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Detox
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'No proof' detoxing diets work
Detox diets do no more than the body's own natural
system to get rid of toxins, US researchers claim.
BBC NEWS
2005/06/07
People have been "detoxing" for thousands of years, but the scientists say
there is no proof that such bodily purges work.
And they say most modern books and detox kits serve up "empty promises".
Writing in Food Technology, experts from the University of Southern
California repeat the advice that a balanced diet is best.
In a commentary in the journal, they say detox plans promise all kinds of
results; from cell cleansing to skin revitalisation, colon decontaminating
and liver purging.
To do this, people are told to have a restricted diet of fruit and
vegetables and lots of water.
Caffeine, alcohol and processed foods are banned.
'Extraordinary systems'
Roger Clemens, professor of molecular pharmacology and toxicology at the
University of Southern California and Dr Peter Pressman, an endocrinologist
at private medical firm Geller, Rudnick, Bush and Bamberger say many have
reported detoxing worked for them.
They write: "There are thousands of testimonials that describe experience of
less bloating (actually the result of eating less food), clearer skin
(improved hydration) and decreased headaches (reduced alcohol and
caffeine)."
But they say the benefits people feel are not due to their body getting rid
of excessive toxins.
"The suggestion that elimination of noxious agents is enhanced because of
this regimen is categorically unsubstantiated and runs counter to our
understanding about human physiology and biochemistry."
They say the improvements detoxers see are instead due to changing from what
is likely to have been a "poor" diet.
And they stress the body is designed to "detox" itself.
"Healthy adults, even overweight adults, have been endowed with
extraordinary systems for the elimination of waste and regulation of body
chemistry.
"Our lungs, kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal tract and immune system are
effective in removing or neutralising toxic substances within hours of
consumption."
They warn that detoxing can be dangerous for groups such as teenagers or
pregnant women, who cannot afford to deprive themselves of food groups.
'No definition'
Ursula Arens, a registered dietician and spokeswoman for the British
Dietetic Association said: "'Detox' is a meaningless term that is used all
the time.
"And because it hasn't been defined, it's impossible to say if it's worked
or if it hasn't."
She added: "All food is made up of chemicals, and all our body does with
food is a chemical reaction.
"The body is set up to deal with the chemicals it doesn't want, and excrete
them."
Claire Williamson, a nutrition scientist at the British Nutrition
Foundation, added: "No single food can provide all the nutrients that the
body needs, and therefore it is important to consume a balanced and varied
diet in order to obtain adequate amounts of energy, protein, vitamins,
minerals and fibre required for good health.
"Cutting out complete food groups in the long term, may have adverse effects
on an individual's health."
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