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It’s all over Instagram and Facebook, teatoxes that promise a flatter stomach, less cellulite, weight loss, internal cleanse, better skin and hair.. the laundry list is endless.

How teatox works

Like any other detox plans, they are meant to flush out any toxins in your system by cleansing and nourishing your digestive system. They mainly consist of natural laxatives that purge your system, while caffeine acts as a diet suppressant and metabolism booster. Above that, most teatoxes come with a complementary dietary plan that encourages healthy eating. This is how your 3 pronged weight loss begins, by 1. Restricting your appetite so you eat less, 2. Restricting your food intake to the minimum required, at the same time forcing your body to burn more energy and 3. Purging excess fluids out of your system to give you the illusion of weight loss and flatter stomach.

These brands plaster their websites and social media pages with brilliant success stories of users who have achieved fantastic results from their teatox. They boast the endless benefits of their special tea blend and champion healthy living. But do they really…

Why it’s BullSh!t

These marketing campaigns target the deepest insecurities of young girls and sell them their dreams of an ideal body and weight. The sad reality is that many young girls fall prey to such schemes, without knowing that the cons of such teatoxes far outweigh the pros.

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No matter what these brands tell you, there is no magical solution to weight loss. You will not look like a Victoria Secret Angel overnight and it is most definitely not healthy to lose 4kg in 14 days. (I have been there, done that, and gained all the weight back)

The weight you lose is nothing else but water weight. Once you stop the teatox, you will most certainly gain the weight back. The laxatives present in these teas remove excess water from your system which reduces bloating, giving you a ‘flat stomach’. Not only does this cause dehydration but it also inhibits proper digestion and nutrient absorption. Basically you are starving yourself of well, everything your body needs to survive.

Instead of feeling energized and refreshed as these brands promise, you will end up with the exact opposite. This deprivation of fluids and nutrients will leave you feeling sluggish and light-headed. In extreme cases, it can cause stomach cramps, nausea and screw up your menstrual cycle.

The worst part is that the benefits cited by these brands are not backed by any scientific research or studies, and the detox plans themselves not endorsed by any doctor or nutritionist. Just because lots of people are riding on the bandwagon, doesn’t mean it works in the long-term.

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However, do not let these faddish tea trends tarnish the benefits of tea consumption. Teas in general have many health benefits such as its anti-oxidant properties, just be weary in picking a trustworthy brand.  Some teas contain high levels of toxic pesticides that actually cause more harm than good to your body.

Moral of the story, do not be sold by internet fads and social media sensationalism. There is no silver bullet solution to weight loss, we cannot stress this more. Sustainable and healthy weight loss can only be achieved through changing your lifestyle choices and habits into one that is more balanced, wholesome and active.

Don’t get us wrong, you may still chose to embark on your teatox, nothing wrong with that. It isn’t fatal or severely detrimental, just have realistic expectations and take caution in identifying the risks involved.

With lots of love,

Team Made Real