No, You Don’t Need to Detox Your Body

You Should Know: Plenty of products and regimens promise to “detox” and “reset” your body: diuretics, teas, cleanses, colonics, supplements, saunas, and more. Wellness detoxes claim to be able to rid your body of “toxins” — a wide category that includes heavy metals, synthetic chemicals, pollutants, and pathogens. The idea is that by getting rid of the nasty stuff, your body will be healthier and more functional.

Going Deeper: Many detox products make bold, broad claims without identifying which substances they’re eliminating or how they’re doing it. On closer look, many of them simply support or speed up the body’s own natural detoxifying process by making you pee, poop, or sweat more. 

Takeaway: No, you don’t need a detox. The body is already built to detoxify itself, thanks to the liver, lungs, kidneys, skin, and the immune and digestive systems. In fact, it could cause more harm than good. Drinking nothing but green juice for days or taking unregulated supplements can cause potentially dangerous side effects. 

Bottom Line: To support your body’s own ability to detox — and save yourself some money — focus on what works: eating lots of whole plant-based foods, staying hydrated, getting plenty of sleep, and limiting alcohol intake.