Yogi Detox Tea Side Effects

Yogi DeTox tea is an unnecessary answer to the detox fad.
Image Credit: Flavia Morlachetti/Moment/GettyImages

Yogi DeTox tea is an unnecessary answer to the detox fad. The truth is, your body doesn't need help from teas or other detox methods because your kidneys and liver naturally eliminate toxins. Furthermore, the detox ingredients in Yogi Tea may cause harmful side effects.

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Does Yogi DeTox Tea Work?

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The problem with any detox tea or method is that, for a healthy person, it is unnecessary. Your liver and kidneys naturally take toxins out of the blood. Detox tea diets are one of several odd celebrity diets out there.

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According to the Mayo Clinic, there is limited to no evidence that detox diets or supplements work. In fact, they point to the fact that most detox teas and weight loss plans are usually accompanied by eating a better diet and increasing exercise.

By eliminating processed foods with extra fats and added sugars, you'll likely feel better following a detox diet. It's not the tea that helps, but the changes you make to your lifestyle and eating habits. Some diets that may help you lose weight faster, but they don't necessarily involve a detox.

Read more: How to Find the Best Weight-Loss Diet for You

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In addition to eating better, people often exercise more when they start a detox diet or take slimming supplements. More exercise can significantly raise the number of calories being burned and may help you lose weight during your detox. In fact, the makers of Yogi DeTox tea even offer yoga advice on the product's page. They mention that their tea should be part of an "overall wellness plan."

Read more: Discover Your Ultimate Weight-Loss Workout Plan

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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not review or support any of the claims that Yogi tea or any other detox supplements make. Therefore, the ingredients used may not be safe or even listed in full. The FDA suggests that you take some of the following steps before starting a detox supplement like Yogi DeTox tea:

  • Check with your doctor prior to starting to see if there are other areas you can get the nutrients.
  • Be cautious of exaggerated claims.
  • Be skeptical of personal testimonies.
  • If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Be wary of claims of being "totally safe" or "100 percent effective."

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Detox Tea Side Effects

There are several ingredients listed in Yogi DeTox tea. Some of them might be beneficial, but others may cause unwanted side effects. Before drinking this beverage, you should talk to your doctor or nutritionist about whether or not it's good for you.

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Yogi DeTox is made with the bark, roots and extracts of several plants, such as cinnamon, ginger and licorice. Manufacturers claim that it doesn't have any caffeine at all.

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Caffeine is often one of the issues with detox teas. These beverages typically contain large amounts of caffeine — above the daily upper recommended dosage limit. According to the Mayo Clinic, you may take in approximately 400 milligrams of caffeine a day without experiencing side effects. This is roughly the equivalent of 10 cans of soda or about four cups of brewed coffee.

The tea contains burdock root. While burdock root may have some benefits, the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center also notes some risks associated with it. For example, it may not be safe for pregnant women or people who take hypoglycemic medications for diabetes. The root may cause preterm labor and low blood sugar. It can also adversely affect the nervous system and cause contact dermatitis.

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Another listed ingredient, juniper berries, may also cause adverse effects. According to some sources, juniper berries may lead to kidney damage when consumed in large amounts, although more research is needed. An October 2014 study in the journal American Family Physician notes that pregnant women should avoid juniper berries as they may increase the risk of miscarriage.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, side effects that are commonly associated with detox teas and diets include:

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  • Diarrhea, cramps, bloating, gas and nausea

  • Drug interactions

  • Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances

  • Potential kidney issues

Read more: Best Teas for Bloating, Gas and Constipation

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not drink Yogi DeTox tea. Talk to your doctor if you're interested in any of the potential health benefits of teas to see how you can reap them safely while pregnant or breastfeeding.

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