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Detox/Cleanse
JONZ64
Posts: 1,280 Member
Been hearing lots of folks at work and on FB start into the "latest" Detox/Cleanse, so I thought I would share this on here as a preventative measure. Full Disclosure : I stole this from another MFP member a few years ago and I have posted it a few times and will continue to do so as long as I still see "Magic Pill" posts.
The body’s own detox system
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 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. This exquisitely orchestrated network of cells and molecules is designed to recognize foreign substances and eliminate them from the body.
The intestines. Peyer’s patches — lymph nodes in the small intestine — screen out parasites and other foreign substances before nutrients are absorbed into the blood from the colon.
The liver. Acting as the body’s principal filter, the liver produces a family of proteins called metallothioneins. Metallothioneins neutralize harmful metals like lead, cadmium, and mercury to prepare for their elimination from the body. Liver cells also produce groups of enzymes that regulate the metabolism of drugs and are an important part of the body’s defense against harmful chemicals and other toxins.
The kidneys. The fact that urine tests are used to screen for drugs and toxins is a testament to the kidneys' remarkable efficiency in filtering out waste substances and moving them out of the body
The body’s own detox system
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 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. This exquisitely orchestrated network of cells and molecules is designed to recognize foreign substances and eliminate them from the body.
The intestines. Peyer’s patches — lymph nodes in the small intestine — screen out parasites and other foreign substances before nutrients are absorbed into the blood from the colon.
The liver. Acting as the body’s principal filter, the liver produces a family of proteins called metallothioneins. Metallothioneins neutralize harmful metals like lead, cadmium, and mercury to prepare for their elimination from the body. Liver cells also produce groups of enzymes that regulate the metabolism of drugs and are an important part of the body’s defense against harmful chemicals and other toxins.
The kidneys. The fact that urine tests are used to screen for drugs and toxins is a testament to the kidneys' remarkable efficiency in filtering out waste substances and moving them out of the body
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Replies
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I think the detox/cleanse things are just snake oil....a waste of money. Its no coincidence that these detox/cleanse regimes include not consuming toxins (fast food, alcohol, caffeine, etc). All it does is sell you the idea that some special tea or colon cleansing herb is doing the detox when actually it's the pause in consuming toxins and allowing your body's natural systems to catch up that is doing all the work.4
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72-hour water fast is the only "cleanse" with any real scientific validation AFAIK. Dramatically increases autophagy, particularly of older/weaker cells, and produces an enormous increase in GH levels for a period of days after reintroducing food.2
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wackyfunster wrote: »72-hour water fast is the only "cleanse" with any real scientific validation AFAIK. Dramatically increases autophagy, particularly of older/weaker cells, and produces an enormous increase in GH levels for a period of days after reintroducing food.
It's funny you mention that because Ghandi used to do 72hr water only fasts quite regularly. I think I read that he'd only allow a piece of lemon in the water once a day as a treat.2 -
I think the detox/cleanse things are just snake oil....a waste of money. Its no coincidence that these detox/cleanse regimes include not consuming toxins (fast food, alcohol, caffeine, etc). All it does is sell you the idea that some special tea or colon cleansing herb is doing the detox when actually it's the pause in consuming toxins and allowing your body's natural systems to catch up that is doing all the work.
While I agree with you that detox/cleanses are a waste of money scam... I'm curious at your comment seeming to indicate that fast food, alcohol, and caffeine are toxins. What specifically is toxic about these substances?17 -
I want to buy some cinnamon tea today and the amount of detox teas that are now available are ridiculous.
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WinoGelato wrote: »I think the detox/cleanse things are just snake oil....a waste of money. Its no coincidence that these detox/cleanse regimes include not consuming toxins (fast food, alcohol, caffeine, etc). All it does is sell you the idea that some special tea or colon cleansing herb is doing the detox when actually it's the pause in consuming toxins and allowing your body's natural systems to catch up that is doing all the work.
While I agree with you that detox/cleanses are a waste of money scam... I'm curious at your comment seeming to indicate that fast food, alcohol, and caffeine are toxins. What specifically is toxic about these substances?
Are you seriously asking this? Alcohol is highly toxic and a carcinogen. Caffeine is an addictive chemical. Both alcohol and caffeine are mood altering drugs. Fast food is full of random artificial chemicals which are also toxins...preservatives, flavourings, dyes, trans fats, etc.
