Detoxes and Cleanses -Body and Mind
by Beth Biggee, MD
“The best way to detoxify the body is to stop putting toxic things into the body.”
What About Detoxes and Cleanses?
Detoxes and cleanses encompass various practices, including water fasts, juicing, mono diets, herbal supplements, fasting mimicking diets, body treatments, and reducing environmental exposures. Unfortunately, there is little solid evidence that these practices provide health benefits, and they may carry risks.
For instance, juices like spinach and beets are high in oxalates, which can increase the risk of kidney stones. Consuming only water or herbal teas can lead to electrolyte disturbances, and laxatives or diuretics can cause dehydration and further electrolyte issues. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health offers helpful information on this topic.
Before engaging in any detox or cleanse, consult your healthcare team. Currently, no large-scale evidence supports the health benefits of detoxes, and available studies are often heterogeneous. While some pilot, animal, and cellular studies suggest potential benefits in reducing risk factors for aging, cancer, and cardiometabolic disturbances, these findings lack the robustness of large randomized controlled trials.
Nonetheless, fasting and “cleansing” practices have been part of various cultural traditions for centuries. In Ayurveda, seasonal changes often prompt individuals to simplify routines and reassess their relationship with nutrition, stress management, exercise, and social connections. During the change of seasons, around holidays, or during religious observations a restrictive diet, rest, and reflection is often practiced.
Perhaps the most helpful detox or cleanse of all is to cleanse the mind of harmful stimuli and simply quiet. Fall is a wonderful time to declutter our minds, hearts, and even our homes. Practices such as mindfulness, forest bathing, mantra meditation, or yoga can help us to rid those toxic thought patterns that may affect our health and wellness.
Always review any detox, cleanse, mind, body, or nutritional practices you read about online with your healthcare team as many lack evidence-based support. Some are culturally based and rooted in history and tradition. This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.
Be Well,
Beth Biggee, MD, ABIM, ABOIM, ABLM