Today's renewed interest in self-administered detoxification reflects concern about a variety of things, such as emerging pathogens, lead in toys, mercury in fish, smog in the air, pollutants in rivers and lakes, tainted beef, pharmaceuticals in the water supply, and synthetic chemicals with unknown properties.

But do detox practices really offer the benefits claimed for them? Before it was co-opted in the recent craze, the word "detox" referred chiefly to a medical procedure that rids the body of dangerous, often life-threatening, levels of alcohol, drugs, or poisons.

Patients undergoing medical detoxification are usually treated in hospitals or clinics. The treatment generally involves the use of drugs and other therapies in a combination that depends on the type and severity of the toxicity.

The detox programs now being promoted to the health-conscious public are a different matter. These are largely do-it-yourself procedures aimed at eliminating alleged toxins that are held responsible for a variety of symptoms, including headache, bloating, joint pain, fatigue, and depression.

Detox products are not available by prescription; they are sold in retail stores, at spas, over the Internet, and by direct mail. Many are advertised as useful for detoxifying specific organs or systems; others are portrayed as "whole body" cleansers.

Here is a review of some of the most widely promoted procedures and products. Also known as Jala Neti or nasal lavage, this yoga-derived technique involves the use of a small pitcher neti pot or syringe to stream a saline solution into first one nostril, then the other.

The solution passes through the nasal passage and out the other nostril or the mouth. Clinicians sometimes recommend nasal irrigation to rid the nose of environmental irritants, alleviate post-nasal drip, and reduce congestion from colds and allergies by flushing mucus, foreign particles, bacteria, and viruses out of the sinuses.

Daily nasal irrigation is promoted for preventing sinus infections and headaches. Evidence of effectiveness. In a handful of studies, nasal lavage has been shown to lower bacterial concentrations in nasal passages.

One small study found that it eased symptoms in sinus sufferers. Some research suggests it can reduce the risk of sinus infections.

A seemingly infinite array of products and diets is available for detoxifying the entire body. One of the most popular is the Master Cleanse diet, favored by a number of Hollywood celebrities. Dieters take a quart of warm salt water in the morning; consume a ounce concoction of water, lemon juice, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper throughout the day; and finish with a cup of laxative tea in the evening.

Proponents of the Master Cleanse diet recommend adhering to it for at least 10 days. To restore energy, lose weight, and relieve symptoms of chronic conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia. There are no data on this particular diet in the medical literature.

But many studies have shown that fasts and extremely low-calorie diets invariably lower the body's basal metabolic rate as it struggles to conserve energy.

Once the dieter resumes normal eating, rapid weight gain follows. Much of the weight loss achieved through this diet results from fluid loss related to extremely low carbohydrate intake and frequent bowel movements or diarrhea produced by salt water and laxative tea. When the dieter resumes normal fluid intake, this weight is quickly regained.

The diet is lacking in protein, fatty acids, and other essential nutrients. Carbohydrates supply all the calories — an extremely low The daily laxative regimen can cause dehydration, deplete electrolytes, and impair normal bowel function.

It can also disrupt the native intestinal flora, microorganisms that perform useful digestive functions.

A person who goes on this diet repeatedly may run the risk of developing metabolic acidosis, a disruption of the body's acid-base balance, which results in excessive acidity in the blood. Severe metabolic acidosis can lead to coma and death.

Numerous kits are marketed for this purpose, most of which include a high-fiber supplement, a "support" supplement containing herbs or enzymes, and a laxative tea, each to be used daily. Manufacturers of the herbal detox kits recommend continuing the regimen for several weeks.

Such regimens may be accompanied by frequent enemas. The aim is to eradicate parasites and expel fecal matter that allegedly accumulates and adheres to the intestinal walls.

Several studies suggest that milk thistle, which is often included as a supportive supplement, may improve liver function with few side effects.

But there's no medical evidence for the cleansing procedure as a whole. Promotional materials often include photographs of snake-like gelatinous substances expelled during cleansing.

When these pictures are not faked, they are probably showing stool generated by large doses of the regimen's fiber supplement. More important, the rationale for intestinal cleansing — to dislodge material adhering to the colon walls — is fundamentally mistaken.

When fecal matter accumulates, it compacts into firm masses in the open interior of the colon; it does not adhere to the intestinal walls as the "sludge" depicted in the advertisements.