6 -
WinoGelato wrote: »I think the detox/cleanse things are just snake oil....a waste of money. Its no coincidence that these detox/cleanse regimes include not consuming toxins (fast food, alcohol, caffeine, etc). All it does is sell you the idea that some special tea or colon cleansing herb is doing the detox when actually it's the pause in consuming toxins and allowing your body's natural systems to catch up that is doing all the work.
While I agree with you that detox/cleanses are a waste of money scam... I'm curious at your comment seeming to indicate that fast food, alcohol, and caffeine are toxins. What specifically is toxic about these substances?
Are you seriously asking this? Alcohol is highly toxic and a carcinogen. Caffeine is an addictive chemical. Both alcohol and caffeine are mood altering drugs. Fast food is full of random artificial chemicals which are also toxins...preservatives, flavourings, dyes, trans fats, etc.
Are you saying that if something alters your mood, it is a toxin? I'm not sure how that ties into the question at all.10 -
WinoGelato wrote: »I think the detox/cleanse things are just snake oil....a waste of money. Its no coincidence that these detox/cleanse regimes include not consuming toxins (fast food, alcohol, caffeine, etc). All it does is sell you the idea that some special tea or colon cleansing herb is doing the detox when actually it's the pause in consuming toxins and allowing your body's natural systems to catch up that is doing all the work.
While I agree with you that detox/cleanses are a waste of money scam... I'm curious at your comment seeming to indicate that fast food, alcohol, and caffeine are toxins. What specifically is toxic about these substances?
Are you seriously asking this? Alcohol is highly toxic and a carcinogen. Caffeine is an addictive chemical. Both alcohol and caffeine are mood altering drugs. Fast food is full of random artificial chemicals which are also toxins...preservatives, flavourings, dyes, trans fats, etc.
If they were toxic, they would not be sold as edible products. Your "definition" of toxic is incorrect.
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WinoGelato wrote: »I think the detox/cleanse things are just snake oil....a waste of money. Its no coincidence that these detox/cleanse regimes include not consuming toxins (fast food, alcohol, caffeine, etc). All it does is sell you the idea that some special tea or colon cleansing herb is doing the detox when actually it's the pause in consuming toxins and allowing your body's natural systems to catch up that is doing all the work.
While I agree with you that detox/cleanses are a waste of money scam... I'm curious at your comment seeming to indicate that fast food, alcohol, and caffeine are toxins. What specifically is toxic about these substances?
I'm curious as well, I have posted this several times and I get the usual "love it or hate it" responses, but recently I have been getting the "certain toxins in fast food or processed foods..." responses and don't know why they would be different and the point of most of these snake oil sales pitches are to tell us they get rid of the waste buildup or toxin buildup but the natural filters in our systems don't allow this as long as they are working well and if not a "cleanse" will not fix that.2 -
WinoGelato wrote: »I think the detox/cleanse things are just snake oil....a waste of money. Its no coincidence that these detox/cleanse regimes include not consuming toxins (fast food, alcohol, caffeine, etc). All it does is sell you the idea that some special tea or colon cleansing herb is doing the detox when actually it's the pause in consuming toxins and allowing your body's natural systems to catch up that is doing all the work.
While I agree with you that detox/cleanses are a waste of money scam... I'm curious at your comment seeming to indicate that fast food, alcohol, and caffeine are toxins. What specifically is toxic about these substances?
Are you seriously asking this? Alcohol is highly toxic and a carcinogen. Caffeine is an addictive chemical. Both alcohol and caffeine are mood altering drugs. Fast food is full of random artificial chemicals which are also toxins...preservatives, flavourings, dyes, trans fats, etc.
Natural, non-processed foods are full of chemicals which are also toxins. Should I not eat an apple because cyanide?13 -
If anybody ever needed a detox, it's not me.
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NorthCascades wrote: »If anybody ever needed a detox, it's not me.
I firmly believe that once he sobers up, Keith Richards will die. His body preserved forever by the staggering amount of chemicals in his system.
If only he had used a cleanse...14 -
WinoGelato wrote: »I think the detox/cleanse things are just snake oil....a waste of money. Its no coincidence that these detox/cleanse regimes include not consuming toxins (fast food, alcohol, caffeine, etc). All it does is sell you the idea that some special tea or colon cleansing herb is doing the detox when actually it's the pause in consuming toxins and allowing your body's natural systems to catch up that is doing all the work.
