News&Analysis
F O O D, M E D I C I N E, & H E A L T H
ROGER CLEMENS, Dr.P.H. PETER PRESSMAN, M.D.
Director, Analytical Research Internal Medicine
Professor, Molecular Pharmacology & Toxicology Geller, Rudnick, Bush & Bamberger
USC School of Pharmacy, Los Angeles, Calif. Beverly Hills, Calif.
clemens@usc.edu ppressman@grbb.xohost.com
Detox Diets Provide Empty Promises
The theory that our bodies are full of dangerous environmental Healthy adults appear to happily survive, and may well feel
toxins that can be purged has now gained widespread acceptance better, as a result of any approach to reduction of caloric intake
and international promotion. Hundreds of detoxification diets and simplification of what may have been a “poor diet.” This
are available in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Austra- observation must not lead us to conclude that there is a causal
lia from pharmacies and health food stores, the Internet, and linkage between a “detox” routine and health.
women’s magazines. Like other fad diets, the rather grim limitations of detox
Cell cleansing, immunity rejuvenation, skin revitalization, regimens do not appear to support compliance in most individu-
body flushing, colon decontaminating, and liver purging are als we have seen clinically, which is probably for the best. What
among the myriad of descriptors applied to these detox diets. amounts to protracted starvation and nutrient insufficiency
They are advocated by those who contend may ironically slow metabolic rates and
that indulgence in the traditional food breakdown of fat stores, and while an an-
supply and exposure to environmental
pollutants and naturally occurring toxins
Detox approaches . . . tioxidant-rich diet is probably a desirable
goal, the negative impact of protein and
and their by-products contribute to lack are contrary to scientific calorie deprivation and other possible
of well-being, weight gain, acute disease, sequellae likely far outweigh whatever
and chronic health problems. consensus and beneficial effects may accrue.
Detox approaches generally focus on During our interviews on this topic
but restrict fruit and vegetable intake, medical evidence. . . . with CNN and CBS, we have emphasized
prohibit animal protein consumption, that healthy adults, even overweight
and promote the intake of extracts and adults, have been endowed with extraor-
unorthodox recipes. These approaches are contrary to scientific dinary systems for elimination of waste and regulation of body
consensus and medical evidence and are not consistent with chemistry. Our lungs, kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and
the principle that diets should reflect balance, moderation, and immune system are effective in removing or neutralizing toxic
variety. The scientific basis for these kinds of stringent diets is substances within hours of consumption.
lacking, and adherence to these regimens may mask clinical Are these detox diets dangerous? Certainly, says the medical
presentations or delay diagnosis of a health-compromising community, there may be significant health risks associated with
illness. these kinds of regimens. They should not be followed by people
Despite the absence of sufficient scientific merit and medi- who are undergoing growth and development, such as children
cal evidence on the safety and efficacy of these programs, detox and adolescents, pregnant or breastfeeding women, older adults
dieting has been a recurrent theme in many traditional health who may have impaired renal or hepatic function, those with
systems in various cultures for thousands of years. There are heart disease or diabetes, those with irritable or functional
thousands of testimonials that describe experiences of less bowel disorders, those who are struggling with chronic illness,
bloating (actually the result of eating less food), clearer skin (im- who may suffer from protein calorie malnutrition, anemia,
proved hydration), decreased headaches (reduced alcohol and or malabsorption (such as gastric-bypass or eating-disorder
caffeine), and reduced bad breath (potential “sweet” ketosis). patients), those who may be on “blood thinners”—all may be
It is not surprising that individuals following a detox diet subject to significant adverse reactions or interactions on the
report feeling better and more energetic—these results reflect typical detox vegetable/fruit and water regimen.
a negative energy balance rather than elimination of toxins. The bottom line is that a more healthful lifestyle includes
A heightened drive state and even a sense of euphoria often eating a variety of foods from the basic food groups while stay-
accompany the initial stages of this sort of regimen. However, ing within energy needs, increasing daily intake of fruits and
the suggestion that elimination of noxious agents is enhanced vegetables, whole grains, and nonfat or low-fat milk and milk
because of this regimen is categorically unsubstantiated and products, and participating in physical activity every day, as
runs counter to our understanding about human physiology outlined in the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. ●
and biochemistry.
18 FOODTECHNOLOGY MAY 2005 • VOL. 59, NO. 5