Detoxification is a popular claim in wellness. But it’s just another lie

‘Why are we so susceptible to detox claims? It doesn’t help that most detox hacks bear a sheen of logic, making them psychologically appealing even when spurious.’ Composite: The Guardian/Getty Images

In April, at the Ted conference in Vancouver, BC, I watched a woman pull a variety of mushroom powders from her purse, scoop them into a thermos, and add hot water from a nearby tea station to make an earthy beverage.

Intrigued, I asked about her favorite health practices, and she started describing a recent trip to Costa Rica to get plasmapheresis.