Detox teas to juice cleanses for the liver: Do they really work? Leading US doctor explains
Detox methods are quite the star in the wellness industry. Most of these 'miraculous' juices, teas, and other herbal products are largely focused on detoxification. They claim to flush toxins out of the body and improve health.
Millions of people worldwide are spending their money on detoxification products in the hope of achieving better health. No wonder the detox industry is booming. But are these detox products really worth it? Do they actually work? Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a California-based gastroenterologist and liver specialist, with over 25 years of clinical experience, has shared some interesting facts about the 'detox industry'.
Let's take a look.
The detox industry is not what you think it is
Dr. Sethi, who is a hepatologist and has seen 1000s of
liver
patients, says the detox industry preys on fear. The juice cleanses, detox teas, and the $200 'flush kits' are all a lie! 'As a liver specialist, let me set the record straight. Your body isn't broken. It doesn't need a detox. It needs fewer gimmicks,' he said, in a post shared on Instagram.
The doctor also emphasized that the liver is detoxifying 24/7, and you don't require any powders, potions, or trendy routines to do that.
'Most 'detox' fads? Just expensive distractions. Some can even do more harm than good,' the doctor said.
What really helps the liver
Instead of jumping on the bandwagon of buying trendy products to detox, Dr. Sethi has suggested making some tweaks in the
diet
to support your body's natural detox system.
Hydration is crucial: Want to know if you are hydrating it right? The hint is in the urine. Pale yellow urine means your kidneys and liver are doing their job. 'Save your money, water works just fine,' the doctor said.
Black coffee: This beverage is linked to protecting the liver. 'Multiple studies show it protects your liver and lowers the risk of
liver disease
. Just skip the sugar-laden versions,' he said.
Cruciferous vegetables: Adding vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and. Brussels sprouts can improve liver function. 'They activate liver enzymes that help break down real toxins,' the doctor explained.
Reduce the overload: The real threat to your liver isn't a lack of detox products; it's lifestyle factors, including the diet. Dr. Sethi suggests avoiding ultra-processed foods and alcohol, which stresses the liver. Instead, opt for whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to lighten the load.
Diljit Dosanjh's Diet Diaries: Neem, Dalia & Desi Sass
'Your liver doesn't need a detox. It needs support, not gimmicks,' the liver specialist emphasized.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
41 minutes ago
- Time of India
Top gastroenterologist ranks common non-vegetarian protein sources
Proteins are vital, but some sources are better than others, according to Dr. Saurabh Sethi. Farm-raised tilapia and deli meats rank low due to their poor nutritional content and harmful preservatives. Wild-caught salmon, sardines, and mackerel top the list for their omega-3s and gut-friendly properties. Your body needs protein. This macronutrient is essential for building, repairing, and maintaining various tissues and bodily functions. In children, teens, and pregnant women, protein is crucial for growth and development. Remember, proteins are the building blocks of life. But are the proteins you eat really fueling your body? Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a Harvard and Stanford-trained gastroenterologist and liver specialist, has ranked some of the most popular non-vegetarian protein sources on a scale of 1–10, based on their impact on gut health, inflammation levels, and overall digestion. Take a look. Proteins with the lowest rankings While proteins are essential for the body, eating the right ones are crucial. Some of the most common non-vegetarian protein sources, which we assume to be healthy, however, scored poorly. Dr. Sethi gave farm-raised tilapia a dismal 2. Though fish is considered a good source of protein, this in particular is low in omega-3 content. Deli meats fare even worse. Dr. Sethi gave score 1 on the scale, as it is loaded with preservatives like nitrates, which can harm gut bacteria and increase inflammation. Some of the commonly consumed proteins have scored minus points on the scale. At the bottom of the scale is fried chicken (-5), hot dogs (-10), bacon (-10), and sausages (-10). These foods are detrimental to gut health. They are ultra-processed and high in saturated fats and additives, which disrupt the gut microbiome and promote inflammation. They are also bad for heart health and brain function. Proteins with mediocre rankings Some of the proteins, which people believe as high-quality protein sources, turned out to be mid-tier options. Shellfish, including shrimp and crab, stand at 6. Though they are nutrient-rich, they can trigger inflammation in some individuals due to allergens or high cholesterol content. Lamb , which is thought to be a good source of protein, however, scored a 5. It has higher fat content, which may strain digestion for some, though it remains a good source of iron and B vitamins. Dr. Sethi ranked beef at 4, as it can increase inflammation, especially when consumed in large quantities or as processed cuts. Tuna stands at 3. This is because its high mercury content can destroy your gut health. The toppers Wild-caught salmon tops Dr. Sethi's list. It earns a perfect 10. Fatty fish such as wild salmon are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. This fish helps reduce inflammation and improve the gut microbiome. Sardines and mackerel follow closely, each scoring 9. They are nutrient-dense and a good source of omega-3s and vitamin D. Eggs, the most popular protein source, stand at 8, thanks to their bioavailability and nutrient density. Chicken and turkey score a solid 7; however, the way you cook it matters. 'Kahin Bada, Kahin Chhota': Ravi Kishan Uses Samosa Analogy To Demand Regulation Of Food Prices
Economic Times
2 hours ago
- Economic Times
Hims & Hers Q2 revenue drop shakes stock—Hims crashes 11% after first-ever revenue decline, is the weight-loss drug hype finally fading?
