Nettle, peppermint, goji berries, fruit and vegetable extracts: these ingredients in herbal teas, juice diets, or food supplements are supposed to help the body detoxify. But how much truth is there in this?
According to experts: nothing. “All these claims about detoxification have no scientific basis,” says nutritionist Annabel Dierks from Germany.
It cannot be proven, he adds, that toxic substances accumulate in the bodies of healthy human beings.
The situation is different when acute poisoning occurs, for example, if someone has eaten a poisonous mushroom or ingested chemicals.
Detox infusions, in general, only dehydrate
Day after day, the liver and kidneys ensure that most harmful substances are eliminated from our body. No special infusions or juices are needed to do this.
According to experts, these can even cause harm: so-called detox teas, for example, often have a dehydrating effect. This means that the body expels more fluid and thus also electrolytes, i.e. important mineral elements. This can, in the long term, upset the electrolyte balance, which can manifest itself as fatigue, for example.
Ingest less toxins
The best strategy is to ingest as few toxins as possible because that relieves the liver and kidneys.
Anyone who gives up nicotine and alcohol is already doing a lot in that regard.
Experts also recommend eating organ meats, tuna, and swordfish only in moderation, as they may contain significant amounts of heavy metals.
And if we burn a piece of toast, it is best to throw it away. Because the darker it is, the more acrylamide it contains, a substance that can cause cancer.
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