While I agree with you that detox/cleanses are a waste of money scam... I'm curious at your comment seeming to indicate that fast food, alcohol, and caffeine are toxins. What specifically is toxic about these substances?
Are you seriously asking this? Alcohol is highly toxic and a carcinogen. Caffeine is an addictive chemical. Both alcohol and caffeine are mood altering drugs. Fast food is full of random artificial chemicals which are also toxins...preservatives, flavourings, dyes, trans fats, etc.
Natural, non-processed foods are full of chemicals which are also toxins. Should I not eat an apple because cyanide?
First time I've ever seen anyone argue that alcohol is no more toxic than an apple........beggars belief. Besides the trace cyanide is in the apple seeds which hardly anyone actually eats..I certainly don't eat apple seeds.6 -
WinoGelato wrote: »I think the detox/cleanse things are just snake oil....a waste of money. Its no coincidence that these detox/cleanse regimes include not consuming toxins (fast food, alcohol, caffeine, etc). All it does is sell you the idea that some special tea or colon cleansing herb is doing the detox when actually it's the pause in consuming toxins and allowing your body's natural systems to catch up that is doing all the work.
While I agree with you that detox/cleanses are a waste of money scam... I'm curious at your comment seeming to indicate that fast food, alcohol, and caffeine are toxins. What specifically is toxic about these substances?
Are you seriously asking this? Alcohol is highly toxic and a carcinogen. Caffeine is an addictive chemical. Both alcohol and caffeine are mood altering drugs. Fast food is full of random artificial chemicals which are also toxins...preservatives, flavourings, dyes, trans fats, etc.
Natural, non-processed foods are full of chemicals which are also toxins. Should I not eat an apple because cyanide?
First time I've ever seen anyone argue that alcohol is no more toxic than an apple........beggars belief. Besides the trace cyanide is in the apple seeds which hardly anyone actually eats..I certainly don't eat apple seeds.
I didn't say anything at all about alcohol.
What are the toxins that are in fast food that I should be worried about that are not in trace amounts?8 -
WinoGelato wrote: »I think the detox/cleanse things are just snake oil....a waste of money. Its no coincidence that these detox/cleanse regimes include not consuming toxins (fast food, alcohol, caffeine, etc). All it does is sell you the idea that some special tea or colon cleansing herb is doing the detox when actually it's the pause in consuming toxins and allowing your body's natural systems to catch up that is doing all the work.
While I agree with you that detox/cleanses are a waste of money scam... I'm curious at your comment seeming to indicate that fast food, alcohol, and caffeine are toxins. What specifically is toxic about these substances?
Are you seriously asking this? Alcohol is highly toxic and a carcinogen. Caffeine is an addictive chemical. Both alcohol and caffeine are mood altering drugs. Fast food is full of random artificial chemicals which are also toxins...preservatives, flavourings, dyes, trans fats, etc.
Natural, non-processed foods are full of chemicals which are also toxins. Should I not eat an apple because cyanide?
First time I've ever seen anyone argue that alcohol is no more toxic than an apple........beggars belief. Besides the trace cyanide is in the apple seeds which hardly anyone actually eats..I certainly don't eat apple seeds.
The point is that your body has every thing it needs to "cleanse" any "toxins" you may ingest. You do not need to drink a tea, or swallow a pill, or stick something to the bottom of your feet for this to happen. If your body was not doing it, you would be in immediate need of a doctor, not a tea.15 -
quiksylver296 wrote: »WinoGelato wrote: »I think the detox/cleanse things are just snake oil....a waste of money. Its no coincidence that these detox/cleanse regimes include not consuming toxins (fast food, alcohol, caffeine, etc). All it does is sell you the idea that some special tea or colon cleansing herb is doing the detox when actually it's the pause in consuming toxins and allowing your body's natural systems to catch up that is doing all the work.
While I agree with you that detox/cleanses are a waste of money scam... I'm curious at your comment seeming to indicate that fast food, alcohol, and caffeine are toxins. What specifically is toxic about these substances?
Are you seriously asking this? Alcohol is highly toxic and a carcinogen. Caffeine is an addictive chemical. Both alcohol and caffeine are mood altering drugs. Fast food is full of random artificial chemicals which are also toxins...preservatives, flavourings, dyes, trans fats, etc.
