Detoxification, or "detox," is a term that’s often thrown around in health and wellness circles. It's been touted as the solution for clearing toxins, boosting energy, improving skin, and achieving overall well-being. But how much of it is myth, and how much is scientifically backed? Does the human body even need a detox? The answer lies deeper than just the promise of a quick fix. Let’s explore what detoxification truly means, the science behind it, and whether it is something we should actively pursue.

The Body's Natural Detox System

The idea of detoxification suggests that the body accumulates toxins over time that it struggles to process and eliminate. However, what many fail to realize is that the human body is already equipped with highly efficient mechanisms to filter out harmful substances: the liver, kidneys, digestive system, and even the skin. These organs work continuously to process the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the various chemicals we are exposed to, breaking them down and excreting them from the body.

The liver plays the most pivotal role in detox. As the body's primary detox organ, it filters the blood, metabolizes fats, and processes waste products. Similarly, the kidneys filter blood to produce urine, which helps rid the body of excess waste. The digestive system absorbs nutrients while expelling what’s not needed, and the skin helps expel toxins through perspiration.

Essentially, the body is already detoxing 24/7, so the need for external detox programs can be debated. Yet, some people believe that these natural processes can get overwhelmed or sluggish, thus requiring an extra push through detox diets, supplements, or cleanses.

Rise of Detox Diets and Cleanses

In recent years, detox diets have gained popularity, promising to cleanse the body of toxins and deliver a slew of health benefits. Whether it’s a juice cleanse, a fasting regimen, or a strict, nutrient-packed detox diet, these programs claim to reset the body and rejuvenate health. But how much of this is supported by science?

Research on detox diets and their effectiveness is still in its infancy. While some studies suggest that certain foods can support the liver and kidneys in their natural detox functions, there’s little evidence to support the idea that external detoxes provide any meaningful advantage over the body’s natural processes. For instance, juice fasting restricts solid foods and relies on juices from fruits and vegetables. While fruits and vegetables contain beneficial nutrients and antioxidants, the notion that they will ‘flush out toxins’ is an oversimplification. The body does not require fasting to remove waste — it already does that through the liver and kidneys, albeit at a steady rate, not a rapid one.

Moreover, some detox diets can be quite restrictive, depriving the body of essential nutrients. Extended or repeated fasting can even lead to fatigue, nutrient deficiencies, or metabolic disturbances.

Truth About "Toxins"

One of the most misleading aspects of the detox industry is its use of the term “toxins.” The word conjures images of mysterious and harmful substances lurking in our bodies, waiting to do damage. However, the reality is more nuanced. In science, a “toxin” refers to any substance that is harmful to the body, but not all toxins are created equal.

Some toxins, such as those from environmental pollution or chemicals in food, can accumulate over time. However, the body generates its own byproducts of metabolism, such as ammonia, urea, and lactic acid. These byproducts are not inherently harmful if they’re properly eliminated. In fact, most of what detox diets claim to remove is simply waste produced by normal bodily functions that are being managed already by the liver, kidneys, and digestive system.

While it’s certainly possible to overload the body with harmful substances from excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, or unhealthy eating habits, the concept that a detox diet will suddenly purge years of toxins from the body is not only unproven but unnecessary.

When is Detoxification Beneficial?

Though the body is naturally equipped to detox, there are instances when supporting the body's detox functions can be helpful. For example, a poor diet filled with processed foods, excessive sugar, or artificial additives can impede the liver’s efficiency, making it harder for the body to properly metabolize toxins. In such cases, a balanced diet rich in whole foods like leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, and fiber-rich grains can provide the nutrients that help the liver and kidneys function at their best.

Additionally, conditions like chronic fatigue, digestive disorders, or a sluggish metabolism can sometimes warrant extra attention to support the body’s natural detox processes. However, these issues are often symptoms of broader lifestyle or health problems and should be addressed with medical guidance, rather than relying solely on detox diets or cleanses.

In fact, proper hydration plays a major role in supporting detoxification. Drinking plenty of water helps flush waste through the kidneys and facilitates optimal liver function. Additionally, exercise promotes circulation and supports the body’s detox process by increasing perspiration, which in turn helps the body eliminate some toxins through the skin.

Dangers of Excessive Detoxing

Despite the growing trend of detox programs, the idea of overdoing it can be harmful. Prolonged or extreme detox diets can lead to imbalanced nutrition, weakened immune function, and disrupted metabolism. A detox approach that involves fasting or heavy restrictions can also affect hormone levels and electrolyte balance, which could be especially dangerous for individuals with certain medical conditions.

Moreover, many detox programs involve supplements or herbs that claim to “speed up” the detox process. While some herbal remedies may have detoxifying properties (such as milk thistle for liver support), they aren’t a magic solution. Moreover, herbal supplements can interact with prescription medications, creating unwanted side effects.

