Some detox teas are just ordinary tea blends, while others may include substances that are toxic or trigger allergies, and in certain cases even undisclosed drugs or medications.
People have attempted to purge their bodies of supposed toxins for millennia.
Historic “detox” methods include bloodletting, enemas, sweat lodges, prolonged fasting, and drinking cleansing teas. These approaches were employed as medical treatments up until the early 20th century.
Today, detox teas are a trendy choice for those hoping to cleanse their bodies. You may have noticed celebrities endorsing various cleanses, for example the “Master Cleanse.”
Like other dietary supplements, detox tea ingredients are not overseen by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In recent years, some teas and other products marketed for detoxing or weight loss have been found to contain hazardous drugs and chemicals that aren’t listed on the label.
Always consult your doctor before trying any detox product.
Do detox teas help you lose weight?
Tea is a commonly enjoyed beverage that is generally harmless. Here’s what current evidence says about detox teas and weight loss:
Research
Green tea contains compounds that seem to increase the amount of fat burned during physical activity.
Some research also indicates that specific teas may encourage the production of certain fatty acids in the gut through interactions among residual carbohydrates, shifts in gut bacteria, and polyphenols. Consequently, some teas could help reduce carbohydrate cravings and alter gut microbiota in ways that might support weight loss.
However, more study is required to fully clarify this pathway, and there is no direct clinical proof that detox tea is an effective weight-loss tool.
Recommended with diet and exercise
Detox teas are often marketed alongside guidance on diet and physical activity, sometimes recommending a cleanse lasting a week or longer.
These regimens commonly involve healthier eating and increased exercise to eliminate toxins. Therefore, any weight loss noted is likely due to fewer calories consumed and more exercise rather than the tea itself.
Caffeine
Many detox teas contain elevated levels of caffeine, which acts as a diuretic and can cause temporary reductions in water weight.
They can also have a laxative effect, accelerating transit through the digestive tract and giving the abdomen a flatter appearance.
But detox teas do not produce true or lasting fat loss; instead, they can dehydrate you.
What does a detox tea do to your body?
Some detox blends are harmless mixtures of tea leaves comparable to regular teas. Others include extra ingredients that may be harmful. These can include:
- potent herbs like senna, which can trigger diarrhea if overused
- very high caffeine levels, which can lead to anxiety, insomnia, and headaches
- laxatives, which may cause cramps, bloating, gas, and nausea
- hidden pharmaceuticals such as certain antidepressants and other prescription drugs
- banned substances like ephedra
Detox tea ingredients are often chosen to boost energy and may also make you rush to the bathroom frequently. Repeatedly emptying your colon and bladder can lead to a modest drop on the scale.
However, what’s lost is mainly water — not toxins. This is not a safe or reliable method for shedding excess fat.
Although some of these teas contain stimulants intended to increase activity, they can cause severe complications, including:
- heart attacks
- strokes
- seizures
- death
Other reported problems include disturbances in electrolyte balance and other metabolic issues.
Drug interactions
Detox teas may contain herbs and other components that interact with prescription or over-the-counter medicines you take.
Severe diarrhea from a detox tea can also reduce the effectiveness of medications by hastening their passage through the gut before they’re absorbed.
This is a well-known concern with hormonal birth control, which requires consistent daily dosing to remain effective.
Certain ingredients found in detox blends, such as grapefruit, may amplify the effects of medications you’re taking and trigger dangerous side effects.
Other precautions
Although green tea has several health benefits, detox teas are not a proven method for weight loss, and their ingredient lists are not always transparent. That means a detox tea bought online or in-store could include potentially hazardous substances.
There have been instances in the United States where detox teas contained pharmaceuticals, toxins, and other unsafe additives.
In one notable 2014 case, investigators discovered the antidepressant fluoxetine (Prozac) in a Japanese detox tea. This medication can cause serious, even life-threatening reactions, especially when combined with other drugs.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good detox tea to lose belly fat?
It’s wise to avoid teas specifically marketed as “detox” because they may include unsafe ingredients. Drinking plain green tea in moderation is a healthier choice; studies have associated it with a lower risk of abdominal obesity in women.
Read more about the evidence-based advantages of green tea.
Can I make a safe, homemade detox tea?
There’s no proof that detox teas are effective for weight loss. Making your own blend is generally safer than buying a branded detox product because you control the ingredients.
Here’s a simple recipe for a safe lemon-ginger tea.
Takeaway
Detox teas are widely marketed as products that help eliminate toxins. In practice, many of them mostly cause water loss by increasing bathroom visits.
Because detox tea ingredients are not regulated, such products can contain potent herbs, laxatives, high caffeine levels, prescription medicines, or even illegal drugs that may cause serious harm or death.
Avoid teas and other items promoted for “detoxing” or rapid weight loss. The best approach to maintain health is a balanced diet, regular physical activity, adequate hydration, and sufficient nightly sleep.
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