Unless You're in an ER, if You Hear the Word "Detox", Run

Simple rule - if someone is trying to promote, defend, or encourage the use of a product they claim will remove toxins from your body, unless they're a physician in the emergency department or your kidney failure specialist, they're either dangerously ignorant, or unconscionably unethical.

And if you're trying to determine between ignorant and unethical, look to their education. If they haven't any, well then give them the benefit of the doubt and presume it's just well-intentioned, hopeful, ignorance. But if they are highly educated, like for instance Dr. Frank Lipman, who sells a $229 two-week cleanse he purports will,

"help to bind toxins, prevent their absorption and promote elimination"

Or Dr. Oz, who promotes a 3 day "Detox Cleanse" that he claims,

"Eliminates harmful toxins and resets your body"

I think it's probably safe to err on the side of unethical.

Recently the fabulous Australian consumer show The Checkout covered detoxing. If you've got a moment, take a peek.