Detoxified supplements: un seen benefits, risks revealed
Many people believe that the body needs to periodically "detoxify" with supplements. In fact, the liver and kidneys have done a very good job of eliminating toxins every day. Therefore, overusing "detox" products can lead to unwanted health consequences, especially for people with kidney disease, diabetes or a weak immune system.
According to clinical pharmacist Gurdeep S. Sareen, PharmD, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (USA), most detox supplements do not have clear evidence of effectiveness, and can even cause side effects or drug interactions. He emphasized: "The most important thing is to understand that the body has a natural detoxification system, no need for further drastic interventions".
Many products have risks: from digestive irritation to liver damage
Some popular products on the market are introduced as helping to "eliminate toxins", but the real impact is still controversial:
Milk thistle: contains the antioxidant silymarin, which is considered to support the liver. However, research is limited and the product can cause nausea and allergies. Pregnant women should avoid it.
Cascara Sagrada and Senna: are stimulating laxatives, easily causing diarrhea, dehydration, reducing potassium, and abdominal pain if used for a long time. Only use for a short time.
psyllium: a natural source of fiber that helps regulate digestion, but you need to drink plenty of water to avoid bloating.
Turmeric and curcumin: have the ability to bind heavy metals, but products on the market are at risk of metal contamination. Taking high doses can easily cause diarrhea, nausea and put pressure on the liver.
torticollis: rich in protein, can help reduce inflammation and eliminate heavy metals. However, experts recommend not to use more than 30g/day and need more research on the long-term effects.
NAC and Glutathione: support the liver and are powerful antioxidants, but can cause redness, nausea, and interact with medications, including chemotherapy.
Green tea: said to support environmental antioxidants, but contains caffeine, which can cause high blood pressure and stomach pain if consumed in excess.
Dandelion root: often appears in detox products, but there is little scientific evidence and can cause allergies, interact with cardiovascular drugs, diabetes.
Be careful when choosing, prioritize professional consultation
In the US, supplements are not regulated as strictly as prescription drugs, leading to the risk of products not being in accordance with the advertised ingredients.
Pharmaceutical Sareen recommends that consumers choose products certified by independent organizations such as NSF, US Pharmacy (USP) or ConsumerLab, and consult a doctor or nutritionist before using.
In the context of increasingly popular functional foods, being alert and understanding the body is still the best "shield". Because instead of relying on detox tablets, maintaining a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, drinking enough water and exercising regularly is a sustainable and safe way to take care of each family's health.
