You may have come across people claiming they are on a “body detox” or seen influencers on social media and streaming platforms talking about “body cleansing.” These terms are often used loosely to suggest
that the body is being rid of “impurities,” while promising rapid weight loss, clearer skin and a complete “reset” of the system.
A quick scroll through Instagram reels or a search for detox trends online shows that there is no single definition of what a body cleanse actually is. Everyone seems to have their own methods, recipes and rules.
This confusion exists largely because the so-called “toxins” these trends claim to eliminate are rarely defined and often have little to do with how science defines toxins in the human body.
To understand what detoxing really means in medical terms, how the body naturally removes harmful substances, and whether the detox trends circulating on social media are safe, CNN-News18 spoke to Dr Shovana Veshnavi, Principal Consultant – Internal Medicine at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Noida.
What Do Toxins Mean To Doctors?
In medical terms, toxins are not vague impurities that accumulate because of modern lifestyles. According to Dr Veshnavi, toxins refer to specific chemical substances that can damage cells, tissues or organs. These include heavy metals, pesticides, alcohol, bacterial toxins, metabolic waste products such as urea, and even certain medications.
These substances enter the body through food, water, air, medicines, or are produced naturally during normal metabolic processes. What is commonly marketed as “toxins” in wellness campaigns, she explains, is often poorly defined and misleading.
Does Your Detox Ritual Really Remove These Toxins?
Despite widespread claims, there is little scientific evidence to support the idea that detox cleanses remove toxins more effectively than the body does on its own. Dr Veshnavi points out that no peer-reviewed studies have shown detox juices, teas or supplements to enhance toxin elimination.
She explains that most detox products work by increasing bowel movements or urination, which may give the impression that the body is being “cleansed”. In reality, this effect is largely due to the laxative or diuretic properties of these products, leading to temporary water loss.
Any quick drop in weight is usually the result of severe calorie restriction rather than true fat loss or detoxification. Some detox teas may even contain ingredients that can harm the liver or interact dangerously with prescription medications.
Your Body Has Its Own Detox Process
The human body is already equipped with an efficient and continuous detoxification system.
The liver plays a central role by converting toxins into water-soluble compounds that can be eliminated safely.
The kidneys filter waste products through urine, while the intestines remove waste through stool.
The lungs expel toxins through exhaled air, and the skin contributes through sweat. The lymphatic system also helps transport cellular waste.
Dr Veshnavi emphasises that these processes operate constantly and effectively without the need for special diets, juices or supplements.
How Your ‘Body Detox’ Rituals Can Harm You
While detox cleanses are often promoted as natural and harmless, following them without medical supervision can have real health consequences.
In the short term, people may experience dehydration, low blood sugar, headaches, fatigue and electrolyte imbalances due to restricted intake and fluid loss.
Over longer periods, repeated detoxing can lead to nutritional deficiencies, particularly of iron and essential vitamins. Loss of muscle mass, reduced immunity, metabolic disturbances and even bone density loss can occur.
Dr Veshnavi also warns that extreme restriction may contribute to the development of disordered eating patterns.
“Prolonged use of laxative-based detox products can disrupt normal bowel function, eventually creating dependence on laxatives for regular bowel movements,” she says.
When Detoxing Starts Harming Your Body
People may develop concerning symptoms after attempting extreme or unsupervised detox cleanses. These may include persistent dizziness, fainting episodes, palpitations, confusion, overwhelming fatigue and digestive problems.
Muscle cramps or spasms can occur due to electrolyte imbalances, while low blood sugar is particularly dangerous for vulnerable individuals.
Dr Veshnavi warns that in severe cases, detoxing can result in kidney damage, inflammation of the liver or serious electrolyte disturbances.
People with diabetes face a higher risk of dangerous drops in blood sugar, and after prolonged restriction, suddenly resuming normal eating can trigger re-feeding syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, she adds.
Who Should Strictly Avoid Detox Diets?
Detox diets are especially risky for certain groups. Dr Veshnavi advises that people with diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, liver disorders or a history of eating disorders should avoid detox cleanses altogether. Those who take regular medications may also face harmful drug interactions.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, adolescents and older adults are at increased risk of complications and should not attempt detox diets under any circumstances.
Is Fasting Safe For Your Health?
Intermittent fasting is often viewed as a milder alternative to detoxing. Dr Veshnavi says some healthy adults may experience improvements in insulin sensitivity or metabolic health through gentle time-restricted eating. However, research suggests that these benefits may be more closely linked to reduced calorie intake than to fasting itself.
Extreme or repeated fasting can still lead to nutrient deficiencies and muscle loss. Healthy adults considering fasting should consult a healthcare professional beforehand, stay hydrated and focus on nutrient-dense meals.
If symptoms such as dizziness or weakness appear, fasting should be stopped immediately.
Fasting is not considered safe for people with diabetes, pregnant women, children, adults over 65 or those with chronic illnesses.
Support Your Body’s Natural Detox System
While commercial detox programs are unnecessary, supporting the body’s natural detox systems is both safe and beneficial.
According to Dr Veshnavi, this does not require extreme measures. Staying well hydrated, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and adequate protein, engaging in regular physical activity, getting enough sleep, limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding tobacco all help the body function optimally.
These everyday habits support liver, kidney and gut health far more effectively than any short-term cleanse. “The body detoxifies itself naturally,” Dr Veshnavi stresses. “No drink, tea, or cleanse can ever work as effectively as your liver and kidneys.”
She adds, “There are no proven long-term health benefits of detox cleanses. Rather than relying on extreme or quick-fix solutions, doctors recommend focusing on sustainable daily habits that support the body’s natural systems.”
