Our website is best
viewed in portrait

There’s a growing market of people selling tonics and teas aimed at helping people lose weight, burn fat, detoxify their systems, etc. The downside of these tonics is that they are often sold by non-healthcare workers, who may not always understand the intricacies of the human body and how one drink or pill isn’t always a silver bullet to fix it. 

It is completely natural to look for a quick fix or boost, but before you decide to go down the tonic route, there are a few things to consider to ensure you make an informed decision.

What are the supposed benefits of health tonics?
These drinks and pills, often marketed as ‘detox teas’, ‘flushes’, or ‘miracle weight loss drinks’, usually contain natural ingredients like herbs, spices or other plants with antioxidants and other health benefits. This helps to market the products because most people believe if something is natural, it is safer and can’t do much harm to your body. Additionally, they may contain laxatives, diuretics and sometimes stimulants like high doses of caffeine.

Common terms on packaging

• Detoxification: Supporters claim that these drinks help your body get rid of accumulated toxins, which leads to more energy, clearer skin and improved organ function.
• Weight loss: Many products promise quick weight loss by ‘cleansing’ the colon, boosting metabolism and reducing bloating.
• Restart: Products are often marketed as a way to ‘reset’ your body or break bad habits.

Do detox teas and tonics really work?
Your liver and kidneys are already incredibly efficient in helping your body to detox. These vital organs work tirelessly to filter out waste products and real toxins (like alcohol, metabolites, or medications). No tea or juice can do this job better. 

The ‘cleansing’ people experience from these tonics is usually due to one of three things:

1. Water loss: The natural diuretic ingredients or plants added to these drinks and pills, which help to ‘flush out toxins’ or ‘speed up weight loss’, only increase water loss in the body. This gives the illusion of fat loss, since the number on the scale is a combination of different markers, including water weight.

2. Increased bowel movements: The laxative ingredients, like senna or cascara sagrada, forcibly empty your colon. Your stomach may temporarily feel ‘lighter’, but is not a sustainable weight loss solution. This is because if you experience loose stools and/or diarrhoea, your body isn’t absorbing many nutrients, which, unfortunately, can harm your health in the long-run.

3. Calorie restriction: When following a rigid ‘detox’ programme, you often cut out high-calorie processed foods and snacks, which is the real reason for any potential initial weight loss.

Potential risks and contraindications
As mentioned before, these items are not usually sold by healthcare professionals, so some may be contraindicated if you are breastfeeding or pregnant, have digestive issues (such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis), take certain medications (including birth control and blood thinners), or have kidney or liver disease. Always speak to your doctor before starting any detox teas or tonics. 

It's important to understand that detox products are not harmless supplements. They contain active ingredients that may cause adverse effects:

• Dehydration The effects of diuretics and laxatives may cause dehydration, which, in turn, may lead to dizziness, fatigue and strain on your kidneys.
• Electrolyte imbalance: Frequent urination and diarrhea can deplete essential minerals (like potassium), which are vital for heart and nerve function.
• Digestive distress: Cramping, severe diarrhea, gas and nausea are common side effects from the harsh laxatives.
• Dependency: Regular use of stimulant laxatives can train your bowels to rely on them, which may lead to chronic constipation when you stop taking them.
• Nutrient deficiencies: Restrictive detox diets or excessive diarrhea can impair your body's ability to absorb essential vitamins and minerals.

How to support detoxification safely
It’s most important to remember this: No tea or tonic can counteract an unhealthy diet. Sustainable health and weight management are achieved through consistent, healthy eating patterns, proper hydration, regular physical activity and good sleep. Instead of an expensive tea, look to whole foods to naturally support your body's innate detox process.

Your liver is like the detox engine of your body. It decides what stays in your body, and what needs to be channeled to your liver, or back to your gut to be removed. So, if you really want to support your liver, focus on cruciferous vegetables (those that belong to the cabbage family), onions and garlic, as these can help support the production of glutathione, a liver detoxification antioxidant.

Cruciferous heroes include:

• broccoli and broccoli sprouts
• cauliflower
• cabbage (whether it’s coleslaw, steamed, kimchi, bok choy, or sauerkraut)
• kale

Your dietitian's prescription for real health
Skip the quick fixes and embrace a lifestyle that continuously supports your body:

1. Hydrate: Drink plain water throughout the day. It's the most effective, zero-calorie ‘flush’ there is. Aim to drink at least 1.5 litres of water per day, or more if you’re exercising, ill, or out in the heat.
2. Increase your fibre intake: Eat plenty of fruit, vegetables and whole grains. Fibre naturally cleanses your colon and helps to stabilise your blood sugar.
3. Prioritise protein: Protein is crucial to feel full and helps the liver's detoxification enzymes function optimally.
4. Embrace healthy fats: Include avocados, nuts, seeds and olive oil in your diet to help you feel full and absorb fat-soluble vitamins.

Your body is already great at getting rid of toxins. Give it the nutrient-rich food it needs to achieve better, more sustainable health results than any detox tea or tonic can offer.