Like all natural health matchstick men, Josh Axe is a supplement hustler and champion of bad nutritional advice. On Episode 61 of the Science Dispatch podcast, hosts Cameron English and Dr. Chuck Dinerstein sit down with ACSH contributor Katie Suleta to examine one of Axe's latest cons: a six-step "liver cleanse."
Chiropractor and co-founder of Ancient Nutrition, Josh Axe promotes a six-step liver detox designed to "remove toxins from the body." Naturally, the program is built around a wide variety of supplements you can buy from Axe's website. "Through a thorough liver cleanse," he adds, "you can start to feel better in a matter of a couple of weeks."
But can you really? Katie, with an extensive background in public health and health informatics, has a disappointing answer for wellness culture fans everywhere: no. Except for eating a balanced diet and moderating your alcohol intake, there's little you can do to help your liver—which is designed to filter toxins all on its own.
Moreover, there's no evidence to justify eating "clean food," taking Axe's costly supplements or using coffee enemas. Rather than investing in evidence-free detox regimens, Suleta encourages everyone to consult their health care providers for advice about maintaining optimal health.
His eagerness to dispense dubious medical advice also raises questions about Axe's lack of legitimate medical or nutritional credentials. Rather than a concerned physician, Axe strikes us as a marketing guru targeting wealthy people who are prone to falling for alternative health scams.
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