Internal cleanse products
What you need to know about "internal cleanse" products, such as dietary fibers, herbal supplements and probiotics.
From the Field
Is there anything to the hype surrounding internal cleanse products?
Overview
Internal cleanse products for detoxification, weight loss, energy, better digestion?
Background
The concept of a fresh start is one many of us can relate to, whether it’s the ritual home spring-cleaning, clearing our desks before starting a new project, or indulging in a favorite, calorie-laden food the day before beginning a diet. Perhaps this accounts for the fact that over-the-counter products promoting “total cleansing” and the detoxification of the body are consistently top-sellers by retailers of health- and nutrition-related products: the suggestion that our systems, too, need fresh starts to recover from lifestyle choices. But is there scientific evidence backing up the marketing jargon used to sell these products, or the most general and wide-spread assertion that detoxification is necessary for better health?
There are numerous cleansing and detoxifying products on the market which may contain different ingredients, but in general, include dietary fiber, multiple herbal supplements, antioxidant extracts, digestive enzymes, and probiotics. Some may be daily supplements, while others are “programs” of several days to several weeks.
Myths and/or Claims
Among the many claims these products make are improved digestion and the enhanced ability of the body to absorb nutrients, as well as remove unwanted toxins and “compacted matter” from our gastrointestinal tract. They may also claim to support the health of specific organs, and make the promise of feeling lighter and more energized.
Facts
Explanations used to promote these products hinge on the assumption that the body needs help in its natural ability to detoxify itself through the liver, kidneys, and digestive tract. A search through published literature and the Natural Medicines Database, an independent, online archive of research pertaining to natural products, turned up no clinical trials demonstrating this. Under normal circumstances, the ability of the liver to neutralize or metabolize toxic substances, and of the kidneys to filter out waste products, needs no special assistance. Nor was there evidence that the body accumulates a toxic load from the occasional dietary over-indulgence, stress, or lack of exercise – so a special product isn’t needed. Certain ingredients, however, may be useful in certain situations; for example, the use of turmeric as an aid for both liver and digestive function, but there is no scientific data showing a cleansing formula of multiple and possibly synergistic ingredients is necessary, effective, or even safe.
In addition, the high proportion of fiber supplements and herbal extracts targeting the lower digestive tract suggests that the colon, as well, requires support to efficiently eliminate waste. The claim of “feeling lighter” may be anecdotal and may occur after a healthy elimination, but overall, the claim is without scientific merit. Under normal circumstances, it would be false advertising to suggest that the colon harbors “compacted matter” that could be detrimental to your health. It’s important to note that beside each claim on body cleansing products, as asterisk appears that directs readers to their disclaimer: “The FDA has not evaluated such statements.”
Cautions
No high-quality clinical trials have been published that back up the purported health benefits of using oral body cleansing and detoxification products regularly or periodically. However, numerous concerns have been suggested. The concerns are based primarily on potential interactions among the various ingredients, lack of purity of the herbal products, and inclusion of ingredients acting as laxatives. Herbal or other ingredients that cause diarrhea can result in fluid loss and electrolyte imbalances.
The most common adverse effects of body cleansing and/or detoxifying products are gastrointestinal symptoms (stomach pain, abdominal cramps, and nausea), dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance (from vomiting and diarrhea). The severity of the effects will depend on interactions between the multiple and multifunctional ingredients.
Bottom Line for Military Relevance
Body cleansing products can cause adverse effects like stomach pain and abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration, all of which may interfere with mission success and pose serious health risks. Experts recommend staying regular by eating fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetable, and whole grains, and drinking plenty of fluids. Under normal circumstances, our bodies have an amazing capacity to effectively and efficiently deal with everyday stressors. Occasional constipation can be effectively managed through diet and lifestyle choices, without the need for potentially dangerous body cleansing or detoxifying programs.
