The truth about tea detoxes
You might read about tea detoxes on social media. Many celebrities endorse them, including Cardi B, the Kardashian/Jenner Family and Britney Spears, just to name a few.
While your favorite celebrity may rave about the benefits of drinking a tea detox, are they safe for you to consume, and do they really live up to the many benefits?
What are tea detoxes?
Tea detoxes are drinks that claim to have multiple benefits like weight loss, reduced bloating, increased energy, metabolism support and immunity boost.
Tea detox ingredients
Tea detoxes are typically packed with herbs. One of these herbs, senna, has a strong laxative effect, so much of the weight loss you are experiencing could be due to loss of water weight. Another laxative herb found in a tea detox is rhubarb. Other herbs, such as yerba mate, have caffeine in them, which can disrupt your sleep pattern.
Are tea detoxes safe?
“[The teas] cause low energy, fatigue, fainting, low blood pressure, nausea and dizziness,” says Patricia Kurtz, a registered dietitian in Aurora Health Care’s Health Resources Management program. “The body has an organ whose job is to detox: the liver.”
When trying this weight loss supplement, you run the risk of dehydration, especially with the senna. Your body may start to depend on it for normal bowel movement.
“There is no research to indicate detox teas positively impact the body,” Kurtz says. “Additionally, products and claims about them are not evaluated by the FDA. Before taking any supplement, detox products, or before starting any weight loss regimen speak with your health care provider.”
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health enews staff is a group of experienced writers from our Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care sites, which also includes freelance or intern writers.
