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Drop "detox"– have a glass of tap water and get an early night!

Every January, we seem to go a bit further with the innovation of products and practices designed to purify, detoxify and restore ourselves.

Scientists say: "save your money: have a glass of tap water, and a good night's sleep!"

Our bodies have their own “detox” mechanisms. The gut prevents bacteria and many toxins from entering the body, the liver acts as an extraordinary chemical

 

"One of the most poisonous chemicals that many people encounter is alcohol. However, even if you drink an almost lethal dose of alcohol (which I don’t recommend) your liver will clear it in 36 hours without any assistance from detox tablets. As a pathologist, I am frustrated by the claims that a detox diet will somehow improve your liver function, the only thing you can do to help your liver after a period of indulgence is to stop drinking alcohol and drink water to re-hydrate." Sir Colin Berry, pathologist

"Our bodies are very good at eliminating all the nasties that we might ingest over the Festive season. There is a popular notion that we can speed up the elimination process by drinking fancy bottled water or sipping herbal teas, but this is just nonsense. In fact, many of the detox diets and supplements really aren't that good for you, nor have they been properly tested. These alternative remedies are currently being looked at by chemists on account of the toxic natural chemicals they contain, and over the next year we may well see many of the current claims about chemicals and health being exposed as little more than urban myths." John Emsley, chemical scientist and popular science writer

"If you party to excess it is more than likely that you won't be feeling your best. The cure? A good night's sleep, your normal diet and plenty of water. Immoderation can only be repaid by moderation. Special detox diets and products are not going to do anything to hasten this process. Chemical scientists get fed up with debunking all the detox claims that come out in January." John Henry, clinical toxicologist

factory. It usually combines them with its own chemicals, making water soluble compounds that can be excreted by the kidneys. The body thus detoxifies itself. This process does not occur any more effectively as a result of taking "detox" tablets, wearing "detox" socks, having a "detox" body wrap, eating Nettle Root extract, drinking herbal infusions, following a special "detox" diet, or using any of the other products and rituals that are promoted.

"On detox the Romans got it right: mundus vult decipi - the world wants to be deceived - better translated as, 'there's a sucker born every minute'. The only thing that loses weight on a detox diet is your wallet." John Hoskins, toxicologist

"Detox diets and products may not do harm, except, perhaps, to your wallet, but neither do they do you much good, except, perhaps, psychologically! Your natural bodily functions are effective at clearing out harmful substances and there is little you can do to enhance these. Patience and a proper diet are more valuable than detox socks and supplements." Paul Illing, toxicologist

"The body’s own detoxification systems are remarkably sophisticated and versatile. They have to be, as the natural environment that we evolved in is hostile." Alan Boobis, toxicologist

"‘I wouldn't start here if I were you’. We've often heard this when asking for directions. Why not apply the same reasoning to your body? Think in terms of moderation when taking anything on board. The body is reasonably resilient. However, if you have indulged too much, help your body to recover in the simplest way. Get plenty of fresh air, exercise, water and sleep. You don't need expensive remedies for getting back from somewhere you should not have been in the first place. Try not to go there again." Derek Lohmann, research chemist