A cleanse won't detox your body -- but here's what will | Body Stuff with Dr. Jen Gunter | TED

Summary

Detox and cleanse products are popular but ineffective for removing toxins, as the liver naturally processes harmful substances. The liver performs vital functions, including breaking down alcohol and nutrients from food. Instead of cleanses, maintain liver health by avoiding smoking, eating balanced, exercising, and getting enough sleep. Be cautious with alcohol, medication, and supplements, and get vaccinated against hepatitis B.

Takeaways

• 🚫 Detoxes and cleanses do not remove toxins from the body as many believe.
• 🔮 The concept of cleansing has historical roots in medicine and religion.
• 💸 The wellness industry has capitalized on the term 'detox' to market various cleanses.
• 🧰 The liver is a vital organ that naturally processes harmful substances and maintains bodily functions.
• 🍺 Alcohol is processed by the liver in a three-step detoxification process.
• 🍋 A cleanse like cayenne pepper and lemon juice is processed by the liver just like any other food or drink.
• 🏋️‍♀️ Cleanses do not enhance liver function or 'clean the pipes' of the body.
• 📉 Potential downsides of cleanses include weight loss due to reduced food intake, electrolyte imbalance, and intestinal disruption.
• 🍏 Maintaining a healthy liver involves not smoking, eating a balanced diet, exercising, and getting enough sleep.
• 🚫 Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to serious liver diseases like cirrhosis and liver cancer.
• ⚠️ Be cautious with supplements and herbs, as they can cause liver injury if not used properly.

Q & A

What is the main claim about detoxes and cleanses in the script?

The main claim is that detoxes and cleanses do not remove toxins from the body as many people believe, and the concept has been misused by the wellness industry.

How old is the idea of cleansing according to the script?

The idea of cleansing is not new; it has been around for thousands of years.

What role did bloodletting, purging, and fasting play in historical cleansing practices?

In the past, bloodletting, purging, and fasting were well-regarded treatments to rid the body of impurities and sickness.

What does the script say about the liver's role in detoxification?

The liver is a key organ for dealing with harmful substances. It processes nutrients from substances we consume and either packages them for use or removes them as waste.

How does the liver process alcohol according to the script?

The liver breaks down alcohol in three steps: converting it to acetaldehyde, then to acetate, and finally into carbon dioxide and water.

What is the script's stance on the effectiveness of a cayenne pepper and lemon juice cleanse?

The script suggests that there is nothing particularly magical about mixing cayenne and lemon, and that doing a cleanse doesn't 'clean the pipes' or make the liver work better or faster.

What are the potential downsides of doing a cleanse as mentioned in the script?

Potential downsides include losing weight due to reduced food intake, going into starvation mode, throwing off electrolyte balance, and disrupting intestinal flora and bowel function.

What are some liver-specific recommendations for maintaining liver health according to the script?

Recommendations include not consuming too much alcohol, reading warning labels on medications, getting vaccinated for hepatitis B, considering testing for hepatitis C, and being cautious with supplements and herbs.

What percentage of liver injury due to medication in the United States is caused by supplements, according to the script?

Twenty percent of liver injury due to medication in the United States is caused by supplements.

What does the script suggest as the best self-care in relation to detoxes and cleanses?

The script suggests that the best self-care is learning more about our bodies to make informed decisions on what we really need.

What are some of the liver's many jobs mentioned in the script?

The liver's jobs include assisting the immune system, creating proteins for blood clotting, sending out cholesterol needed to produce hormones, and dealing with harmful substances.