enough sleep were the best ways to flush out toxins from the body, following a period of excessive eating and drinking.

The detox industry, which includes special tablets, diets and special treatments such as Nettle Root extract, herbal infusions and ‘oxygenated’ water, are especially popular after the traditional Christmas over-indulgence. The industry is now believed to be worth tens of millions of pounds.

However, scientists say that these detox products and diets are a waste of money and “sow confusion” about how the human body, nutrition and chemistry actually work.

The scientists said that our bodies have our own detox mechanisms. The gut prevents bacteria and many toxins from entering the body, while the liver helps to break down harmful chemicals, which do enter the body, before they are excreted by the kidneys.

They said: “The body thus detoxifies itself. The body is re-hydrated with ordinary tap water. It is refreshed with a good night’s sleep.”

Professor John Henry, Clinical Toxicologist at St Mary’s Hospital, London, said: “If you party to excess it is more than likely that you won’t be feeling your best. The cure? A good night’s sleep, your normal diet and plenty of water. Immoderation can only be repaid by moderation. Special detox diets and products are not going to do anything to hasten this process. Chemical scientists get fed up with debunking all these detox claims that come out in January.”

Tracey Brown, Director of Sense About Science, said: “We were surprised to find such strength of feeling about the detox industry among scientists. The criticisms were unanimous across our working group and were echoed by other scientists and clinicians that we consulted about our forthcoming lifestyle and chemicals report. So we encouraged scientists to present these views early in the New Year, when interest in detox is at its height, in advance of the report publication later in the month.”

(KMcA)