You’ve probably seen celebrities endorsing “detox” and “flat stomach teas” on social media as solutions to weight loss and bloating. Unfortunately, many women (and more tragically, teenage girls) have bought these products hoping to shed a few pounds, only to discover that the “weight” being lost comes from — well, poop.

Most detox teas contain an herb called senna leaf, which is marketed as a weight management and detoxification aid. In fact, the botanical remedy promotes rapid elimination. (In other words, it makes you punch a lot — and fast.)

Senna leaf stimulates the bowels, so if you’re struggling to get things going and need a short-term, one-time solution, this herb might be worth using. But continuing to drink detox teas can upset the intestines and eventually lead to serious digestive problems.

If your goal is to truly support your body’s innate detoxification pathways (or your metabolic state, for that matter), avoid detox teas at all costs.

What we recommend instead:

A targeted detox supplement packed with antioxidant ingredients shown to support the body’s natural detoxification processes (think: “master antioxidant” glutathione, vitamin C, and milk thistle).