If they were toxic, they would not be sold as edible products. Your "definition" of toxic is incorrect.
Then why do they say that someone who is drunk, is "intoxicated"? Alcohol is a toxin. You drink enough, it can kill you. The buzz and drunkeness are just your body fighting off the toxicity of alcohol.4 -
quiksylver296 wrote: »WinoGelato wrote: »I think the detox/cleanse things are just snake oil....a waste of money. Its no coincidence that these detox/cleanse regimes include not consuming toxins (fast food, alcohol, caffeine, etc). All it does is sell you the idea that some special tea or colon cleansing herb is doing the detox when actually it's the pause in consuming toxins and allowing your body's natural systems to catch up that is doing all the work.
While I agree with you that detox/cleanses are a waste of money scam... I'm curious at your comment seeming to indicate that fast food, alcohol, and caffeine are toxins. What specifically is toxic about these substances?
Are you seriously asking this? Alcohol is highly toxic and a carcinogen. Caffeine is an addictive chemical. Both alcohol and caffeine are mood altering drugs. Fast food is full of random artificial chemicals which are also toxins...preservatives, flavourings, dyes, trans fats, etc.
If they were toxic, they would not be sold as edible products. Your "definition" of toxic is incorrect.
Then why do they say that someone who is drunk, is "intoxicated"? Alcohol is a toxin. You drink enough, it can kill you. The buzz and drunkeness are just your body fighting off the toxicity of alcohol.
By that definition, everything is toxic. Because everything in a large enough dose will kill you. Context and dosage are important.15 -
quiksylver296 wrote: »WinoGelato wrote: »I think the detox/cleanse things are just snake oil....a waste of money. Its no coincidence that these detox/cleanse regimes include not consuming toxins (fast food, alcohol, caffeine, etc). All it does is sell you the idea that some special tea or colon cleansing herb is doing the detox when actually it's the pause in consuming toxins and allowing your body's natural systems to catch up that is doing all the work.
While I agree with you that detox/cleanses are a waste of money scam... I'm curious at your comment seeming to indicate that fast food, alcohol, and caffeine are toxins. What specifically is toxic about these substances?
Are you seriously asking this? Alcohol is highly toxic and a carcinogen. Caffeine is an addictive chemical. Both alcohol and caffeine are mood altering drugs. Fast food is full of random artificial chemicals which are also toxins...preservatives, flavourings, dyes, trans fats, etc.
If they were toxic, they would not be sold as edible products. Your "definition" of toxic is incorrect.
Then why do they say that someone who is drunk, is "intoxicated"? Alcohol is a toxin. You drink enough, it can kill you. The buzz and drunkeness are just your body fighting off the toxicity of alcohol.
I've heard people say they were "intoxicated" by a musical performance or a theatre show. That doesn't mean they need special tea and a colonic.
I wouldn't use the use of that word as scientific proof of anything.8 -
As far as fast food goes...there are lots of issues... sodium nitrates which are linked to cancer, multiple dyes also linked to cancer, trans fats like palm oil that clog your arteries, peroxides for bleaching that cause allergies, BHA and BHT preservatives linked to cancer, anti fungals that use benzene which damage your thyroid..the list goes on and on. Most natural non processed food do not have toxins to the same level of exposure.1
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Finally caffeine...too much and your heart stops. Also a toxin. Worst that happens if you overdose on apples is a stomach ache and a case of the runs.1
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Well they do say ignorance is bliss. Enjoy your toxins
! 1 -
in for all the nonsense.
Finally caffeine...too much and your heart stops. Also a toxin. Worst that happens if you overdose on apples is a stomach ache and a case of the runs.
too much water also kills you. evil, toxic water. Water intoxication, also known as water poisoning or hyperhydration, is a potentially fatal disturbance in brain functions that results when the normal balance of electrolytes in the body is pushed outside safe limits by overhydration.
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Context is critical.
Toxicity is measured by Lethal Dose (LD50).
LD50 of the above mentioned:
Water 90 mL/kg
Alcohol 7060 mg/kg
Caffeine 192 mg/kg
Sugar 30 g/kg
Salt 12357 mg/kg
Apple seeds (Sodium Cyanide) 3412 mcg/kg
10 -
Context is critical.
