Nutrition myths are everywhere these days, and it can be hard to separate fact from fiction. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at two common nutrition myths: that detox teas and supplements can help to detox your body, and that eating carbs causes weight gain. We'll examine the science behind these claims and provide you with the truth about these popular myths.
Detox teas and supplements have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many people claiming that they can help your body get rid of toxins. However, this is a myth. Your liver and kidneys are responsible for removing toxins from your body, and there's no evidence to suggest that detox teas or supplements can improve their function. In fact, some detox teas and supplements can be harmful, as they may be low in essential nutrients and calories. In addition, even if our bodies do have “toxins” in them, which toxins are they? How much of them are in our body? In what quantity are they harmful to our health? And how does the supplement actually remove them? Most detox supplements don’t have this information because the toxins are simply just non-existent. Detox teas and supplements are overall a waste of money, and if they do provide some apparent benefits, it is only because they are often very low calorie resulting in some weight loss, not that they're actually helping you "detoxify."
Carbohydrates have gotten a bad reputation in recent years, with some people claiming that they're bad for your health and can lead to weight gain. However, this is a myth. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for your body, and they're essential for maintaining healthy brain function. It's true that not all carbs are created equal - some, like refined carbs found in white bread and sugary drinks, can be detrimental to your health if consumed in excess. But complex carbs, found in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, are an important part of a healthy diet. In direct relation to weight loss, some carbohydrates may be easier to overeat than foods high in dietary fat or protein, but that doesn’t mean dietary carbs are inherently fattening - all it means is some carb heavy foods are also calorie heavy. Many studies have now shown if you equate calories, the percentage of your intake coming from carbohydrates won’t alter weight gain.
It's important to be critical of nutrition myths and to examine the evidence before making any dietary changes. While detox teas and supplements may be marketed as a quick fix for weight loss or detoxification, the truth is that they don't offer any real benefits for your health. Similarly, carbs are an important part of a healthy diet, and cutting them out entirely can do more harm than good. By focusing on a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods, you can ensure that you're getting all the nutrients your body needs to thrive.
Kurtis Proksch
Head Strength Coach
KPCC Coaching