The Truth About Detox Teas and Cleanses: Separating Fact from Fiction

Hello Ziddis! You must have heard of detox teas. They are getting extremely famous and promoted by people who love taking care of themselves. These teas are often shown in a serene aesthetic mood, making one wonder if they are just another gimmick of the fitness world. Let us know about their truth.

Detox Tea

Detox teas are marketed as a quick solution for bloating, weight loss and cleansing the body. These teas typically contain a blend of herbs such as senna, dandelion, camomile, green tea, ginger or lemon as a way to flush out toxins and reset your system. However, most of these claims are not always backed by strong scientific evidence or research.

The human body has a filter of its own, a powerful detoxification system which includes the liver, kidneys, skin and lungs. They eliminate the waste and toxins naturally without the need for special teas or cleansers. So what does detox tea bring to the table? Read on to know!

Detox Tea Ingredients

Detox tea consists of ingredients that fight inflammation, such as:

• Senna leaf- a natural laxative
• Dandelion flowers and roots- a diuretic that promotes water loss
• Green tea- contains antioxidants and mild metabolism-boosting components
• Ginger and turmeric- aid digestion and reduce inflammation
• Lemongrass and peppermint- Offer refreshing flavour and mild digestive benefits

Ideally, detox teas should not contain caffeine or strong laxatives that can irritate your stomach or interfere with medications, should you be on any. Hence, it is important to check the label before you buy.

Detox Tea Benefits

Detox tea has ingredients with mild benefits. They are not magic beans, so big changes can not be expected from them. The benefits are:

• Boost metabolism and aid digestion
• Acts as a natural diuretic and causes temporary water weight loss.
• Soothe the stomach and reduce bloating
• Make you feel refreshed
• Has the same effect as normal tea without fear of sugar spikes and crashes

However, these benefits are short-lived and not enough if not supported by an overall cleanse and clean lifestyle. The detox tea won’t lead to any fat loss if not supported by workouts and consistent efforts for weight loss. Taking support of fat burners could enhance the benefits of a clean lifestyle.

Detox Cleanse Benefits

Cleanses that involve juice fasts or herbal supplements may promise to reset the body. While cutting out processed food and alcohol during a cleanse can make you feel lighter and more energetic, this is often due to better hydration and reduced junk food and not toxin removal. When you stop the fast and go back to your normal lifestyle, the effects you achieved will also vanish, putting you back to square one.

If you stop treating detox cleanse as an activity and make it a lifestyle, it will come with more benefits. While an extreme cleanse can deprive you of necessary nutrients, it is important to understand what you want to cleanse away from your life in order to lead a healthier life.

Elements you can cleanse away without hampering your nutrition intake are:

• Processed foods
• Junk food
• Alcohol
• Smoking
• Reduce caffeine
• Processed sugars
• Artificial flavouring
• Preservatives.

Read Also: The Link Between Hydration and Cognitive Function: Fueling the Everyday Athlete

Takeaway

The promises marketed by detox teas and cleanses might make you feel lighter or less bloated for a short time, but that does not truly justify them as a detox. Try a lifestyle reset, eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and exercise every day for even more benefits. While you are cleansing your body, only having teas won’t help. You will also need to cut the supply of toxins. Avoid alcohol and processed foods for that. Your body already knows how to detox; you just need to support it naturally, not shock it with harsh teas or restrictive cleanses.