How Do Detox Products Work?

Marketing Detox Products

Detox products claim to work by removing toxins that are in and on the body. "Detox" can be used to describe everything from fad fasting diets to facial cleansers and foot baths. However, these products have no actual detoxification properties. According to the Voice of Young Science (VoYS), a consortium of 300 scientists and researchers who have debunked numerous detox products, there is no clear meaning behind the word "detox" as marketers apply it to their specific goods. In January 2009, the VoYs commenced its Debunking Detox public outreach campaign to warn potential consumers about detox puffery. However, a large segment of the consumer population continues to be unaware that the detox myth has been exposed. A quick Internet search reveals that a large portion of these products promote weight loss through the purchase of a company's diet kit or special supplements or herbal teas. Many detox products make blatantly false claims with respect to purging the body of nonexistent "parasites" or detoxifying specific organs, such as the liver or kidneys.

Direct Effects of Detox Products

Many detox diets, such as the Master Cleanse, Total Body Cleanse, and other fasting diets, advocate drinking a large quantity of water daily, which is a healthy practice. Consumers can rapidly lose weight using detox products because they ingest very few calories. For example, the Master Cleanse, or lemonade detox diet, allots cleansers only 600 calories a day, putting them near starvation level. Some detox products incorporate a "colon cleanse" (enema) or ingestion of salt water or another bowel irritant that operates the same way as an over-the-counter laxative so they can relieve constipation. Ed Zimney, a physician largely responsible for uncovering the Master Cleanse scam, points out that the kidney and liver remove toxins from the body without the aid of any special drink, diet supplement or herbal tea. Potentially harmful toxins such as mercury require medical treatment and cannot be removed by using a detox product.

Indirect Benefits of Detox Products

Many detox products are sold with plans that lay down firm prohibitions against caffeine, alcohol and smoking, which are all unhealthy to begin with. Some detox diets also advocate cutting out processed foods and eating more fruit and vegetables. A healthier lifestyle and eating habits are indirect benefits to consumers; however, they do nothing to detoxify the body. Experts also point to the fact that consumers who purchase detox products can experience a placebo effect--they feel better using detox products through the simple power of suggestion.