Detoxification therapy (cleansing)
safety
The safety of the various approaches to detoxification varies depending on the methods being used and the health status of the individual.
Possible risks of detoxification regimes by all people regardless of their health status include dehydration or depletion of essential nutrients. Professional guidance is recommended for anyone seeking a serious detoxification program.
Unsupervised detoxification should not be attempted by people who have an acute or serious medical condition without medical consultation.
Caution is advised in those taking prescription medications, as blood levels of drugs may be reduced by detoxification. This is especially a concern when herbs are being used as part of a detoxification regime. Consult with your healthcare professional first.
An effective detoxification regime may result in temporary side effects such as headaches and other aches and pains, fatigue, skin eruptions, emotional irritability, gas, tight muscles, yawning, temporary stopping of menstruation, and temporary constipation or diarrhea, as toxins are released from the body.
See the Natural Standard monographs on individual methods of detoxification for details about safety and precautions.
evidence table
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
