Learn Everything about a Detox Drink

Let me tell you a quick story.  Before you buy a detox drink, take the time to learn what it contains and what evidence there is concerning its effectiveness.  This article looks at some of the ingredients commonly found in these beverages.  Hopefully, it will give you an idea of what works and what doesn’t.

Prickly Pear

Prickly pear is a kind of cactus.  The fruits are sometimes referred to as cactus figs.  Although there is a long history of traditional consumption and use as a medicine, not much has been proven in terms of medicinal activity.  Prickly pear juice is a folk-remedy for hangovers, but some evidence indicates that it may be toxic to the kidneys.

Goji Berry

The traditional name for goji berry was wolfberry.  It is native to southeastern Europe and Asia.  Because of the antioxidant content, the fruits are expected to be part of a multi-billion dollar market by 2011.  Owning a goji berry plantation could be very profitable.

The risks associated with consumption of the berries, the juice or dietary supplements containing the extracts have to do with the use of insecticides during production.  Currently, there are no organically grown goji berries, despite what the marketing material might say.

Evaluation by the FDA has found that products imported from China have a high level of toxic pesticides.  If you are thinking about buying detox drinks to help rid your body of toxins, goji berries are probably not the best choice.

Mullein

Mullein has a long history of use as medicine.  If used for the purposes for which it is prescribed and under a doctor’s supervision, it is an effective medicine.  Most practitioners feel that it should not be sold over the counter, because it can cause hemorrhaging, blood thinning, liver damage and kidney damage.  Doesn’t sound like a good choice for a detox drink, does it?

Dandelion

Supposedly, dandelion increases urination.  This is a legend that has never been proven scientifically.  Most detox drinks will increase the need to urinate, simply because of increased fluid intake.

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle seeds contain a compound called silymarin.  Scientific research indicates that it is beneficial for the liver and the kidneys.  It may be helpful, when used on a regular basis, to regulate or balance cholesterol levels.  When applied to the skin, silymarin may protect against free radical damaged cause by UV rays from the sun.  It is safe and non-toxic.

So, detox drinks containing milk thistle are probably your best choice.  But, silymarin is also an ingredient in some of the better health supplements.  It can be taken on a daily basis to support the health and function of the liver.

A Bit More Advice

Avoiding toxins will help protect your body more than anything else.  Choosing all-natural skincare products that are free of artificial preservatives, allergens, irritants and toxins is a good way to start protecting your health and something that you can do right away.

Relying on a detox drink to protect your health is just not a good idea.

You can learn more insights by visiting my web site and discovering more natural ingredients I personally use daily.