In our modern day attempt to achieve a perfect body, lose weight as quickly as possible, and to remove all the built-up toxins that accumulate from the foods we eat and the air we breathe, cleansing, detoxification, and “juicing” supplements have become increasingly popular.
But before you spend your hard-earned money on these, carefully research their ingredients below. Only then can you know what to expect as far as efficacy and potential health risks.
See Capsaicin.
Aloe has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, including osteoarthritis, fever, inflammation, diabetes, asthma, constipation, and many more. However, as relates to supplements, aloe is possibly effective for constipation after taking up too 200mg of latex by mouth, although it can easily lead to diarrhea. Keep in mind that aloe latex should not be taken for long periods by mouth, as this could possibly lead to muscle weakness, weight loss, kidney problems, and more.
An herb traditionally used to treat kidney discomfort, lack of appetite, poor circulation or immune system response, stomach cramps, and more, although there is insufficient clinical evidence to support these uses. There is also insufficient evidence to reflect a safe/effective dose of barberry, although newborn infants should never be given the ingredient.
A type of clay (soil) formed from the weathering of volcanic ash that generally has high levels of specific elements, especially potassium, sodium, calcium, or aluminum. Bentonite is known as a bulk laxative, because it absorbs liquid in the intestines to help improve stool quality and aid in passing. Bentonite is generally considered safe for short-term use as an ingredient in supplements, although excess use could lead to dehydration.
Birch leaves are often used to flush out the urinary tract, although there is insufficient clinical evidence showing that they are effective for the treatment of any medical condition. There is no range of doses for birch, although it’s considered safe for most adults.
Blueberry is used to treat a variety of ailments, including glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, fever, varicose veins, and diarrhea, although there is insufficient clinical evidence showing it to be an effective treatment for any medical conditions. The fruit of the blueberry is safe for most, although the leaves should be avoided.
Cascara bark has been used for centuries as a laxative (which is supported by clinical evidence), to treat liver problems, and even for cancer. Cascara used to be included in many over the counter supplements, although manufacturers chose to remove the ingredient after pressure from the FDA regarding its safety. As such, adults should not take more than 30mg of cascara per day, and only for a period of less than one week.
This is the water contained inside immature coconuts, which contains high levels of carbohydrates and electrolytes thought to be effective for treating dehydration and high blood pressure. However, there is insufficient clinical evidence showing coconut water to be medically useful for any condition, although it results in no known side effects.
A naturally occurring nutrient found in our bodies as well as the foods we eat that acts as a antioxidant and is important in metabolism. There is insufficient evidence showing that CoQ10 supplementation can reliably provide any medical benefits, although it’s often used to lower blood pressure, treating muscle pains, and slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. There is no established dose for CoQ10, which can range between 50mg and 1,200mg per day.
These mushrooms contain antioxidant compounds called flammulin and proflanin that may help reduce incidences of cancer, and may help boost immune system response. However, there remains insufficient clinical evidence showing this to be the case.
Fennel is a plant that is typically used to treat coughing, gas, and water retention, although there is insufficient clinical evidence supporting these uses. There is no appropriate fennel dosing, or whether or not it’s safe for short or long-term use.
Garlic is an ancient herb that’s been shown to be an effective treatment for a wide range of conditions, including colon and stomach cancer, high blood pressure, tick bites, ringworm, and more. Garlic is considered safe for long and short-term use by adults, up to 29 grams weekly.
Ginger is an herb whose stem has been used for centuries to help combat nausea, digestive upset, arthritis, sore muscles, and general pain. Clinical evidence shows that ginger may be possibly effective for treating nausea, dizziness, menstrual pain, arthritis, and morning sickness, although it may cause digestive upset in some patients. Ginger is generally considered safe up to 1,000mg per day.
Like most other types of Japanese mushrooms, King Trumpets are packed with antioxidants that may help boost your immune system and fight free radical damage.
