Detoxification: A Worthless Scam

Many Internet websites promote a variety of detox programs. They claim that removing toxins accumulated in the body will overcome a host of ills including constipation, bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, poor digestion, heartburn, lack of energy, fatigue, irritated skin, allergies or low-grade infections, bags under the eyes, menstrual difficulties, and mental confusion. Peter Bennett, N.D., medical director of Helios Clinic in Victoria, B.C., suggests that everyone should have detox at least once a year.  Sound too good to be true?  I think it is.

Eliminating exposure to toxins

Detox programs may begin by eliminating commonly used "toxins" -- alcohol, coffee, cigarettes, refined sugars and saturated fats; and by minimizing the use of chemical-based household cleansers and substituting natural alternative for personal health care products like cleansers, shampoos, deodorants and toothpastes.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy, an ancient and still commonly used approach for detoxification involves cleansing the colon to eliminate toxins or parasites that are said to line the walls of the large intestine and to cause health problems by "auto-intoxication."  Hydrotherapy may be carried out with colonic irrigation or with oral cleansing regimens. Colonic irrigation employs special equipment to inject water, sometimes mixed with coffee, herbs, or other liquids, through the rectum and into the colon.  The less barbaric oral methods employ cleansing packages that contain herbs and other dietary supplements, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and possibly laxatives.

Examples of other questionable detox programs:        

• Fasting on liquids for two days followed by a special five-day diet that allows the digestive system to rest. Supplements, herbs, and exercises are also recommended.
• Drinking only fresh fruit and vegetable juices and water for 3 to 7 days.
• Drink only water one day a week.
• Drink at least 2 quarts of water daily.
• Breathe deeply to allow oxygen to circulate more completely through your system.
• Practice another form of hydrotherapy by taking a very hot shower for five minutes, allowing the water to run on your back. Follow with cold water for 30 seconds. Do this three times, and then get into bed for 30 minutes.

Detox is unnecessary and a waste of money

Like many others, I believe that the accumulation of toxins in the body is a myth since the human body effectively eliminates "toxins" and waste products through the liver, kidneys, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, skin and immune system.  So, I don't believe detox is necessary--or that it works.

I agree with the following statement that "the only substance that is being removed from a patient is usually money," made by Drs. Simon Singh and Edzard Ernst in their book Trick or Treatment, Alternative Medicine on Trial. Also, visit LiveScience.com for this article: Colon Cleansing: Money Down the Toilet, by C. Wanjek.

Detox may not be safe

Excessive water intake can cause dangerously low blood sodium levels.  Colonic irrigation has been associated with instances of cross patient infections from incorrectly sterilized equipment.  In one situation, 36 people contracted the parasitic infection amebiasis.  Patients may die following bowel perforation.  Reports have described heart failure following excessive fluid absorption and electrolyte imbalance.

The Institute for Science in Medicine believes that detox is based on ill-conceived ideas about human physiology and toxicology. There is no evidence that it provides any benefits and some treatments can be harmful.  The American Cancer Society concurs; visit their website for more information.