Samuel
Sun, Jul-01-07, 11:34
http://www.health.com/health/article/0,23414,1613686,00.html
Health, May 2007
7 Diet Fads to Forget
by Alicia Potter
http://img.timeinc.net/health/i/200705/DetoxDiet225.jpg
Don’t waste your money on these gimmicks.
Many detox regimens are ineffective but harmless. Others can hurt you. “Ninety percent of what I hear about detoxing is not reality,” says Dan Cosgrove, MD, director of the Wellmax Center for Preventive Medicine in La Quinta, California. Steer clear of the following treatments, which haven’t been proven to work. They won’t clean out anything but your purse.
1. Activated charcoal capsules
They don’t absorb and flush out toxins; your liver takes care of that.
2. Chelation
This chemical injection into the blood won’t reduce plaque buildup in arteries.
3. Colonic cleanser kits
These herb capsules and drink powders make you go, but so does bran cereal.
4. Excessive sweating
Seaweed wraps or long stints in the sauna might feel good, but not because you’re eliminating any toxins.
5. Herbal supplements and teas
Capsules, extracts, and brews made of everything from milk thistle to marshmallow root might sound healthy, but they won’t do anything for your liver, colon, and lymph nodes.
6. Ionic foot baths
These gizmos supposedly generate positively-charged ions that force toxins through the pores of your feet. And you’re going to win the lottery, too.
7. Patches
Foot patches with vinegars and other natural ingredients that “pull” toxins out of the body? Try a foot massage instead.
Health, May 2007
7 Diet Fads to Forget
by Alicia Potter
http://img.timeinc.net/health/i/200705/DetoxDiet225.jpg
Don’t waste your money on these gimmicks.
Many detox regimens are ineffective but harmless. Others can hurt you. “Ninety percent of what I hear about detoxing is not reality,” says Dan Cosgrove, MD, director of the Wellmax Center for Preventive Medicine in La Quinta, California. Steer clear of the following treatments, which haven’t been proven to work. They won’t clean out anything but your purse.
1. Activated charcoal capsules
They don’t absorb and flush out toxins; your liver takes care of that.
2. Chelation
This chemical injection into the blood won’t reduce plaque buildup in arteries.
3. Colonic cleanser kits
These herb capsules and drink powders make you go, but so does bran cereal.
4. Excessive sweating
Seaweed wraps or long stints in the sauna might feel good, but not because you’re eliminating any toxins.
5. Herbal supplements and teas
Capsules, extracts, and brews made of everything from milk thistle to marshmallow root might sound healthy, but they won’t do anything for your liver, colon, and lymph nodes.
6. Ionic foot baths
These gizmos supposedly generate positively-charged ions that force toxins through the pores of your feet. And you’re going to win the lottery, too.
7. Patches
Foot patches with vinegars and other natural ingredients that “pull” toxins out of the body? Try a foot massage instead.