Detox Teas- Things You Need to Know

Detox teas has become increasingly popular these days, no thanks to the touting of their benefits by celebrities. The buzz generated by the celebs claims of the amazing benefits of drinking these teas has made the detox tea business a multi-million dollar business. But, before you join in this craze for herbal health teas there are some things you need to know.

Side effects linked to some detox tea ingredients

According to National Center for Complementary Alternative Medicine, most known herbs included in detox teas generally appear safe when taken in proper quantities. Apart from tea leaves some detox tea concoction may contain some additional herbs intended to restrain appetite, enhance metabolism and encourage weight loss. An example is guarana plant, an ingredient included in some weight loss teas. If consumed in overdose its side effects include restlessness, nervousness, nausea, vomiting, stomach irritation, anxiety, agitation, and palpitation. Another popular ingredient is senna a natural laxative. Its side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and bloating, abdominal pain. Excess intake can cause electrolyte imbalance which may lead to muscle spasm and irregular heartbeat. Dandelion another major detox herb sometimes results in an upset stomach and diarrhea. If you suffer from blocked bile ducts or infected gallbladder you need to stay away from this herb. Individual who consume milk thistle occasionally experience headaches, skin rashes, joint pain, and impotence.

It may affect your sleep pattern

Caffeine is an essential ingredient of most detox teas due to its stimulating effect, appetite suppressant, and enhances bowel movement. Too much intake of caffeine however, can keep you awake for longer. This may lead to excessive eating habit which defeats the aim of weight loss. If you are looking to lose weight with detox tea adequate sleep is essential.

You may not lose actual fat

If your aim of taking a detox tea is to lose weight you may be disappointed to know you may actually lose water weight, and not actual excess fat. Caffeine and diuretics in detox teas can enhance the loss of water weight which will make you feel lighter without burning out any body fat. The laxative effects of these teas triggers colon cleanse which can make you have a flatter stomach while your lean-to-fat ratio remains intact. 

Tea to be taken with detox foods

Add some detoxifying foods like fruits and vegetables to your diet. This will enhance the detoxifying effects of the tea. Here are some of them;

Lemons- This citrus fruit is rich in vitamin C and is known to help restore the acid alkaline balance of the body, and thus promoting the removal of dietary and environmental toxin. Lemon juice with warm water every morning is very helpful.

Apples- High in insoluble fiber and soluble fiber pectin mops up toxins and waste, and flushes them through the intestines.

Cabbage- This vegie is high in glucosinolates. These sulphur containing compounds which are converted into active forms isothiocyanates and indoles. Isothiocyanates may prevent cancer by promoting the elimination of potential carcinogens from the body. It is also high in vitamin K and vitamin C.

Garlic- garlic contains sulphur-containing compounds that help to fight harmful bacteria and yeast in the intestines and enhance the body’s ability to detox by increasing production of glutathione, important for the elimination of certain toxins.

Regular exercises are still needed for the teas to work

For best results it is recommended to take detox teas in conjunction with regular exercises. Regular workout routine will aid your body in its natural detoxification process. Blood circulation to all the body organs will be en hanced while bringing nutrients to them. As you exercise toxins are expelled through the pores of the skin.

Choosing a Detox Tea

A lot of detox teas are out there in the market, and making the right choice can be difficult if you do not have the proper guidance. A safe and effective detox tea should be made from 100% organic ingredients combined in safe proportions, boost metabolism, promote burning of stored fat, and boost body energy. It should detox internal organs, suppress appetite, reduce bloating, and fix digestive problems. A good detox tea will also improve skin complexion, flush out toxins from the body, and give you a better sleep.

When taken in reasonable amounts a lot of commercially packaged herbal teas are safe with rare cases of side effects. However these products should not be consumed in excess. It is also not advisable mixing your own herbal tea formula or adding your home grown herbs without expert knowledge of the potential side effects.

A cleansing process should make you feel renewed with vigour with increased body energy, and not make you feel sick. A complete body detox program should be able to give a full body cleanse of all the organs and glands. It should provide a balanced micro and macronutrients so your metabolism is optimized not damaged.