"Detox" is in: Such diets and cures as well as "cleansing" food supplements should help to detoxify the body and provide more life energy and a strengthened immune system.But are detox products really useful?Detox cures are popular."Detox" stands for "detoxification" and means detoxification.With such a cure or diet, the body should be freed from harmful toxins and the well-being should be increased.There are many products on the market that are designed to help with detoxification.But are they really recommended?As the South Tyrolean consumer center writes in a current report, so-called detox diets, detox cures, detox powders, detox capsules and detox teas are currently very popular.Advertising and product packaging often promise nothing less than cleansing the body of toxins, detoxification, weight loss, strengthening the immune system and more energy.This is to be achieved thanks to ingredients such as spirulina and chlorella algae, turmeric, extracts from green tea, pumpkin seeds, nettles, juniper berries and dandelion.In most cases, however, there is no scientific evidence for the claimed effects, writes the consumer advice center.In addition, from a scientific point of view, cleaning the body of pollutants is not necessary, especially since there is no statement as to which toxins or pollutants are involved, nor how these are then to be broken down, according to the German Society for Nutrition ( DGE).A healthy human body can therefore "cleanse" itself by eliminating unwanted substances via the liver, kidneys, intestines, skin and breathing."It is better than spending a lot of money on ineffective products to live the detox idea in everyday life, i.e. to maintain a healthy lifestyle and eat in such a way that as few potentially harmful substances as possible are ingested," advises Silke Raffeiner, the nutrition expert the South Tyrolean Consumer Advice Centre.This includes regular exercise in the fresh air, avoiding being overweight, largely avoiding tobacco products and alcohol, and drinking enough water.A diet with plenty of seasonal, preferably organically grown, vegetables and fruit is particularly important here.Wild mushrooms, innards and large predatory fish (e.g. tuna or swordfish) should only be eaten occasionally because of possible contamination with heavy metals or radioactive radiation. Rice from Asia should be boiled in plenty of water and the cooking water then thrown away.And when baking, toasting and roasting, the principle of “gilding instead of charring” should apply.The South Tyrolean consumer advice center warns that particular caution should be exercised with some detox preparations that are sold over the Internet.Products based on zeolite can contain toxic heavy metals, products with dehydrating substances and those with activated charcoal increase the excretion of vital minerals and can impair the effectiveness of medication.(ad)This text corresponds to the specifications of medical specialist literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical professionals.Important note: This article contains general information only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment.He can not substitute a visit at the doctor.The specialist portal for naturopathy and health