DANGERS OF DETOX PRODUCTS : EXPLORING EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVES

Detoxification is the constellation of the physiological process through which the body identifies, neutralizes and eliminates toxic substances or metabolic by-products from the body

When people hear the word “detox” they feel there are special treatment or certain things they need to take or do to detoxify their body.

The effect of environmental pollution, processed foods, chemicals and other substances can cause toxic buildup which can lead to adverse health effects. Some people believe that toxins are the causes of certain ailment in their body such as stomach ache, Fatigue, joint pain, constipation and headache and so on. Hence, the need for detoxification.

A variety of detoxification programs, diets and therapies sometimes referred to as detoxes or cleanses have been proposed as ways to remove toxins from the body and are promoted on social media platforms as a natural approach.

The label “detox” appears on many teas, coffees, infused waters, drinks that contain added fruits, vegetables, herbal blends, nutrients or supplemental blends of natural ingredients, and do not provide adequate nutrition and promote short-term changes that are difficult to maintain.

Global forecasts indicate that the detox drinks market, estimated to be worth over $5 billion in 2022, will grow in value by 50% by 2030.

A study conducted by the National Institutes of Health in 2015 found out that there was no convincing research to support the use of detoxification for weight control or to remove toxins from the body.

 Health Effects of Using Detox

 Also some juices used in “detoxes” and “cleanses” have not been pasteurized or otherwise treated to kill harmful bacteria that can make people sick. The disease can be severe in children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. 

OTHER HEALTH EFFECTS  

Detoxes restrict calorie intake and can cause low energy, headaches, irregular heartbeats, irregular blood sugar levels, and muscle pain. Many of these detox programs involve removing important nutrients without replacing them. Also, some detoxes contain stimulants that can increase heart rate and blood pressure, and can cause feelings of restlessness, anxiety, and nervousness. This can be a concern for people with high blood pressure, heart disease, arrhythmias, and some mental illnesses. Some juices are made from foods high in oxalate, a naturally occurring plant chemicals: Spinach and beetroot are examples of foods high in oxalate. Drinking large amounts of fruit juices high in oxalate can increase the risk of kidney problems.

THE ROLE OF DIET IN DETOXIFICATION

Eating a proper diet that minimizes sugar and processed foods can help prevent obesity and chronic illnesses like cancer and heart disease which can impair the body’s capacity to detoxify itself naturally by damaging organs that are vital to this process. Consuming foods high in antioxidants are recommended because they shield cells from free radicals damage. Antioxidant aid the body’s defense against oxidative stress which raises the risk of disease which can lead to toxins and free radicals buildup. These foods include, foods high in lutein, lycopene, vitamin C, vitamin E, Selenium and Zeaxanthin such as berries, fruits, vegetables, nuts. The intestinal cells has the ability to protects gut health and get rid of toxins from the body system and foods that contain prebiotics help improve guts health.

These foods includes tomatoes, onions, garlics, bananas, asparagus and oats. Consuming too much salt and not taking enough water make the body releases anti diuretic hormones that prevent urinating and therefore detoxifying. Foods rich in potassium will counter the effects of sodium and creating a balance. These foods includes potatoes, kidney beans, banana and spinach. Foods rich is sulfur such as onions, broccoli, and garlic enhances the excretion of heavy metals like cadmium. Also, sulfur rich foods enhances glutathione, a major antioxidant that is release by the body and plays a significant role in detoxification.

Limit alcohol consumption- the liver helps in the metabolism of 90% of alcohol consumed and release enzymes that metabolize alcohol to acetaldehyde which is a known cancer causing chemical. The liver perform the role of converting acetaldehyde to a harmless substance called acetate. When alcohol is consume in excess, liver function can be damage and cause a buildup of fat which can impair   the function of the liver.

In conclusion, the body naturally detoxify itself, you can enhance your body’s natural detoxification system and improve your overall health by staying active and maintain a healthy eating habit. 

Authors

Odiong Imaobong

Ogunwole Adunola 

Abimbola Adebukola

Olatunji Rachael

George Olatunde

The authors are students of The Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Ogun state, Pursing Higher National Diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics. 

They aim to achieve to make meaningful contribution to addressing critical nutrition concerns, even at the most localized levels.