Hims & Hers Health (NYSE: HIMS) saw its stock plunge over 11% after the company reported its Q2 2025 earnings, marking its first-ever sequential revenue decline. While revenue jumped 73% year-over-year to $544.8 million, it still fell short of Wall Street's expectations of $552 million, and notably dropped from $586 million in Q1. The miss has rattled investor confidence, especially as GLP-1 weight-loss drug sales, a key growth driver, showed signs of slowing amid regulatory pressure and legal setbacks. Synopsis Hims & Hers stock dropped a sharp 11% after the company missed Q2 2025 revenue estimates, raising concerns about its booming weight-loss drug business. While year-over-year sales jumped 73%, revenue fell sequentially for the first time, causing investor worry. The company brought in $544.8 million, short of forecasts, with much of it tied to its GLP-1 obesity drug offerings. Hims & Hers Health (NYSE: HIMS), the fast-growing telehealth company known for its personalized care plans and buzzy entry into the weight-loss market, saw its stock drop by over 11% after reporting second-quarter 2025 earnings. While revenue jumped 73% year-over-year, the company missed Wall Street expectations and posted its first-ever sequential revenue decline, raising questions about the future of its GLP-1 obesity drug business. ADVERTISEMENT Despite its rapid annual growth, Hims & Hers posted Q2 revenue of $544.8 million, missing the analyst estimate of $552 million. The real concern? Revenue dropped from $586 million in Q1, marking the first quarter-over-quarter decline since the company went public. The stock currently trades at $63.35, regaining some ground after hitting an intraday low of $54.82. Despite opening at $64.00, it remains volatile, with an intraday high of $65.54. ALSO READ: Bullish IPO debut: Peter Thiel-backed crypto giant targets $4.2B valuation—is the new crypto wave knocking on Wall Street's door? The market reacted sharply to the company's revenue miss—$544.8 million vs. $552 million expected—even though earnings per share beat expectations and subscriber numbers remained strong. Most of the company's revenue stemmed from its GLP-1-based obesity and diabetes treatments, a booming but increasingly scrutinized business segment. ALSO READ: Palantir stock soars after $1B Q2 earnings crush forecasts as AI demand fuels 110% YTD surge—now S&P 500's top performer ADVERTISEMENT With regulatory pressures, lawsuits from Novo Nordisk, and tighter FDA rules on compounded semaglutide, Hims faces headwinds in its fastest-growing segment. However, with a market cap of over $6.5 billion, a P/E ratio of 39.93, and forward-looking confidence via its Zava acquisition, the company is still betting big on growth in both the U.S. and Europe. Current Price : $63.35 : $63.35 Day Range : $54.82 – $65.54 : $54.82 – $65.54 Open : $64.00 : $64.00 Market Cap: $6.56 Billion P/E Ratio : 39.93 : 39.93 Volume: 35.5M Investors were caught off guard, as the slowdown came amid soaring demand for weight-loss drugs like semaglutide, a compound similar to the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic. ADVERTISEMENT On the profit front, Hims reported an adjusted EPS of $0.19, beating the Street's expectation of $0.15. However, the revenue miss overshadowed this earnings win. Investors appeared more concerned about the underlying business momentum, particularly in the obesity treatment space, which has been a major driver of Hims' recent growth. ADVERTISEMENT Hims' biggest growth story in recent quarters has been its expansion into GLP-1 weight-loss treatments, which brought in around $190 million in Q2 alone. However, a few red flags have emerged: Regulatory uncertainty : With the FDA rolling back flexibility on compounded versions of semaglutide, questions are mounting about how long Hims can rely on this segment for revenue. : With the FDA rolling back flexibility on of semaglutide, questions are mounting about how long Hims can rely on this segment for revenue. Legal challenges : The company recently ended its supply relationship with Novo Nordisk , the maker of Wegovy, and is now facing lawsuits over how it marketed compounded alternatives. : The company recently ended its supply relationship with , the maker of Wegovy, and is now facing lawsuits over how it marketed compounded