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Detox Teas: Are They Really Healthy?

June 20, 2019

The so-called “detox teas” creating a buzz on social media may not be healthy after all, according to U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who spoke at a press conference June 17 at Hartford Hospital.

Many of these teas, sold under a variety of names, claim to promote weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. Blumenthal noted that these products target adolescents and young adults through the use of celebrity influencers – like the Kardashians – who earn large sums of money for promoting the products on social media without any expectation that they personally use the teas themselves.

This is in violation of the Federal Trade Commission’s Endorsement Guidelines. Earlier this month, Blumenthal sent a letter to FTC Chairman Joseph Simons about detox teas’ “promotion as shortcuts to healthy weight loss and management.”

“Detox teas” are growing in popularity, despite the lack of any clinically-demonstrated benefits and the possibility of serious, long-term side effects, including bowel damage, heart function disorders, muscle weakness, and liver damage.

“The dangers of these products, their widespread use and deceptive marketing demand federal action,” Blumenthal said.

Moreover, according to experts, these teas have not been shown to promote weight loss.

“There is no clinical evidence that shows they help with weight loss,” said Dr. Devika Umashanker, medical weight loss physician with Hartford HealthCare’s medical and surgical weight loss program.

For those who want to lose weight, proper diet and exercise is always the recommended course of action.

“The best approach is to speak with your doctor about healthy eating and exercise strategies,” said Dr. Umashanker.

For more  information on Hartford HealthCare’s medical weight loss, click here.