Search

Placeholder Content Image

Thinking of trying a detox? Here’s what you need to know first

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/clare-collins-7316">Clare Collins</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-newcastle-1060">University of Newcastle</a></em></p> <p>What is a “detox”? It’s a process that involves using particular products, diets or other detoxification methods to try and rid the body of so-called “toxins”.</p> <p>Detoxes are <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1499404619308127">prevalent on social media</a> and spruiked by brands offering detox products, celebrities and influencers.</p> <p>A documentary airing on Channel 10 this week – Todd Sampson’s <a href="https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2023/11/06/todd-sampson-returns-with-new-mirror-mirror-testing-wellness-industry/">Mirror Mirror: Are You Well?</a> – explores our fascination with detoxing, and the science (or lack thereof) behind it.</p> <p>So if you’re thinking of trying a detox, here’s what you need to know.</p> <h2>Detoxing is not new</h2> <p>Detoxing has held an attraction since the time of <a href="https://bcmj.org/premise/history-bloodletting">Hippocrates</a>, who believed four bodily fluids or “humors” – blood, phlegm, black bile and yellow bile – had to remain in balance to maintain good health. Being unwell meant the body’s organs and fluids were somehow imbalanced and in need of correction.</p> <p>Throughout the centuries these “imbalances” have been treated with everything from <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/leeches-bloodletting-enemas-and-emetics-the-uncomfortable-history-of-medicine-20220726-p5b4u2.html">enemas and emetics</a> to <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3757849/">leech therapy</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloodletting">bloodletting</a>. An enema sees a tube <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/enema-administration#administration">inserted into the anus</a> to deliver medication or fluids to the rectum or colon. An <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/emetic">emetic</a> is a compound designed to make you vomit. <a href="https://bcmj.org/premise/history-bloodletting">Bloodletting</a> involved using certain techniques – not for the faint of heart – to remove blood from a patient and supposedly cure disease.</p> <p>Meanwhile, throughout history, the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26133274/">ritual of fasting</a> as a display of self-discipline, purity and holiness was common, particularly among women.</p> <h2>What are the different types of detox?</h2> <p>Fast forward to today, and detoxes look a bit different. Detox products sold over the counter or online are typically teas or drinks to be consumed instead of food.</p> <p>These approaches sometimes start with a fasting phase or use intermittent fasting throughout the program.</p> <p>The “detox” tag is appearing on a growing range of teas, coffee, infused waters, drinks with added fruit, vegetables, herbal mixes, nutrients or added blends of “natural” ingredients. These products often claim to flush toxins from the body, or to boost immunity.</p> <p><a href="https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/detox-drinks-market-107122">Global predictions</a> indicate the detox drink market, estimated at more than US$5 billion in 2022, will grow in value by another 50% before 2030.</p> <p>A <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22103982/">survey of detoxification therapies</a> used by naturopaths in the United States reported that more than three-quarters recommended dietary measures, including “cleansing foods” (such as beetroot), vitamin, mineral or antioxidant supplements, organic foods, elimination diets and probiotics.</p> <p>While drinks and dietary measures represent typical approaches to a detox, there are also some more unusual detox practices.</p> <p>One-third of patients in that same US study had undergone colonic irrigation, which involves <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/pros-cons-colon-cleanse#what-is-it?">infusing fluids into the colon</a> to remove digestive waste.