If you know me, you probably knew I am going to say no. But I want to explain to you exactly why I don't think you need to engage into detox programs. The word detox is used very loosely in the wellness space and is often loaded with pseudo-scientific claims. While detoxification programs and diets are still very popular, there's little evidence that they actually remove toxins from the body. There are many reasons why detox programs are not worth your time or money, so let's look at each of them.

Your body cleanses itself

This is the one that is most overlooked argument. People have become so used to not trusting their bodies that it rarely crosses our minds we may not need outside help to complete a basic process needed for survival. Many individuals selling detox programs claim that there is some sort of residue inside of the body that needs to be cleaned out. But this only shows how little these people know about biological processes. Our bodies are efficient in getting rid of toxins. Anything else would be pretty dangerous as a build up of even otherwise safe substances - such as vitamins and minerals - inside of our body may be fatal. 

The organ systems involved in the process of detoxification are the liver and kidneys, the lungs, the skin, and the digestive tract.

The liver

This is the most important organ working to get rid of toxins. One of the liver's main functions is filtering out toxins that are produced either as a byproduct of normal metabolism or that enter the body from the outside. The liver works to excrete toxins, including alcohol, drugs and chemicals. 

The kidneys

The kidneys work hand-in-hand with the liver. Think of the kidneys as a filter. Whatever substances were eliminated by the liver are next sent to the kidneys for excretion. The kidneys also play a very important role in fluid and electrolyte balance. This is one of the places in the body where our pH gets regulated, so there is no need to consume any alkaline products to regulate pH of your body externally. If the kidneys can't regulate the pH anymore due to damage, you will need much more to fix it than alkaline water. 

The lungs

The lungs and the whole respiratory system also protect us from outside toxins. The hair inside the nose actually has a pretty important function - it's the first defense against dirt and dust or viruses. The hairs catch tiny particles and prevent them from entering the body. If anything manages to enter the body through your nose, there is plenty of mucus, which is often demonized by detox gurus, to protect you. Mucus has an important function because it creates a protective layer. The last stop an outside toxin travels to through the respiratory system are the lungs, which will get rid of said toxin through respiration and helping you excrete mucus with toxins (aka. coughing). Through respiration the lungs also control the pH of the body.

The skin

Before you jump to conclusions - I want to be very clear: you absolutely cannot sweat out toxins. This would be extremely dangerous. Nature is too smart to make humans have toxic sweats. The common myth is grounded in pseudo-scientific claims that people started making and just repeating without thinking about it. Excessive sweating may actually decrease detoxification because the kidneys become less efficient at filtering out toxins due to dehydration. 

So, how does the skin help detoxification? The skin is the most important barrier to prevent substances from entering the body. 

The digestive tract

While the digestive tract does not play an important role in shielding the body from toxins, it does help to excrete toxins through bowel movements. It may also help eliminate harmful substances through vomiting or diarrhea, such as is the case with food poisoning. However, the main function of the digestive tract is actually absorbing nutrients, not excreting them.

Now that we know the many ways in which the body works to either protect us from toxins or helps us get rid of those substances that manage to enter the body, let's look at some reasons why you may think twice the next time you purchase a detox product.

Many products aren't effective or safe

In most cases detox products cause more harm in your body than good. Like all supplements, detox products are not regulated very well. However, both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have taken legal action against some companies selling detox products. The reasons for legal action included: containing illegal and harmful ingredients, false marketing claims that they could treat diseases, or products being marketed for unapproved uses. Supplement manufacturers are not allowed to claim that their products can treat diseases since this makes a supplement a drug, which then has to undergo testing.

Additionally, some juices that are sold as part of the detox programs are unpasteurized, which makes them unsafe for some people, especially those with weakened immune systems. Ironically, many green juices contain a very high concentration of oxalate. This naturally occurring substance is found in many green veggies and is not harmful when we consume greens in normal amounts, however in doses as high as in some green powders and juices, it may increase the risk for kidney problems, especially when consumed over a long period of time. Remember, the kidneys are a vital part of our internal detox system.

The abuse of laxatives, which detox products often are, can also have serious health consequences. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances are the most common side effect of excessive laxative intake. Both of these side effects may decrease how efficiently your body rids itself of toxins due to reduced kidney function.

Fasting can mess up your relationship with food

Dieting is one of the biggest predictors of weight gain and disordered eating. I have written about this in previous articles but when you starve your body of energy and nutrients it will protect you from what it thinks is a famine. Fasting is an extreme change in your dietary intake and your body will be plain confused. After you finish your fast, you will likely be ravenous. Your body also quickly becomes more efficient at storing energy as fat because it now worries you may have to save up for the next fast. You will likely mess up your hunger and fullness cues as you learned to ignore hunger during your fast and probably are ignoring fullness once you are allowed to eat again. All of this sets you up for a life of yo-yo dieting, shame, guilt, and disordered eating patterns that will take years to heal.

People who frequently engage in crash diets, such as cleanses and fasts, are more likely to weight cycle. Weight cycling is more harmful for your overall health than being slightly overweight. 

How to detox your body?

Your body will detox itself if you take good care of it. Eating a balanced diet will allow all your organs to function properly, therefore allowing them to do their job, which is detoxification. With all the noise out there, it becomes hard to believe but the best way to be healthy is still trusting your body's internal wisdom.