Every week, social media promotes a new miracle drink claiming to flush toxins, reset your liver, or cleanse your body. Beetroot shots, carrot juice, karela blends, or bottle gourd elixirs flood feeds with bold promises. It feels like wellness in a bottle, but the reality is very different. Your body already has a sophisticated detox system built in. Hyderabad neurologist Dr Sudhir Kumar breaks down why these popular “detox” juices are largely marketing, and in some cases, could even be harmful.
Kidneys and liver for detoxing
Dr Sudhir Kumar explains that the human body relies primarily on the liver and kidneys to neutralise and remove toxins. The liver chemically transforms drugs, alcohol, hormones, and metabolic waste into excretable forms, while the kidneys filter up to 180 litres of blood daily, maintaining electrolyte balance and eliminating harmful substances. If these organs are functioning properly, additional detox juices do not enhance this process, and in cases of impaired function, juices cannot substitute for medical care.
Detox juice risks
Potential risks from popular detox juices are often overlooked.
- Individuals with kidney disease can experience dangerous spikes in potassium from beetroot, tomato, or bottle gourd juice.
- Oxalate-rich drinks like beetroot or spinach juice can worsen kidney stone formation.
- Juicing removes fibre, which can spike blood sugar levels in diabetics.
- There is no evidence that vegetable juices can reverse fatty liver or fibrosis.
- Excessive fluid-only detox regimens can even dilute sodium levels, leading to hyponatremia.
What actually helps to detox?
Scientific evidence does not support claims that detox drinks remove undefined toxins, cleanse the liver, improve kidney function, or sustainably accelerate weight loss. Most perceived benefits come from indirect effects: reduced processed food intake, better hydration, and overall calorie reduction, rather than any actual “detox” mechanism.
Dr Sudhir Kumar emphasises practical strategies that genuinely support your body’s detox system. A balanced diet with whole fruits and vegetables, proper hydration, regular physical activity, sufficient sleep, and control of conditions like diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol provides real, measurable health benefits. Moderation with alcohol and avoidance of extreme cleanses ensure your organs operate optimally without reliance on gimmicky products.
In short, the doctor reminds everyone that the body is a self-regulating biochemical system, not a clogged pipe that needs flushing. He warns that detox marketing thrives on quick fixes and dramatic claims, but true health comes from consistent, evidence-based daily habits rather than flashy three-day juice regimens. Before following influencer advice, it’s crucial to consider scientific backing and potential risks for anyone with medical conditions.
Kidneys and liver for detoxing
Dr Sudhir Kumar explains that the human body relies primarily on the liver and kidneys to neutralise and remove toxins. The liver chemically transforms drugs, alcohol, hormones, and metabolic waste into excretable forms, while the kidneys filter up to 180 litres of blood daily, maintaining electrolyte balance and eliminating harmful substances. If these organs are functioning properly, additional detox juices do not enhance this process, and in cases of impaired function, juices cannot substitute for medical care.Detox juice risks
Potential risks from popular detox juices are often overlooked. - Individuals with kidney disease can experience dangerous spikes in potassium from beetroot, tomato, or bottle gourd juice.
- Oxalate-rich drinks like beetroot or spinach juice can worsen kidney stone formation.
- Juicing removes fibre, which can spike blood sugar levels in diabetics.
- There is no evidence that vegetable juices can reverse fatty liver or fibrosis.
- Excessive fluid-only detox regimens can even dilute sodium levels, leading to hyponatremia.
What actually helps to detox?
Scientific evidence does not support claims that detox drinks remove undefined toxins, cleanse the liver, improve kidney function, or sustainably accelerate weight loss. Most perceived benefits come from indirect effects: reduced processed food intake, better hydration, and overall calorie reduction, rather than any actual “detox” mechanism.Dr Sudhir Kumar emphasises practical strategies that genuinely support your body’s detox system. A balanced diet with whole fruits and vegetables, proper hydration, regular physical activity, sufficient sleep, and control of conditions like diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol provides real, measurable health benefits. Moderation with alcohol and avoidance of extreme cleanses ensure your organs operate optimally without reliance on gimmicky products.
In short, the doctor reminds everyone that the body is a self-regulating biochemical system, not a clogged pipe that needs flushing. He warns that detox marketing thrives on quick fixes and dramatic claims, but true health comes from consistent, evidence-based daily habits rather than flashy three-day juice regimens. Before following influencer advice, it’s crucial to consider scientific backing and potential risks for anyone with medical conditions.