What Are “Detoxes” and “Cleanses”?

Various diets and treatments, often referred to as “detoxes” or “cleanses,” are promoted as methods to rid the body of harmful substances, help with weight loss, or support general wellness.

Certain clinical detox practices, such as chelation therapy for removing heavy metals in cases of poisoning, are recommended by health authorities like the CDC. However, this article does not cover those medical therapies.

“Detox” strategies often include:

• Going without food (fasting)

• Consuming only liquids like juices

• Restricting food to certain types

• Taking dietary supplements or products

• Incorporating herbal remedies

• Cleaning the colon with enemas, laxatives, or hydrotherapy

• Limiting interaction with environmental pollutants

• Sweating in saunas

These protocols may be found in commercial ads, wellness retreats, or as elements of naturopathic practice.

Keep in mind that some so-called detox programs are not only ineffective but can also carry health risks and misleading claims. For safety tips, see the section below.

What Does the Research Say About “Detoxes” and “Cleanses”?

Scientific studies on detox and cleansing plans are scarce and often low in quality. While a few trials have reported short-term benefits like weight reduction or improved insulin sensitivity, their reliability is limited due to small sample sizes, flawed designs, or lack of expert evaluation.

A review published in 2015 found little solid evidence to support detox diets for toxin removal or long-term weight loss. A later review in 2017 echoed this, noting that though juice-based diets may lead to initial weight drops due to fewer calories, the weight typically returns once regular eating resumes. Long-term health impacts remain largely unstudied.

Are Detox Programs Safe?

• Regulatory agencies like the FDA and FTC have intervened against companies selling detox goods for reasons that include unsafe ingredients, false medical claims, or selling unapproved equipment for colon cleansing.

• There is limited data backing the safety and usefulness of colon flushing procedures. These methods can carry risks, especially for individuals with digestive conditions, prior surgeries, or chronic health issues.

• Juices used in some detox diets that are unpasteurized may contain harmful pathogens, putting vulnerable groups like seniors, children, and immunocompromised individuals at a higher risk of illness.

• Certain ingredients in detox juices, such as oxalate-rich greens and beets, can raise the risk of kidney stones in susceptible individuals.

• People managing diabetes should stick to medical dietary guidance. Major changes to your meal plan should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

• Very restrictive diets often lack key nutrients and do not typically lead to long-term weight stability.

• Detoxes that include stimulant-based products or laxatives can result in diarrhea, which may lead to dehydration or nutrient loss.

• Drinking excessive liquids without food for multiple days could cause dangerous imbalances in electrolytes.

To ensure your well-being, it’s important to talk with your healthcare professionals before beginning any new health regimen, including cleanses or detox plans, so informed choices can be made together.

Are All Fasting Methods Considered Detoxes or Cleanses?

While some fasting routines are marketed as detox aids, others—like intermittent or time-limited fasting—are part of ongoing scientific investigations. Researchers are looking into these practices for their roles in wellness, disease control, aging, and maintaining a healthy weight. However, conclusive evidence is still lacking. It's also worth noting that fasting may bring side effects such as fatigue, dizziness, and dehydration.

Additional Resources

NCCIH Clearinghouse

The NCCIH Clearinghouse shares information on complementary and integrative health approaches and research-based resources. It does not provide medical diagnoses, treatments, or provider referrals.

Toll-free (U.S.): 1-888-644-6226

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Understanding the Science

The NCCIH and NIH offer educational tools to improve your understanding of scientific studies so you can make better health choices. Their resources include videos, interactive tutorials, quizzes, and plain-language explanations of how research works.

Topics include understanding research methods, interpreting scientific articles, and learning how clinical studies operate.

PubMed®

PubMed®, managed by the National Library of Medicine, is a searchable resource that provides citations and summaries for medical and health journal articles. NCCIH offers user guidance for finding information on complementary approaches through this database.

This material is public domain and available for sharing. The content is informational and should not replace guidance from qualified healthcare professionals. Discuss treatment options thoroughly with your provider. Mention of a product or method does not mean endorsement.