Could Detox Teas Harm Your Health?

Get on any social media site, and endless influencers and celebrities are pushing the benefits of detox tea. Drop a quick 5 pounds! Drink this detox tea and cure that morning hangover!

But, these influencers are paid thousands of dollars to say they drink these teas without proving they drink the tea. Unfortunately, most of them don’t realize that detox teas come with health risks. Keep reading to learn the health risks and the best way to detox your body.

Are Detox Teas Safe?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements such as detox teas. As a result, the teas often contain chemicals not stated on the package. 

Although most detox teas contain tea leaves and herbs, some may also include medication or drugs. For this reason, always talk to your doctor before drinking detox tea. 

Common Ingredients in Detox Teas

Some detox teas are similar to regular tea – a mix of tea leaves and harmless herbs. However, other detox teas contain harmful ingredients. Ingredients that are harmful to your health may include:

• High levels of caffeine
• Strong herbs such as senna
• Laxatives
• Medications
• Illegal substances such as ephedra

Will I Lose Weight With Detox Teas?

The goal of detox teas is to give you energy. But, you may also spend a lot of time in the bathroom. While all this time in the bathroom may result in weight loss, it is mostly water weight and not toxins. 

Additionally, it is a very unhealthy and ineffective way to lose excess weight. Detox teas can cause you severe health issues such as:

• Heart attacks
• Seizures
• Strokes
• Death

You should always consult with your doctor before using a detox tea to minimize any risks.

How Does Tea Detoxify the Body?

Generally, teas are healthy and consumed all over the world. Green tea, for example, is extremely healthy. It contains chemicals called catechins which increase fat burning during exercise. 

But, there is no proof that detox teas actually aid in weight loss. Detox teas typically include strict diet and exercise plans. They may consist of eating small but healthy meals and vigorous exercise.

However, even without detox teas, you will likely lose weight if you eat small healthy meals and exercise. So, detox teas most likely didn’t cause this weight loss. 

The caffeine in detox tea is exceptionally high. However, all tea contains caffeine, the high levels in detox tea act like a diuretic. As a result, your body expels “water weight” through urine and bowel movements. 

Some people may achieve a flat stomach after drinking detox tea. This is because detox tea acts like a laxative speeding the food through your system. However, it is short-lived and often dehydrates you. 

Can I Drink Too Much Detox Tea?

Drinking an occasional detox tea is typically harmless. But, drinking detox teas regularly or every day can lead to uncomfortable or serious health risks. While fast weight loss and a flat tummy sound appealing, you should know the dangers of drinking too much.

Detox Tea Can Cause Caffeine Overdose

Most of us need that boost of caffeine to kick start our day. So it’s common for people to have 2 or 3 cups of coffee in the morning. But, adding highly caffeinated detox tea can lead to unpleasant side effects. 

Besides headaches, tremors, irritability, and a rapid heart rate, caffeine can also increase stress levels. According to Healthline, the symptoms of a caffeine overdose may include:

• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Fever
• Headache
• Increased thirst
• Insomnia
• Irritability

Caffeine overdose can also result in severe symptoms which require immediate medical treatment. Serious symptoms may include:

• Chest pain
• Confusion
• Convulsion
• Hallucinations
• Irregular heartbeat
• Uncontrollable muscle movements
• Vomiting

Detox Teas Cause Diarrhea

Because some detox teas contain senna, an herbal laxative, they are often used to treat constipation. And, when used in moderation, it can typically be safe. However, using detox teas or any laxative in large quantities can be dangerous.

Continually drinking detox tea can lead to severe diarrhea, causing severe dehydration. At the same time, detox teas can also interfere with regular digestion. As a result, you may become dependent on laxatives to use the bathroom regularly. 

Too Much Detox Tea Can Lead to an Electrolyte Imbalance

As mentioned before, detox teas are diuretics and may cause dehydration. If you become dehydrated, it lowers the electrolyte levels in your blood. 