</p> <p>More than one-quarter had used <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/homeopathy">homeopathic remedies</a> or laxative herbs.</p> <p>While we don’t have equivalent data for Australia, a survey of <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30470778/">more than 2,000 Australian adults</a> found 63% had either used or consulted someone about complementary therapies in the previous year. A portion of these were likely detox therapies.</p> <h2>Do detoxes work?</h2> <p>The short answer is no. A <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35866077/">review published in 2022</a> found detox diets failed to identify plausible pathways by which toxins could be eliminated, or the specific toxins supposedly removed by a particular diet.</p> <p>This review also pointed out that detoxes defy the general principles of human physiology, in that the liver and kidneys are quite efficient at removing toxins from our bodies.</p> <p>A previous <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25522674/">review from 2015</a> similarly found studies did not provide convincing evidence to support the use of detox diets.</p> <p>Detox products don’t have to prove they’re effective to be on the market. In Australia, complementary medicines sold over the counter are regulated by the <a href="https://www.tga.gov.au/what-tga-regulates">Therapeutic Goods Administration</a>, with ingredients assessed for quality and safety, but not whether the products actually work.</p> <p>You should check any product and marketing claims before purchasing to see what the manufacturers say. Big promises to be sceptical about include eliminating toxins, rapid weight loss, stronger willpower, improved self-esteem, an energy or immunity boost, feeling happier, inner peace, or better skin, hair and nails.</p> <h2>Potential dangers of detoxing</h2> <p>Consuming detox products in place of a regular diet leads to a very low total kilojoule intake, and therefore may lead to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29124370/">weight loss</a> in the short term. But they’re not a sustainable way to lose weight.</p> <p>Detox diets that severely restrict kilojoules or food groups increase the risk of nutrient deficiencies. Adverse effects <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/detox-diets-101#safety-and-side-effects">include</a> fatigue, irritability and <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/halitosis-or-bad-breath">bad breath</a>.</p> <p>There’s also a risk detox product ingredient labels <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35866077/">might not be accurate</a>, increasing the risk of side effects, potential overdoses or other adverse events. In Spain, a <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22884574/">50-year-old man</a> died after an incorrect ingredient was added to a liver cleanse detox product he used, leading to manganese poisoning.</p> <p>A 2018-19 <a href="https://www.phrp.com.au/issues/july-2023-volume-33-issue-2/compliance-audit-of-colonic-lavage-businesses/">audit of premises in New South Wales</a> performing colonic irrigation found failures to meet infection control standards.</p> <p>Some people should definitely not try detoxing. This includes people with chronic medical conditions, eating disorders, older adults, children and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.</p> <p>One positive aspect of detox programs is that they may help raise awareness of your current food, alcohol or lifestyle habits that could be improved. Reflecting on these can potentially provide the motivation to try and eat more healthily.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/212776/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/clare-collins-7316"><em>Clare Collins</em></a><em>, Laureate Professor in Nutrition and Dietetics, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-newcastle-1060">University of Newcastle</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/thinking-of-trying-a-detox-heres-what-you-need-to-know-first-212776">original article</a>.</em></p>

