Beat the bloat
more food and nutrition
Detox supplements – are they worth the money, what do they do and when you should take them?
Blackmores 10 Day Detox Program
What’s in it? Liquid digestive bitters, to stimulate digestion; milk thistle tablets, a herb traditionally used to detoxify the liver and shown to protect against liver damage and assist liver regeneration; Colon Care powder, a combination herbal laxative; probiotic capsules to improve intestinal microbial balance; and an exfoliating mitt.
How does it work? The supplements support the digestive system, stimulating your taste buds, stomach, liver and colon, and introducing good bacteria to allow it to function better. The mitt loosens dead skin cells and encourages removal of toxins.
When should you use it? This is good for anyone with sluggish digestion, particularly constipation.
When shouldn’t you use it? If you have abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea. Prolonged use may lead to laxative dependency. Milk thistle is contraindicated in people with a known daisy (Asteraceae family) allergy.
Suisse Liver Detox
What’s in it? Globe artichoke, to increase blood flow to liver and assist regeneration; turmeric, which protects against liver damage and has significant antioxidant effects; and milk thistle, a liver tonic.
How does it work? The herbs are all traditional liver detoxifiers.
When should you use it? This is only helpful if your liver is under-functioning or has to regularly process excess toxins, such as if you regularly consume alcohol or fatty foods, or are exposed to environmental toxins, e.g. pesticides.
When shouldn’t you use it? If you suffer from gallbladder (e.g. bile duct obstruction such as gall stones) or liver conditions (e.g. cirrhosis or liver cancer) as the herbs may aggravate them. Globe artichoke is contraindicated in people with a known daisy (Asteraceae) allergy.
Lemon Detox Diet Kit
What’s in it? Madal Bal, a mix of palm and maple syrup which provides an energy source, and cayenne pepper, to increase metabolic rate and fat burning. These two are added to lemon juice and purified water, which are cleansing. The kit also contains senna leaf tea and sea salt to induce bowel movements during the all-liquid diet.
How does it work? There are three options: the Full Body Cleanse, which involves substituting all meals for 5-10 days with the Lemon Detox drink, and the Relaxed and 50:50 versions which substitute fewer meals.
When should you use it? This is more a weight-loss than detox supplement, so is suited to those who want to rest their digestive system and potentially lose weight.
When shouldn’t you use it? If you have metabolic or serious health disorders, such as diabetes. It uses laxatives which are contraindicated in anyone with irritable or inflammatory bowel disorders. The cayenne may irritate stomach ulcers. It also contains a relatively large amount of sugar, contraindicated in yeast infections, e.g. thrush.
Brauer Elimitona 20 Day Detox
What’s in it? Liquid combination of homoeopathic Oregon grape, hawthorn, Nux vomica, and Silicea, traditionally used to aid digestive function.
How does it work? Made through a process of diluting and energising different plant, animal or mineral substances, this is designed to stimulate a therapeutic reaction in the digestive system.
When should you use it? As it is focused on aiding and maintaining digestive function, it is suitable for anyone with general digestive complaints, including flatulence and constipation, as well as symptoms of overindulgence.
When shouldn’t you use it? If you have known allergies to any of the ingredients.
Buyer beware
Done properly, a detox revives an over-worked digestive system. However, caution is warranted with ingredients designed to stimulate sensitive organs. Never undertake a detox during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
