Before starting a body detox plan, get clear about what you want to improve. Then review the specific instructions, products and claims so you can decide whether the plan makes sense for that goal.
Read all of the instructions
Check whether the program asks you to fast, take a laxative, drink large volumes of fluid or stop eating whole groups of foods. Find out what ingredients are in any products and what the seller says to do if side effects develop.
Compare the claim with the research
Ask for evidence on the exact method, including what researchers measured and for how long. Commercial detox programs are a broad group, and support for claims that they remove unspecified toxins is limited.
Get advice that fits your health
If you take medication, have a health condition or are unsure about an ingredient, share the complete plan with a clinician or pharmacist. If you are worried about a specific exposure, seek medical advice about that exposure.
For more detail, see NIH’s review of detoxes and cleanses. Also see What Is Body Detox? for another part of this series.