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Comment and Health

There's no such thing as a 'detox' – so let's ban the word

Using the word detox to promote drinks such as tea as well as food and other products is essentially meaningless. Time to give it a rest, says Anthony Warner

By Anthony Warner

31 May 2018

detox speled out in vegetables

Charlotte Allen/Alamy Stock Photo

For those who rail against overinflated health claims on the things we consume or use, the term detox . The implication that foods, drinks, diet plans, spa treatments or even can somehow fast-track poisons out of your body has no basis in science, yet has been made real in the public’s mind by constant repetition.

Thankfully, anyone with a functioning liver, kidneys and digestive system doesn’t need any help removing toxins – most are broken down or excreted within hours. There is that juices, smoothies or electrical appliances make…

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