alternatives. Competitive pressure: Big players like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are dominating the branded drug market, making it harder for telehealth companies offering generics to compete on pricing and trust. Despite the Q2 shortfall, Hims & Hers stuck to its full-year outlook. The company reaffirmed its 2025 guidance of $2.3 billion to $2.4 billion in revenue and $295 million to $335 million in adjusted EBITDA. ADVERTISEMENT A big reason? The Zava acquisition, a European telehealth platform, which is expected to contribute around $50 million in new revenue this year. This suggests Hims is betting heavily on international growth to offset some of its domestic uncertainty. One bright spot in the report was Hims' growing subscriber base. The company now serves over 2.4 million active subscribers, with nearly 70% enrolled in personalized treatment plans that span weight loss, hair care, sexual health, and mental wellness. CEO Andrew Dudum emphasized that the company is leaning deeper into its long-term strategy of personalized digital healthcare, aiming to build loyalty and customer lifetime value across multiple product categories. If you're following Hims & Hers stock or investing in telehealth companies focused on the obesity drug boom, here are four key things to monitor: Future of compounded GLP-1s: Regulatory and legal outcomes could limit Hims' ability to sell compounded semaglutide at scale. Profitability trends: Will margins hold up as more competition floods the market and Hims scales its personalized offerings? Subscriber growth and retention: Continued engagement in non-weight loss categories will be key to long-term stability. Zava integration: The success or failure of this acquisition could make or break Hims' international ambitions. Hims & Hers Health has come a long way as a digital-first wellness brand with a bold strategy around weight-loss drugs and personalized healthcare. But the 11% stock drop shows investor sentiment is shifting, especially as its flagship obesity business faces regulatory hurdles and supply uncertainty. For now, the company's strong year-over-year growth and firm 2025 guidance offer some reassurance. But with rising competition, tighter FDA rules, and legal pressure, Hims will need to prove that its success isn't just tied to a single product wave—but a durable, trusted digital care ecosystem. What caused Hims & Hers stock to fall 11% after Q2 earnings? The company missed revenue estimates and saw its first-ever sequential drop in sales. Is the Hims weight-loss drug business facing trouble in 2025? Yes, due to FDA scrutiny and legal issues around compounded semaglutide. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) (Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates. NEXT STORY
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
5 more cases against Srushti Clinic head
Hyderabad: Gopalapuram police have registered five new cases against the head of Srushti Fertility Clinic Dr Athaluri Namratha alias Pachipala Namratha, and others based on complaints lodged by five sets of victims. While in one case a couple alleged that the doctor handed them a baby whose DNA did not match theirs, three other couples accused the clinic of adopting dubious methods. They claimed that they had already paid the money — anywhere from Rs 12.5 lakh to Rs 19 lakh — and even deposited their biological samples when they grew suspicious about the operations of Dr Namratha and her clinic. The frauds occurred between 2019 and 2025. Cops are yet to ascertain details of the fifth case. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad Case 1: DNA mismatch causes trauma A woman from Hyderabad, requesting anonymity, alleged that she and her husband had approached Universal Srushti Fertility & Research Centre in July 2024 for infertility treatment. Dr Namratha advised gestational surrogacy using the couple's own genetic material and assured them that all legal formalities would be handled by them. