Health experts are warning consumers about the dangers of detox diets, after sales of health foods grew by 75 per cent in January alone.
Christmas bingeing is thought to be at the root of the rush to the health food store, with retailers celebrating the start of the “detox season”.
Tesco says sales of probiotic yoghurts are up by 75 per cent, while fruit and vegetable sales have increased by one third.
Porridge sales have also risen by one quarter.
However, nutritionists say that trying to purge the body of toxins can actually be harmful and cause a range of side effects, including bowel problems and potassium depletion.
Dr Catherine Collins, chief dietician at St George’s Hospital in south west London, says that the idea of detoxifying the body through what a person eats and drinks “has no scientific basis”.
She says she has seen dozens of patients suffering from side effects caused by detox diets.
Posted by James at February 26, 2004 06:57 PM