You need to only scroll through your social media feeds for a few minutes to come across them — sponsored posts by influencers promoting herbal supplements or teas that purport to detox your body and, with some luck, even aid in drastic weight loss. Considering the aesthetics-heavy nature of these platforms, such posts can mislead users into believing their outrageous claims. But are these teas really good for your body?  

Tea much of a good thing

“Tea, especially green, chamomile and oolong, have nutritional benefits. Scientific studies suggest that consuming these can help regulate your blood pressure and regulates appetite,” explains nutritionist Kajal Bhathena. However, she adds that many diet teas contain laxatives and diuretics, which induce bowel movement. “If you take too many of these teas, you run the risk of dehydration, which puts enormous strain on your internal organs. Consuming laxatives regularly can lead to laxative dependency, where your colon function is compromised with potential damage to your liver. Other side-effects include fatigue, rectal bleeding, dizziness [which is often caused by dehydration], and weakness,” she shares.