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The couple paid Rs 16.5 lakh for hormone therapy, laboratory work, and surrogate expenses. Their egg and sperm samples were collected at the clinic's Visakhapatnam branch on September 18, 2024. A baby girl was delivered via caesarean section on June 16, 2025, at a Visakhapatnam-based hospital. "Initially, we were told by the doctors that the baby was healthy, but they later shifted her to the NICU, terming her as late pre-term," the woman said. The couple's suspicions arose after Srushti staff refused to divulge the surrogate mother's details. Their fears deepened after they were unable to observe any facial resemblance with the baby, which prompted them to go for an independent DNA test. "The results, which came out on July 12, confirmed that neither of us was biologically related to the child," the complainant alleged. When confronted on July 22, Dr Namratha allegedly admitted that donor gametes were mistakenly used, and asked the couple to return the infant so the clinic could seek govt adoption clearance and repeat the procedure with their samples. The parents refused and approached the police, citing immense emotional trauma and legal uncertainty over the child's status. It is learnt that the child is still in the custody of the couple. The police have registered a case against Dr Namratha, Dr Vidyulatha, Kalyani, Sheshagiri, and Srinivasa Reddy under sections 61 (2), 316 (2), 318(4), 111, 335, 336, 340 BNS & Sections 38, 39, and 40 of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021. Case 2: Rs 12.5 lakh lost in fraudulent surrogacy deal Another couple from the city approached police alleging they were duped of Rs 12.5 lakh by Dr Namratha and others through a fraudulent surrogacy deal. The husband, a 34-year-old private employee from the city, alleged that he and his wife approached Dr Namratha in Nov 2024 for a surrogate baby. Between April and May 2025, the couple paid Rs 10 lakh for tests and collection of 'biological samples' at the Secunderabad branch. On June 26, Dr Namratha allegedly informed them that the "baby is ready," indicating successful initiation of surrogacy, and collected Rs 2.5 lakh more. Though Dr Namratha assured that the baby would be delivered on February 3, 2026, the couple became suspicious when the hospital repeatedly refused to reveal the surrogate's identity, produce consent forms, or show proof of court permission, and decided to approach the police. A case was registered against Dr Namratha, her associates, Chenna Rao, and Sureka under relevant sections of BNS & the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021. Case 3: NRI couple loses Rs 19 lakh A US-based NRI couple who approached Universal Srushti Fertility and Research Centre in December 2019 for infertility treatment allegedly lost Rs 19 lakh to the accused. The husband, a 49-year-old software professional, and his wife approached Dr Namratha who, quoting a high success rate, charged Rs 7 lakh in cash and collected the couple's biological samples. After an unsuccessful embryo transfer, the couple returned to the USA. In January 2020, Dr Namratha advised the couple to opt for a surrogacy procedure costing Rs 25 lakh. The complainant's brother paid Rs 12 lakh in cash as an initial instalment. "The clinic provided no documents about medical procedures or statutory clearances. Due to Covid-19, I could not personally meet the doctor, and when I reached the fertility centre on Sunday, I came to know about the recent case against Dr Namratha," the complainant alleged. A case was registered against Dr Namratha under relevant sections of the BNS. Case 4: Nalgonda couple alleges Rs 11 lakh fraud A couple from Nalgonda alleged that Dr Namratha and her associates duped them of Rs 11 lakh with a false assurance of providing them with a child through a surrogacy procedure. The 49-year-old man and his wife first approached Universal Srushti Fertility Centre in June 2024 after unsuccessful IVF treatment attempts. Dr Namratha suggested surrogacy, and the couple paid Rs 9 lakh through UPI and Rs 2 lakh in cash between May 20 and July 2, 2025, and their samples were collected at the Secunderabad facility. "Despite the payments, the hospital neither produced proof of necessary legal permissions. They collected samples from us but did not start the surrogacy procedure," the complaint alleged. On learning about the other complaints against the facility, the victim approached the police on Sunday, and a case was registered against Dr Namratha, her associates, Archana, Dr Sadanandam, Chenna Rao, and Sureka under relevant Sections of the BNS.