Body

Placeholder Content Image

Why over-cleansing can do more harm than good

<p dir="ltr">As we all know, taking off your makeup and sunscreen at the end of the day is a vital part of anyone’s skincare routine.</p><p dir="ltr">This process not only helps you feel fresh and relaxed to get a good night’s sleep, but is also an essential step to remove dirt, oil and dead skin cells that can lead to skin feeling congested, breakouts and lasting dullness. </p><p dir="ltr">While most people opt for a makeup remover, such as wipes or cleansing serums, it turns out this process could be doing more harm than good - especially with ageing skin. </p><p dir="ltr">According to Dr Mike Bell, Head of Science and Research for the holy grail UK skincare brand No7, “The over-cleansing of skin - sometimes with harsh high surfactant foaming cleansers or high alcohol-based toners - can be as harmful as the over-use of make-up or ineffective removal of make-up.” </p><p dir="ltr">“The skin’s essential barrier can become stripped of important ceramides and lipids, leaving it more sensitive and vulnerable to the environment."</p><p dir="ltr">Dr Bell’s solution? Turn to a cleanser that gets the job done, without all the harsh ingredients. </p><p dir="ltr">"Effective removal does rely on cleansers with mild but effective surfactants as well as the right type of emollient oils that together can dissolve even the most stubborn make-up.”</p><p dir="ltr">“Branched ester emollients like isononyl isononanoate are particularly effective as is dimethicone for dissolving some of the higher waterproof make-ups. These are combined with olive oil-based emulsifiers to take your make-up off seamlessly without harming the skin," he says. </p><p dir="ltr">Luckily, No7 offers a huge range of cleansers for all skin types, with tested formulas that will help remove makeup with ease, and not damage your skin in the process. </p><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.priceline.com.au/no7-biodegradable-cleansing-wipes-30-wipes">No7 Biodegradable Cleansing Wipes</a> are a tested favourite, with the soft and gentle wipes helping to clear pores and banish all traces of impurity with ease. </p><p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/02/cleansing-No7.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p><p dir="ltr"><em>Image credit: Supplied - No7</em></p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-1437face-7fff-1449-341c-422b054a5c8a">For a gentle eye makeup remover that won’t leave behind traces of your favourite mascara, look no further than <a href="https://www.priceline.com.au/brand/no7/no7-radiant-results-revitalising-eye-make-up-remover-100-ml">No7 Radiant Results Revitalising Eye Make-Up Remover</a>.</span></p><p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/02/eye-No7.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p><p dir="ltr"><em>Image credit: Supplied - No7</em></p><p dir="ltr">A gentle pre-cleanse is essential for any deep clean, with<a href="https://www.priceline.com.au/no7-radiant-results-revitalising-micellar-cleansing-water-200-ml"> No7 Radiant Results Revitalising Micellar Cleansing Water</a> working to capture make-up, impurities and pollutants, drawing them away from the skin in an instant. </p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-a40944fa-7fff-b343-129f-ea8e24d6b524"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/02/micellar-No7.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></span></p><p dir="ltr"><em>Image credit: Supplied - No7</em></p><p dir="ltr">Available at <a href="https://www.priceline.com.au/brand/no7">Priceline</a>, these three holy grail products are available for under $20 each, making them a must have to everyone’s skincare regime. </p><p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images / No7</em><span id="docs-internal-guid-3157a1b6-7fff-2307-ef31-e41d41e5893c"></span></p>

Beauty & Style

Placeholder Content Image

5 steps to get better skin overnight

<p>While it may be referred to as “beauty sleep,” our skin still needs a helping hand overnight to reap the best rewards. Employing a couple of super quick and easy strategies can make all the difference and mean waking up to a healthy, glowing complexion versus one that’s seen better days.</p> <p>1. <strong>Cleanse then cleanse again</strong> – If you do ONE thing before bed, make sure it’s a thorough cleanse. And if you’ve got one a substantial amount of make-up and/or have spent the day outdoors in the (pollution ridden) fresh air, consider using a gentle make-up remover on your eyes/cheeks/lips followed by your normal cleanser or double cleanse before applying any other products.</p> <p>2. <strong>Stay hydrated</strong> – While serums and moisturiser are your skins perfect companions for hydration, using a humidifier in your bedroom, especially in winter, kicks moisture levels up a notch, providing continuous hydration all night long.</p> <p>3.<strong> Choose your products wisely</strong> – Applying a serum or moisturiser that contains hyaluronic acid is your best bet for smooth, plump skin in the morning. Hyaluronic acid helps bind water to your skin, leaving it hydrated and healthy.</p> <p>4. <strong>Watch what you eat</strong> – Salt and alcohol in particular do not make for great skin. Both can cause puffiness and dehydration to your dermis leaving it looking parched and less than fresh. If you have indulged, try adding a second pillow to your bed as the incline will help prevent fluid from pooling.</p> <p>5.<strong> Eye cream know-how</strong> – Applying an eye cream before bed can be the quickest route to fresh looking morning eyes. The trick? Selecting the right product for your problem. For blueish/black under eye circles, try using a cream that contains vitamin K as it will help push oxygen back into the area. For excess pigmentation and/or superficial bags, check out creams that contain acids like kojic acid that will help lighten and brighten.</p>

Beauty & Style

Our Partners

Over 60

© Copyright 2024 OverSixty.All Rights Reserved.