This plant has been widely used for liver disorders, as the chemicals it contains are thought to protect liver cells from toxins, in addition to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. From a clinical perspective, evidence shows that milk thistle is possibly effective for seasonal allergies, diabetes, heartburn, menopausal symptoms, and radiation-induced skin damage. Milk thistle may cause a laxative effect, although it’s generally safe for use up to 420mg per day.
Moringa has been used for centuries in parts of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, often related to arthritis, joint pain, diarrhea, headache, high blood pressure, and more. However, there is insufficient clinical evidence showing its efficacy for any condition, although it’s been shown to be safe in daily doses of 6 grams for a period of 3 weeks. Note: Some parts of the moringa plant are toxic, and can cause paralysis and even death, so it’s important to obtain this ingredient from a reputable source.
A traditional Chinese tea that has been used to improve mental clarity, and to prevent cancer, osteoporosis, and heart disease for centuries. However, other than improved mental alertness related to its caffeine content and the possible prevention of ovarian cancer, there is insufficient clinical evidence showing the tea is effective for any of these uses. Oolong Wu Yi is safe for most adults with few side effects, other than excessive caffeine intake.
An Asian tree whose dried fruit resembles a raisin, which has traditionally been used as a laxative. However, there is insufficient clinical evidence showing this laxative effective has any kind of cleansing or detoxification benefits.
A species of mushroom that is packed with protein and B vitamins, as well as cholesterol-lowering chemicals, and may even help reduce the growth of colon and breast cancer cells.
Pectin is a type of fiber found in fruits, and is used to treat several conditions, including high cholesterol, diabetes, and even heavy metal poisoning. However, there is insufficient clinical evidence showing that pectin is effective for anything other than high cholesterol. Adults can take up to 15 grams of pectin per day, although some may experience diarrhea or gas.
A tree fruit that contains high levels of antioxidants and is often used for heart and blood vessel conditions, high cholesterol, flu, diabetes, obesity, and the prevention of prostate cancer, although there is insufficient clinical evidence showing that pomegranate is effective at treating any of these conditions. Pomegranate is considered safe for most when taken by mouth, although the root and stems should not be consumed.
An herb whose seeds (husks) are used to treat a variety of digestive conditions, although the only treatment psyllium has been clinically shown to be effective for is constipation. Dosing depends largely on the individual as well as their condition, although anywhere from 7 to 40 grams is considered safe. Be sure to drink plenty of water when taking psyllium, as it can cause dehydration, as well as cramping.
Another type of tea that’s thought to have 50% more antioxidants than green tea, which can help fight free radical damage, in addition to high Vitamin C content. Rooibos does not contain caffeine like many other types of teas, so it may be ideal for individuals who are sensitive to stimulants.
A plant whose fruit and leaves are used to make a laxative, which may provide relief from irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, and weight loss. Senna is FDA approved, as clinical evidence shows that senna works well as a laxative, but not much else. In some instances, senna is safe in daily doses up to 17mg, although it shouldn’t be used for more than 2 weeks at a time.
A tree whose inner bark is used in the treatment of coughs, sore throat, diarrhea, urinary tract infections, herpes, colitis, expelling tapeworms, and much more. However, there is insufficient clinical evidence showing slippery elm is effective for anything other than sore throat, although it’s generally considered safe to take by mouth. There is no agreed upon dosing for slippery elm.
Microscopic plant-like organisms that contain high levels of protein, B vitamins, and iron, and are commonly used for treatments for weight loss, diabetes, fatigue, depression, PMS, lowering cholesterol, and much more. However, this type of algae has insufficient clinical evidence showing it’s effective for anything other than treating precancerous mouth lesions. Spirulina is considered safe for most individuals, although it’s important yours are free from contaminants such as toxic metals.
A grass that contains high levels of nutrients, such as vitamin A, C, and E; iron, calcium, magnesium, and amino acids. Wheatgrass is claimed to provide many benefits, including treating diabetes, tooth decay, urinary tract infections, lowering cholesterol, and much more. However, there is insufficient clinical evidence available to support any of its claimed benefits. There is no agreed upon dosing for wheatgrass, although it’s thought to be safe to take for up to 18 months at a time.
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