There are tons of supplements on the market boasting a range of health benefits, from a healthier heart to a shrinking waistline. However, while there are certainly supplements that can help you live your healthiest life by filling in nutrient gaps in your diet, there are also a lot of products out there that can range from ineffective to downright dangerous. In fact, some of the bottles you’ll find on the shelves may be straight up scams. For this reason, it’s always best to be aware of the ineffective options out there so that you can save your money (and your health).
To shed some light on one type of supplement that may render useless, we spoke to Dr. Praveen Guntipalli, Medical Director and Owner of Sanjiva Medical. He told us that “detox” or “cleansing” supplements are entirely unnecessary, and therefore a scam that’s not worth your dollars. Read on to learn why.
Why detox supplements are a scam
If you see any sort of supplement—whether it's a pill or a "Flat Tummy Tea"—that claims to "detox" or "cleanse" your body, Dr. Guntipalli says you should think twice before adding it to your cart and putting it in your body. As it turns out, they're not only scams, but could also be dangerous. Plus, your body already has a built-in detox system; it's called your organs!
"Detox or cleansing supplements have been heavily condemned for making dubious claims and without scientific proof to support their efficacy," he warns. "These pills frequently claim to cleanse the body of impurities, increase energy levels, and improve general health."
Dr. Guntipalli explains that supplements like these are a waste of money because "the human body already has organs that naturally detoxify the system, such as the liver and kidneys."
On top of this, he adds that "These supplements' claims are often hazy and lack substantial evidence."
It's also important to note that these supplements aren't regulated by the FDA and could ultimately do some serious damage to your health. As registered dietitian Amy Shapiro notes, "Many detox teas contain ingredients or instructions beyond tea leaves such as chemicals or medications like ephedra which can be detrimental to your health while causing you to lose your appetite."
And while you may see some short-term results (i.e. that "flat tummy tea" may give you a temporarily flat tummy), they won't last long. "Any results you get from tea will be temporary just like any other fad diet you participate in," Shapiro says. "Unless they teach you how to eat a balanced and healthy diet, a tea that causes you to lose water weight or to poop more often only works in the short term and can actually provide you with the reverse effect long term as you may create damage to your system and metabolism." Yikes!
The bottom line
It's always important to be a conscious consumer and remain critical of any supplements promising miracle results. While there are effective supplements out there, virtually anything claiming to "detox" your body will either be harmful, ineffective, or both. The best way to maintain optimal health and allow your body to detox itself is by consuming a balanced diet and staying consistent in daily healthy habits.
READ MORE: Omega-3 Supplements Can Actually Lead To Weight Gain, Experts Warn