The truth is that the idea of an external detox — whether through fasting, juice cleanses, or detox pills — is often overstated. The human body is more than capable of handling toxins on its own, as long as it is supported with proper nutrition, hydration, and rest.

If you’re feeling sluggish or out of balance, it might be time to evaluate your lifestyle. Rather than focusing on detox diets, try prioritizing nutrient-dense foods, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough sleep. Incorporating regular exercise will also keep your body’s detoxification systems working smoothly. Above all, focus on making sustainable changes to your daily habits rather than opting for quick fixes. In the end, detoxification is not about fasting or cleansing for a few days; it’s about creating a lifestyle that supports your body’s natural ability to stay balanced and healthy.

Been wondering if your child has been consuming too much or too little water each day?

According to Dr Keerti Kulkarni, a Telangana-based pediatrician, toddlers should be consuming about 100ml per kg of water every day, school children should drink up to 90ml per kg and teenagers should take in up to 60ml per kg.

In a lengthy Instagram post, she noted that about 20 percent of their daily required water intake comes from food includng fruits, vegetables, soups and parents should be mindful not to provide children with excess water.

Dr Kulkarani also said that there are exceptions for underweight children who have any other medical issues, such as kidney problems or if they are on any regular medication.

The expert warned: "Breastfed or formula-fed babies do not need extra water before solid foods and giving extra water to young infants can be dangerous and may cause low sodium levels."

What Are Signs Of Dehydration In Children?

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, impairing normal function. In children, signs include:

• Dry or sticky mouth
• Few or no tears when crying
• Eyes that look sunken
• In babies, the soft spot (fontanelle) on top of the head looks sunken
• Darker pee, peeing less or fewer wet diapers than usual
• Crankiness
• Drowsiness or dizziness
• Rapid heartbeat

Why Is Drinking Excessive Water Dangerous?

Drinking excessive water can lead to water intoxication, causing symptoms like confusion, nausea, and seizures; severe cases may be fatal. Water intoxication, also termed hyperhydration, water poisoning or water toxaemia, develops when an individual drinks much more water than the kidneys can excrete.

The main function of the kidneys in the human body is the processing and excretion of excess water. However, the human kidneys can process only up to 0.8 to 1.0L of water at a time. Drinking an amount that exceeds this may overwhelm the kidneys and put the electrolyte balance out of sync in the human body.

Electrolytes, especially sodium, are essential in maintaining fluid balance within and outside cells. Hyponatremia is a condition in which sodium levels fall below 135 mmol/L, resulting from excessive water intake. This causes water to shift into cells, swelling them. In the brain, this can cause severe complications, including coma or even death.

Symptoms of water intoxication vary from mild to severe. Early symptoms are often similar to dehydration, which makes self-diagnosis challenging. Common symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle cramps or weakness
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Confusion and disorientation

Eating omega-3-rich foods can reduce your aggression levels by 28 percent, an Aggression and Violent Behavior study suggests.

After analyzing 29 randomized controlled trials involving 3,918 participants in total, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania concluded that the fish oil supplement can reduce both reactive anger (in response to provocation) and proactive anger (behavior planned in advance) in people regardless of age, gender, medical diagnosis and length and dosage of treatment.

Neurocriminologist Dr Adrian Raine said of the results: "I think the time has come to implement omega-3 supplementation to reduce aggression, irrespective of whether the setting is the community, the clinic, or the criminal justice system.

"At the very least, parents seeking treatment for an aggressive child should know that in addition to any other treatment that their child receives, an extra portion or two of fish each week could also help."

The scientists theorized that omega-3 can reduce brain inflammation and regulate vital brain functioning which helps maintain aggression levels. However, they also noted that further research was needed to understand the link.

"Omega-3 is not a magic bullet that is going to completely solve the problem of violence in society. But can it help? Based on these findings, we firmly believe it can, and we should start to act on the new knowledge we have." Dr Raine said.

What Are Fish Oil Omega-3s?

These omega-3s play a critical role in human development, and they are primarily found in fatty fish and fish oil. Since many people do not consume enough fish, supplementation is often recommended to ensure adequate intake of these essential fatty acids.

Although the body can convert another type of omega-3, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), into EPA and DHA, this process is not highly efficient. As a result, fish oil supplements may provide a convenient way to ensure optimal levels of omega-3s.

READ MORE: NHS Doctor Says This Oil Instead of Cod Liver Is The Best Omega-3 Source

Some popular sources of Omega-3 include:

• Salmon
• Cod Liver Oil
• Algae Oil
• Oysters
• Nuts and seeds, such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts
• Plant oils, such as flaxseed oil, soybean oil, and canola oil
• Fortified foods, such as eggs, yogurt, juices, milk, etc.

