Herbal teas shared on social media are not suitable for everyone. Gastroenterologists and liver doctors have warned that those with pre-existing liver problems should avoid them. According to doctors at Apollo Hospitals, the natural detox trend doing the rounds on social media can seriously harm people with liver disease. Many things are shared on social media under the guise of being healthy and natural. One such trend is “herbal detox tea”. It is promoted as a natural way to cleanse the body and has become a billion dollar market with names like weight loss, liver detox and body detox. However, doctors say that these natural remedies can cause liver damage in many people. Experts believe that uncontrolled herbal concoctions can cause severe liver injury, failure, and sometimes even the need for a transplant.
Apollo Hospital Dr. Sudeep Kanna explains that the liver is the body’s natural and most effective detox organ. Many people drink herbal detox teas to “cleanse” their bodies. They promise quick results, but their hidden toxins and unregulated compounds can aggravate liver disease. In conditions such as fatty liver, hepatitis, or cirrhosis, these herbal teas can quickly lead to liver failure. The liver is designed to detoxify itself, so there is no need for an external “detox tea”.
5 reasons why herbal detox tea can damage the liver
1. Toxic chemicals: Chemicals such as pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are found in many herbal teas, can directly damage liver cells.
2. Highly Concentrated Juices: Green tea extracts in detox teas can be dangerous if consumed in excess.
3. Uncontrolled herbal mixtures: Mixing different herbs together without safety testing can block bile flow.
4. Too much pressure on weak liver: Laxative or diuretic teas can deplete the body of water and electrolytes, putting more strain on the liver.
5. No proven benefit: There is no scientific evidence that detox tea can heal the liver. For diseases like cirrhosis, real benefits can only be achieved through medical diet and medication.
Expert advice: Rajeshwari V., nutritionist at SL Raheja Hospital in Mumbai. Shetty says the biggest mistake is to assume that herbal remedies are safe. Many are untested, and some may contain heavy metals or chemicals not listed on the label.
These people should avoid herbal products.
People with liver disease should avoid the following herbal products: green tea extracts, ashwagandha, kava, aloe vera tea, senna and chamomile. Experts agree that liver protection is possible not through social media trends, but through medical diet and proper treatment. What is good for a healthy person may be dangerous for a person with liver disease. Therefore, consult a doctor before taking any herbal supplements, especially if you have been taking medications for a long time.