A full body detox is an exercise that some people believe can help flush out toxins from the body. This may include following a certain diet, fasting, taking supplements, or going to a sauna.
Detoxification involves developing habits that improve the body’s detoxification process, such as eating a healthy diet, getting enough exercise, and staying hydrated.
However, there are risks, and some detox products can be harmful.
This article discusses what a full body detox is, the potential benefits and risks, and how to safely follow a detox.
What goes into a full body detox?
A full body detox or cleanse is a plan that a person follows to remove toxins from the body.
Toxic substances such as poisons and pollutants are substances that affect health. The body can eliminate these substances independently through the liver, kidneys, digestive system and skin.
Detox advocates believe that detoxification can help with this process. There is no single definition of what a full body detox entails, but it does require a person to:
follow a certain diet
quickly
drink more water or juice
use supplements
colonic irrigation, enema or laxative use
use the sauna
reduce the effects of environmental toxins
Are they necessary?
Some people find that a full body detox is healthy, but most people don’t need it. A highly effective detoxification system is already in place to remove toxins from the body.
Sometimes people have medical conditions that require help with detoxification. For example, people with heavy metal poisoning may receive chelation therapy. It is a procedure that removes heavy metals from the body.
However, healthy people usually do not need additional detoxification.
Potential benefits
Although detoxification is not medically necessary for most people, it can be beneficial in certain situations, such as:
Weight Loss: A 2017 review by Trusted Source notes that detox diets can lead to weight loss. However, the researchers note that this may be due to the calorie restriction of some diets.
Fruits and vegetables: Many detox diets can include fruits and vegetables. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, three-quarters of Americans don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables.
Hydration: Many full-body detoxes encourage water intake. Water is a trusted source of vital health, helping to remove waste from the body through sweating, urination, and bowel movements.
Antioxidants: According to a 2014 review, some studies have found that detox diets support liver function and that certain foods increase the antioxidant glutathione. Glutathione helps remove toxins such as heavy metals from the body. However, the researchers point out that many of these studies had design flaws, involved small numbers of participants, or were animal studies.
Many of the benefits of detoxification are short-lived and wear off once a person returns to a normal diet. Currently, research does not support the use of detox diets for weight control or detoxification.