Nutrition & detox

Fasting & detox

ดีท็อกซ์และการอดอาหาร

Detox programmes and fasting are diets or routines that claim to cleanse the body; the body already removes waste through the liver and kidneys, and evidence for commercial detox programmes is weak.

IntensityModerate

Origin

International

Licence in Thailand

Not required

Where it comes from

“Detox” is used for a wide range of practices: fasting, drinking only juices, eating only certain foods, supplements, herbs, colon cleansing (enemas, laxatives, colonic irrigation), saunas and reducing environmental exposures. They are sold commercially, offered at health centres or used in naturopathic practice.

The idea is that toxins build up in the body and need to be flushed out. Yet the body has its own systems for this: the liver helps remove poisons, and the kidneys filter the blood and remove wastes and extra water as urine.

Fasting is a separate topic. Intermittent fasting (for example alternate-day fasting, the 5:2 diet or time-restricted eating) has become popular and is being studied, mainly for weight loss. Researchers note that only a limited number of human studies exist so far.

The principle

Commercial detox programmes usually combine eating less with specific foods, drinks or products. A 2015 critical review found no compelling evidence that detox diets help with weight management or toxin elimination; the few clinical studies were small and methodologically flawed, and the authors found no randomised controlled trials of commercial detox diets in humans.

Weight lost on juice or detox diets mostly reflects low calorie intake and tends to come back once normal eating resumes. For intermittent fasting, reviews suggest weight loss similar to ordinary daily calorie restriction, without clear superiority; long-term evidence is still lacking.

What people come for

Understand what a detox or fasting programme actually involves
Take a break to reflect on eating and drinking habits
Explore a structured way of eating such as time-restricted eating
Learn how the liver and kidneys already handle waste
Know which claims to question before paying for a programme

How it works on the body

Detox and fasting act on the body mainly by reducing food intake; the organs that handle waste work continuously whether or not you follow a programme.

A session, step by step

01
Ask what it involves
Find out exactly what you will eat, drink or take, for how long, and who supervises the programme.
02
Medical check
Talk to your doctor first, especially if you have a health condition, are pregnant or take medicines.
03
Avoid extremes
Days without food, very severe restriction or heavy laxative use carry the most risk and usually do not lead to lasting weight loss.
04
Watch for warning signs
Dizziness, fainting, weakness or confusion are reasons to stop and seek medical help.
05
Afterwards
Weight lost during a short programme tends to return when normal eating resumes, so lasting everyday habits matter most.

Precautions

People with diabetes should not start fasting or a detox without their care team: some diabetes medicines need food at regular intervals and the treatment plan may need adjusting.
Fasting is not advised during pregnancy or breastfeeding, for adolescents who are still growing, or for anyone with a history of anorexia or bulimia.
If you take medicines that must be taken with food, a fast can be unsafe; ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Avoid colon cleansing if you have kidney or heart disease, gut disease, past bowel surgery or severe haemorrhoids; unpasteurised juices carry infection risks for children, older adults and people with weak immunity.
Be sceptical of products promising to “remove toxins”: US authorities have acted against detox products with hidden ingredients or false disease claims.

Complementary practice: does not replace medical advice.

In Thailand

In Thailand, detox and fasting programmes are not a regulated profession of their own, but some of what they involve is. Since the 2020 Royal Decree on dietetics, planning a therapeutic diet for a patient, such as a clear-liquid or very low-energy diet, counts as dietetics and must be done by a holder of a healing-arts licence in dietetics, or by a doctor or nurse within their own professional law; preparing and selling healthy food to the general public remains allowed. A 2022 Thai legal review also reports a Thai FDA case in which a weight-loss supplement falsely claimed a nutritionist’s endorsement and a loss of 15 kg in one week. If a programme involves supplements, laxatives or prolonged fasting, ask who supervises it and check their licence.

Frequently asked questions

Does my body need a detox?

Your liver and kidneys already remove poisons and wastes every day. A 2015 review found no compelling evidence that commercial detox diets remove toxins or help with long-term weight management.

Will I lose weight on a juice cleanse?

You may lose weight at first because you eat fewer calories, but it tends to return once you eat normally again.

Is intermittent fasting safe?

It is being studied and seems to give weight loss similar to ordinary calorie restriction. It is not suitable for everyone, including people with diabetes, a history of eating disorders, pregnancy or breastfeeding, adolescents, or those on medicines that must be taken with food.

What should I ask a detox retreat?

Ask what exactly is included, whether any laxatives, enemas or supplements are used, who supervises it and whether they hold a recognised health licence. Talk to your doctor before booking.

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