Like fasting, colonic cleansing carries a risk of dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, impaired bowel function, and disruption of intestinal flora. The manufacturers recommend continuing the procedure for two to three months. One method employs a special type of adhesive pad worn on the bottoms of the feet during sleep.

Another approach is to immerse the feet for 30 minutes in a basin, sometimes referred to as an "ionic foot bath," containing salt water and two electrodes that supply a low-voltage electric charge. Both methods claim to emit ions that stimulate the outflow of toxins through the feet.

The pads contain tourmaline crystals, which are purported to emit ion-generating infrared rays. The foot baths allegedly generate ions by running an electric current through salt water. However, there is no scientific evidence that ionic changes in the environment can stimulate a discharge of toxins through pores in the feet — or any other part of the body, for that matter.

Promoters assert that the success of the process can be monitored by a color change in the pad or in the water of the foot bath as impurities are leached from the body. But the pads, which are impregnated with wood vinegar, have been shown to turn the same dark color whether they absorb foot perspiration or are sprayed with tap water; and the color of the foot bath changes because the metal electrodes corrode.

Concentrated oxygen is said to boost the immune system, relieve headaches, increase energy, and improve cognitive function. Pressurized oxygen has long been used in treating people with respiratory distress or chronic lung conditions like emphysema, because their lungs cannot extract enough oxygen from normal air.

Since the late s, detox spas and oxygen bars have been marketing a short version of the treatment to healthy people. There is no evidence that healthy lungs need more oxygen than is contained in normal air to supply the body with adequate oxygen.

The FDA has warned that it is illegal to administer oxygen from a tank without a prescription, but most states have failed to enforce the ruling, enabling oxygen bars to thrive. Although there is little danger from inhaling concentrated oxygen, the FDA cautions against "flavored" oxygen, which may contain fragrant oil suspensions that can irritate the lungs.

Some establishments require users to buy or bring their own masks or nasal tubes. We tend to forget that the body is equipped with a detoxification system of its own, which includes the following:.

The skin. The main function of the body's largest organ is to provide a barrier against harmful substances, from bacteria and viruses to heavy metals and chemical toxins.

The skin is a one-way defense system; toxins are not eliminated in perspiration. The respiratory system. Fine hairs inside the nose trap dirt and other large particles that may be inhaled. Smaller particles that make it to the lungs are expelled from the airways in mucus. The immune system.

Many detox program followers report feeling more energetic. Most detox programs are designed to stimulate the body to purge itself, helping the liver do its thing as well as the kidneys and colon. Cleansing the colon is an important part of the detoxing process because those toxins need to exit the body, and a backed up colon can cause them to be reintroduced into the body, rather than exiting as planned.

Sticking with fruits and vegetables even after the detox program is completed is a good way to keep things moving. Many times it is the drastic reduction in calories and rapid weight loss that is focused on, especially in the media. When you detox the body you free up your organs to function the way they should.

Many of the herbs you take while on a detox will help the lymphatic system, which plays a big role in keeping you healthy and firing on all cylinders. Many detox programs also focus on light exercises which help to circulate lymph fluid through the body and helps it to drain, strengthening your immune system in the process.

Your skin is your largest organ, so it only makes sense that it would show positive results from a detox program. One way to help your detoxing efforts is to take a sauna to help the body sweat out additional toxins. You can expect clearer, smoother skin at the end of your detox plan.

Follow a detox program that includes a colon cleanse because those toxins need to be released from the body. When you are able to clear it out and get your digestive system functioning well again, you may find that your breath improves. This is natural, and occurs as toxins are released from the body.

If you have addictions to sugar, caffeine, fried, or crunchy foods you can use a detox program to help you kill those cravings. But if you cleanse the body and replace those foods with healthier choices, you can retrain yourself and be more likely to stick to your new habits.

A good detox program will pay some attention to your state of mind during the cleanse. The use of meditation is often recommended as a way to get back in touch with your body during this time of purging and cleansing of toxins.

Detox followers often say that they lose that sense of fogginess, and are able to think more clearly during a detox than when not on it. It makes sense, since many of the sugar-filled and fat-filled foods that surround us each day will cause us to feel lethargic and can factor heavily in the quality of our thinking.