Toxicity is measured by Lethal Dose (LD50).
LD50 of the above mentioned:
Water 90 mL/kg
Alcohol 7060 mg/kg
Caffeine 192 mg/kg
Sugar 30 g/kg
Salt 12357 mg/kg
Apple seeds (Sodium Cyanide) 3412 mcg/kg
Funny, I can't seem to find the LD50 of fast food listed anywhere I look.
14 -
quiksylver296 wrote: »WinoGelato wrote: »I think the detox/cleanse things are just snake oil....a waste of money. Its no coincidence that these detox/cleanse regimes include not consuming toxins (fast food, alcohol, caffeine, etc). All it does is sell you the idea that some special tea or colon cleansing herb is doing the detox when actually it's the pause in consuming toxins and allowing your body's natural systems to catch up that is doing all the work.
While I agree with you that detox/cleanses are a waste of money scam... I'm curious at your comment seeming to indicate that fast food, alcohol, and caffeine are toxins. What specifically is toxic about these substances?
Are you seriously asking this? Alcohol is highly toxic and a carcinogen. Caffeine is an addictive chemical. Both alcohol and caffeine are mood altering drugs. Fast food is full of random artificial chemicals which are also toxins...preservatives, flavourings, dyes, trans fats, etc.
Natural, non-processed foods are full of chemicals which are also toxins. Should I not eat an apple because cyanide?
First time I've ever seen anyone argue that alcohol is no more toxic than an apple........beggars belief. Besides the trace cyanide is in the apple seeds which hardly anyone actually eats..I certainly don't eat apple seeds.
The point is that your body has every thing it needs to "cleanse" any "toxins" you may ingest. You do not need to drink a tea, or swallow a pill, or stick something to the bottom of your feet for this to happen. If your body was not doing it, you would be in immediate need of a doctor, not a tea.
Why are you preaching to the choir? I distinctly remember calling these products "snake oil" and a waste of money.1 -
jessiferrrb wrote: »in for all the nonsense.Finally caffeine...too much and your heart stops. Also a toxin. Worst that happens if you overdose on apples is a stomach ache and a case of the runs.
too much water also kills you. evil, toxic water. Water intoxication, also known as water poisoning or hyperhydration, is a potentially fatal disturbance in brain functions that results when the normal balance of electrolytes in the body is pushed outside safe limits by overhydration.
Super bonus points for Buffy gif!!
I don't think anyone is arguing that alcohol (amongst other things) is a toxin. The point is that your body can cope with that just fine under normal circumstances, it does its own detoxifying. Anything your body can't cope with, you need a doctor.8 -
Context is critical.
Toxicity is measured by Lethal Dose (LD50).
LD50 of the above mentioned:
Water 90 mL/kg
Alcohol 7060 mg/kg
Caffeine 192 mg/kg
Sugar 30 g/kg
Salt 12357 mg/kg
Apple seeds (Sodium Cyanide) 3412 mcg/kg
Funny, I can't seem to find the LD50 of fast food listed anywhere I look.
Just reviewing myself (N = 1) I've been living off of fast food for the majority of my life and despite all evidence to the contrary...not dead.14 -
quiksylver296 wrote: »WinoGelato wrote: »I think the detox/cleanse things are just snake oil....a waste of money. Its no coincidence that these detox/cleanse regimes include not consuming toxins (fast food, alcohol, caffeine, etc). All it does is sell you the idea that some special tea or colon cleansing herb is doing the detox when actually it's the pause in consuming toxins and allowing your body's natural systems to catch up that is doing all the work.
While I agree with you that detox/cleanses are a waste of money scam... I'm curious at your comment seeming to indicate that fast food, alcohol, and caffeine are toxins. What specifically is toxic about these substances?
Are you seriously asking this? Alcohol is highly toxic and a carcinogen. Caffeine is an addictive chemical. Both alcohol and caffeine are mood altering drugs. Fast food is full of random artificial chemicals which are also toxins...preservatives, flavourings, dyes, trans fats, etc.
If they were toxic, they would not be sold as edible products. Your "definition" of toxic is incorrect.
Then why do they say that someone who is drunk, is "intoxicated"? Alcohol is a toxin. You drink enough, it can kill you. The buzz and drunkeness are just your body fighting off the toxicity of alcohol.
And your liver does its job of detoxifying...4
This discussion has been closed.
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