How Omega-3s Improve Brain Health

EPA and DHA are essential for maintaining brain function throughout life. These fatty acids are abundant in the brain's cell membranes, helping to preserve cell health and facilitate communication between brain cells.

Research has shown that a lack of omega-3 can lead to cognitive impairments. In animal studies, diets deficient in omega-3s resulted in reduced DHA levels in the brain, leading to deficits in learning and memory. In older adults, lower DHA levels have been linked to a smaller brain size, which may indicate accelerated brain ageing.

Maintaining sufficient levels of omega-3s can help support cognitive function and may reduce the risk of age-related brain decline.

The optimal dosage varies, but research suggests that 1,000–2,000 mg of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil daily is a good starting point. People with depression should look for supplements with higher EPA content. It is pertinent to note that people should consult health experts before starting fish oil supplementation.

Budget 2026: Cheaper Fish In India

Earlier this month, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a surprising tax reduction for India's fishers and marine industry, and experts say it is good news for you too.

Until now, fish caught by Indian vessels beyond territorial waters and brought back to the country for mass consumption has been treated as import, attracting customs duties and integrated goods and services tax (GST).

The combined tax burden raises costs and compliance issues, which discouraged people from deep-sea and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) fishing as well as

However, during her Union Budget 2026 presentation, Sitharaman proposed that fish caught in the EEZ and high seas by Indian fishing vessels are treated as duty-free when brought into Indian ports and treated as exports when landed at foreign ports.

This means that the market availability for Omega-3 packed fishes including salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring and sardines will significantly increase as their existing steep prices see a tremendous fall.

Bird Flu In India: Amid bird flu fears from Bihar's Bhagalpur district in Naugacha, where over 150 crows were found dead, new concerns are being raised around poultry products. Chennai too is facing a high bird flu alert, there too, dead crows were found. This is why it is important to know how to consume poultry safely and what all to keep in mind while handling poultry.

While there is no confirmation yet in if it has spread in chicken, India has seen previous cases of avian flu in chicken. Here's what you should know about consuming poultry.

Bird Flu In India: How To Consume Poultry Safely?

Pasteurization and cooking them at high temperatures can curb the threat. It is also important to handle your poultry products when you are buying and storing them.

Also, avoid drinking raw milk to kill avian influenza A(H5N1).

Bird Flu In India: How To Handle Chicken While Shopping?

The meat juice can spill over and contaminate other food items, therefore it is extremely important to store it properly, in a way that it does not contaminate another food item. Always store it in a cool bag when you are transporting it and refrigerate and freeze the meat for the first two hours of buying.

You must also cook your chicken so the viruses do not survive on the chicken.

Read: How To Eat Eggs Safely?

Bird Flu In India: Is It Safe To Eat Chicken?

Yes, chicken and eggs are still safe to consume, as long as they are thoroughly cooked. Cooking chicken to the internal temperature of at least 165°F kills bacteria, viruses, and other germs, such as H5N1. The most accurate method of assuring that food is cooked is to use a meat thermometer.

Safe food handling is crucial:

• Maintain a hygienic kitchen by disinfecting countertops and washing hands both before and after touching raw meat.
• Prevent cross-contamination by employing distinct cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked food.

Bird Flu In India: How to Handle Eggs And Consume It Safely?

Flu viruses can infect chicken eggs by entering through the eggshell. The eggshells are smaller than the pores of eggshells, which means viruses can enter the eggs and the egg's surface will still be protected. However, it is still important to handle it safely.

As per the US Food and Drug Administration, cooking poultry, eggs and other animal products to the proper temperature and preventing cross-contamination between raw and cooked food.

Reject suspect eggs that are small, soft-shelled, or deformed since these may be a sign of infection in hens, though infected birds usually discontinue laying eggs before the situation gets worse.

What Should You Avoid?

• Raw or undercooked chicken
• Raw or soft eggs
• Raw milk and unpasteurized dairy products
• Cross-contaminated foods
• Meat from unregulated sources

Safest Way to Cook Eggs

While pasteurized eggs have a lower risk of infection because pasteurization effectively kills viruses, including bird flu, and bacteria. When cooking eggs, FDA officials advise:

• Washing hands, utensils,, and work surfaces with hot, soapy water before and after touching raw eggs.
• Cooking eggs until both the yolk and white are firm.
• Making sure scrambled eggs are fluffy and not runny.
• Cooking casseroles and other dishes with eggs to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Serving cooked eggs right away. Don't leave egg dishes out for more than 2 hours.
• Using an insulated cooler to transport eggs and egg products for picnics or gatherings.
• Reheating any leftover egg products from the fridge to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.