#562: How to Detoxify Yourself – Quack Asylum Special

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Introduction

In this Quack Asylum episode, Danny and Alan critically examine the claims surrounding “detoxification protocols” – specialized diets, cleanses, or supplements marketed to eliminate toxins from the body for better health.

The central theme is whether these detox plans actually improve health outcomes or if they’re built on pseudoscience and fear.

Many alternative health proponents argue that modern life exposes us to countless toxins that accumulate in our bodies, causing chronic diseases, and thus we must undergo periodic detox regimens to cleanse ourselves.

There is genuine concern about environmental pollutants and chemicals – indeed, numerous substances in our food, water, and air can be harmful at sufficient doses​. Nutritional science also recognizes that certain nutrients (e.g. vitamins, antioxidants) play roles in the body’s natural detox pathways. However, there’s a large gap between acknowledging real toxic exposures versus endorsing commercial “detox” diets or products.

Many people, including health professionals, encounter patients or clients interested in detox plans, so understanding the science (or lack thereof) behind these claims is important.

The Hosts

Dr. Alan Flanagan has a PhD in nutrition from the University of Surrey, where his doctoral research focused on circadian rhythms, feeding, and chrononutrition.

This work was based on human intervention trials. He also has a Masters in Nutritional Medicine from the same institution.

Dr. Flanagan is a regular co-host of Sigma Nutrition Radio. He also produces written content for Sigma Nutrition, as part of his role as Research Communication Officer.

Danny Lennon has a master’s degree (MSc.) in Nutritional Sciences from University College Cork, and he is the founder of Sigma Nutrition.

Danny is currently a member of the Advisory Board of the Sports Nutrition Association, the global regulatory body responsible for the standardisation of best practice in the sports nutrition profession.

Timestamps

• [03:20] Claim 1 – Mark Hyman
• [06:10] The purpose of today’s episode
• [08:22] Claim 2 – Chris Kresser
• [11:30] Detoxification Pathways in the Body
• [25:46] Glutathione, heavy metals and other nutrients
• [50:30] Do nutrients support detox pathways
• [55:20] Unhinged claims: Mold and mycotoxin toxicity
• [01:04:54] One more unhinged claim
• [01:09:10] Conclusions

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