Detox diets unsound science and do not work

Jun 8 2005

Scientists say there is no proof that Detox diets work and they do no more to rid the body of toxins than the body's own natural system.

People have been "detoxing" for thousands of years, but the scientists say there is no proof that such bodily purges work, and most modern books and detox kits serve up "empty promises".

Experts from the University of Southern California repeat the advice that a balanced diet is best. They say the suggestion that elimination of noxious agents is enhanced because of this regimen is categorically unsubstantiated.

Professor Roger Clemens and Dr Peter Pressman in a commentary in the Food Technology Journal, say detox plans promise all kinds of results from cell cleansing to skin revitalisation, colon decontaminating and liver purging.

In order to do this, people are told to have a restricted diet of fruit and vegetables and lots of water, all processed foods are banned along with caffeine and alcohol.

Clemens, professor of molecular pharmacology and toxicology at the University of Southern California and Pressman, an endocrinologist at private medical firm Geller, Rudnick, Bush and Bamberger say that many have reported detoxing worked for them.

They say there are thousands of testimonials that describe experience of less bloating (probably the result of eating less food), clearer skin (drinking more water) and decreased headaches (reduced alcohol and caffeine).

But they say the benefits people feel are not due to their body getting rid of excessive toxins, but more likely due to an improved diet.

They are adamant that, the suggestion that elimination of noxious agents is enhanced because of this regimen, is categorically unsubstantiated and runs counter to current understanding of human physiology and biochemistry, and they stress the body is designed to "detox" itself.

The lungs, kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal tract and immune system are effective in removing or neutralising toxic substances within hours of consumption.

They warn that detoxing can be dangerous for groups such as teenagers or pregnant women, who cannot afford to deprive themselves of food groups.

Ursula Arens, a registered dietician and spokeswoman for the British Dietetic Association says Detox is a meaningless term that is used all the time, and because it hasn't been defined, it's impossible to say if it works or no.

She says all food is made up of chemicals, and all our body does with food is a chemical reaction, and the body is set up to deal with the chemicals it doesn't want, and excrete them.

Claire Williamson, a nutrition scientist at the British Nutrition Foundation, emphasises that no single food can provide all the nutrients that the body needs, and therefore it is important to consume a balanced and varied diet in order to obtain adequate amounts of energy, protein, vitamins, minerals and fibre required for good health.

Cutting out complete food groups, she says, in the long term, may have adverse effects on an individual's health.