However, electrolytes are essential for muscle function. An imbalance can lead to muscle spasms and a more serious abnormal heart rhythm. 

Detox Tea May Have Adverse Interactions with Medication

Regular teas, detox teas, and herbal supplements can often interact with your medications. While some enhance the drug, others decrease the effects of the drug. 

For example, chamomile tea interacts with anti-clotting medications. So, if you are on Warfarin or aspirin, you could end up with little clotting ability.

Will Detox Tea Help With My Cold?

Research has not proven that any teas can clear up a cold. But, it is common knowledge that you should avoid caffeine and stay hydrated when you are fighting a cold. An excellent way to do that is a hot cup of caffeine-free tea. 

Evidence suggests that certain herbs added to hot tea may ease respiratory infection symptoms. While detox tea will not help with your cold, the following herbal teas may.

• Lemon tea
• Elderberry tea
• Echinacea tea
• Green tea
• Herbal tea with honey

Do Detox Teas Increase Liver Health?

Although many detox teas claim to detox your liver and repair liver damage, they may do more harm than good. While turmeric may help protect from liver damage, and milk thistle decreases liver inflammation, there isn’t enough research to recommend regular use. 

Do I Need to Detox My Body?

According to the Mayo Clinic, there is very little evidence proving detox teas eliminate toxins from your body. Additionally, your body has a great detox system – your liver and kidneys. 

But, if you feel you must detox your body, stay away from the fad detox teas and stick with all-natural herbal detox teas. 

What is the Best Detox Tea?

Yogi DeTox tea is one of the popular detox teas on the market. The company claims the detox tea cleanses the body by boosting kidney and liver performance. But does it work?

The company also claims the detox tea is all-natural and plant-derived, with a long list of ingredients. Many of the ingredients have reported medicinal properties and have been used for thousands of years. 

While the ingredient list is extensive, the top 5 ingredients include:

• Juniper berries are anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. Throughout history and worldwide, they are used to treat menstrual pain, congestive heart failure, and urinary tract infections.
• Burdock root is a known diuretic that stimulates digestion and treats kidney and liver ailments. It also prevents eczema by promoting blood circulation to the skin.
• Dandelion, the common weed, is a natural diuretic. It can help treat kidney, liver, and spleen issues. Also known to stimulate your appetite, it can improve digestion and has laxative qualities. 
• Black pepper is full of benefits. The most common benefit being anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. 
• Phellodendron bark may help you reduce anxiety and stress, which eases fatigue. And stress is the leading cause of autoimmune diseases, diabetes, depression, and obesity. 

Common Herbal Teas to Aid in Detoxing Your Body 

While true teas include green tea, black tea, and oolong tea, they are brewed from Camellia Sinensis leaves. In comparison, herbal teas include dried fruits, flowers, herbs, and spices. Common teas showing health-promoting properties include the following.

Chamomile Tea

Many of us know that chamomile tea has relaxing and calming effects, which often induces sleep. According to Healthline, chamomile tea also has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and liver-protecting qualities, among many other beneficial properties.

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint is an everyday tea that supports digestive health. Additionally, it has antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. So, if you experience cramping, nausea, or indigestion, peppermint tea is an excellent go-to. 

Ginger Tea

Ginger tea is packed full of disease-fighting antioxidants. Mostly known for its effectiveness in treating nausea, it also stimulates your immune system and fights inflammation. 

Several studies also show ginger tea is beneficial for period pain. While others suggest ginger tea may help with blood sugar and blood lipid levels.

How Long Will it Take for My Detox Tea to Work?

Typically it takes 8 to 12 hours after drinking for detox tea to start working. Similar to laxatives, you will know it’s beginning to work by your urgency to use the restroom. However, if you drink detox tea every day, it begins to work faster and faster. 

Unfortunately, people who use detox tea on a daily or regular basis often develop an addiction to the results of drinking detox tea. The development of an addiction to detox teas can become as dangerous as drug or alcohol use disorder.