In many instances hair gets shinier, and feels softer to the touch.

The Clearinghouse does not provide medical advice, treatment recommendations, or referrals to practitioners. Email: info nccih. gov link sends email. NCCIH and the National Institutes of Health NIH provide tools to help you understand the basics and terminology of scientific research so you can make well-informed decisions about your health.

Know the Science features a variety of materials, including interactive modules, quizzes, and videos, as well as links to informative content from Federal resources designed to help consumers make sense of health information. Explaining How Research Works NIH. Know the Science: How To Make Sense of a Scientific Journal Article.

Understanding Clinical Studies NIH. A service of the National Library of Medicine, PubMed® contains publication information and in most cases brief summaries of articles from scientific and medical journals. For guidance from NCCIH on using PubMed, see How To Find Information About Complementary Health Approaches on PubMed.

This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged. NCCIH has provided this material for your information.

It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider s. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCIH.

Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health. Información en Español. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

Health Info Health Info Home. Topics A-Z What Is Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health? Herbs at a Glance Know the Science Safety Information. Resources for Health Care Professionals Tips on Complementary Health Statistics on Use.

Research Home. Research Results by Date NCCIH Research Blog. Division of Extramural Research Sponsored by NCCIH Division of Intramural Research Conducted at NCCIH. Resources for Researchers Clinical Trials NIH Pain Research Center.

Application Resources Program Directors Clinical Research Toolbox Types of Grants and Contracts. Diversity and Health Disparities Small Business Research Grant Program SBIR General Award Mechanisms.

Training Home. Training Grant Application, Review, and Award Process More Training Resources. Events Videos. Glutamine, cysteine and glycine are the main components of glutathione which are highly important as a cellular antioxidant. The liver uses glutathione in phase of the detoxification process.

The therapy provides peptide glutathione to specifically strengthen the liver and support detoxification. Differences between liver detoxification and chelation. Chelation therapy aims to eliminate heavy metals. But some toxins, such as insecticides, preservatives, hydrocarbon, and micro-plastic can be removed from the blood only by the liver.

Toxins are excreted from the body through many ways. But insufficient glutathione leads to toxin accumulation and increased free radicals which cause diseases and degeneration of the cells.

Therefore, liver detoxification is important to the body. Liver detoxification: Why is the injection route preferred to oral medicine? Oral glutathione supplementation cannot be absorbed into the body as well as injectable glutathione.

Hence, injectable glutathione is better suited for liver detoxification treatments. Suitable candidates for liver detoxification.

Candidates for liver detoxification are individuals who had been exposed or at risk of exposure to toxins. Some example are as follows:. a person who regularly consumes processed foods with preservatives sausage, ham, fermented pork. a person who regularly consumes contaminated foods such as peanuts and ground chili powder.

How often can you do liver detoxification? The treating doctor normally determines the number of liver detoxification sessions in accordance to objective of the treatment plan.

For example, if the objective is toxin elimination, the patient can undergo the detoxification therapy once a week. In cases of patients with Parkinson's disease, more glutathione may be needed to resist the symptoms in which weekly sessions may be increased or patients may be asked to come for the detoxification treatment on a daily basis.

In general, there are not actual limitations to the number of times liver detoxification can be carried out on an individual. As protein-bound glutathione is the key medium used in the detoxification treatment, it actually works also as an antioxidant which is fantastic for health. After the liver detoxification treatment, the liver would normally be able to get rid of toxins more efficiently.

Therefore, patients should not immediately expose themselves to new element of toxic contaminants like smoking or alcohol drinking. The liver will also release more metabolites after the treatment. Thus, patients are normally advised to not have heavy meals right after the treatment.

Lifestyle changes can help keep your liver healthy. The list of advice below can be important for an individual at higher risk of developing liver issues:.

Keep a healthy weight. Exercise every day if possible. Eat a well-balanced diet. Five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables, along with fibre from vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains.

Also include protein for the enzymes that may help your body. Avoid recreational drugs. The liver is a key organ in the body. Its main functions are to process nutrients from the food we consume and to flush out all the toxins from the body. But that is only the tip of the iceberg. The liver also builds protein, makes bile and more.

That is why it is extremely important for everyone to have a healthy and pristine functioning liver. Medical Service. Real email address is required to social networks. Please enter your email address below to create account.