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competencies a student needs to have information & media literacy.

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competencies a student needs to have information & media literacy.

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Critical thinking & analysis: Students need to be able to assess the credibility of sources, cross-check information, & question the validity of claims. This is critical because not everything they come across even in textbooks, online platforms, or media, is accurate or unbiased.

Understanding Media Formats & Biases: Being aware of the different formats with how information is presented (e.g., news articles, social media posts, advertisements) is important. Each format has its own biases & purposes, which can influence how information is portrayed.

Digital Literacy & Ethical Use of Information: In today’s digital world, students have to know how to effectively search for information, use reputable sources, & avoid plagiarism. Ethical use of information, such as, citing sources correctly & acknowledging ownership of ideas, cultivates integrity in academic & personal pursuits.

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One common piece of misinformation in health & physical education in "detox diets," which claim to cleanse the body of toxins through restrictive eating plans or the consumption of juices & supplements. Advocates of detox diets often claim that these methods improve health, increase energy, & promote weight loss by flushing out harmful substances from the body. However, the scientific consensus debunks this myth, as the human body already has highly effective systems—such as the liver, kidneys, & lungs—that naturally detoxify it. Detox diets are not only unnecessary but can also be harmful due to nutrient deficiencies & unhealthy eating patterns they promote. Despite this, many celebrities & influencers push detox diets through social media & advertisements, often for financial gain through endorsements of specific products.

The body's own organs, such as the liver & kidneys, perform detoxification without the need for restrictive diets or supplements. Nutritionists & medical experts advocate for a balanced diet as the best approach to maintaining health.

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© Thinkstock

What are "detoxes" and "cleanses"?

A variety of "detoxification" diets, regimens, and therapies-sometimes called "detoxes" or "cleanses"-have been suggested as ways to remove toxins from your body, lose weight, or promote health.

"Detoxification" programs may involve a single process or a variety of approaches. These include:

Fasting

Drinking only juices or similar beverages

Eating only certain foods

Using dietary supplements or other commercial products

Using herbs

Cleansing the colon (lower intestinal tract) with enemas, laxatives, or colon hydrotherapy (also called "colonic irrigation" or "colonics")

Reducing environmental exposures

Using a sauna.

These programs may be advertised commercially, offered at health centers, or part of naturopathic treatment.
Some "detoxification" programs can be unsafe and falsely advertised. For more information on safety, see the "What about safety?" section below.
(The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends chelation therapy, a type of chemical detoxification procedure, for removing toxic metals from the body in some specific serious cases. This page does not address that type of detoxification.)

What does the research say about "detoxes" and "cleanses"?

There have been only a small number of studies on "detoxification" programs in people. While some have had positive results on weight and fat loss, insulin resistance, and blood pressure, the studies themselves have been of low quality-with study design problems, few participants, or lack of peer review (evaluation by other experts to ensure quality).

A 2015 review concluded that there was no compelling research to support the use of "detox" diets for weight management or eliminating toxins from the body. A 2017 review said that juicing and "detox" diets can cause initial weight loss because of low intake of calories but that they tend to lead to weight gain once a person resumes a normal diet. There have been no studies on long-term effects of "detoxification" programs.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have taken action against several companies selling detox/cleansing products because they (1) contained illegal, potentially harmful ingredients; (2) were marketed using false claims that they could treat serious diseases; or (3) in the case of medical devices used for colon cleansing, were marketed for unapproved uses.

Some juices used in "detoxes" and "cleanses" that haven't been pasteurized or treated in other ways to kill harmful bacteria can make people sick. The illnesses can be serious in children, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems.

Some juices are made from foods that are high in oxalate, a naturally occurring substance. Two examples of high-oxalate foods are spinach and beets. Drinking large quantities of high-oxalate juice can increase the risk for kidney problems.

People with diabetes should follow the eating plan recommended by their health care team. If you have diabetes, consult your health care providers before making major changes in your eating habits, such as going on a "detox" diet or changing your eating patterns.

Diets that severely restrict calories or the types of food you eat usually don't lead to lasting weight loss and may not provide all the nutrients you need.

Colon cleansing procedures may have side effects, some of which can be serious. Harmful effects are more likely in people with a history of gastrointestinal disease, colon surgery, severe hemorrhoids, kidney disease, or heart disease.

"Detoxification" programs may include laxatives, which can cause diarrhea severe enough to lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

Drinking large quantities of water and herbal tea and not eating any food for days in a row could lead to dangerous electrolyte imbalances.

Take charge of your health-talk with your health care providers about any complementary health approaches you use, including any "detoxes" or "cleanses." Together, you and your health care providers can make shared, well-informed decisions.

Are all fasting programs considered "detoxes" and "cleanses"?

Although some fasting programs are advertised with "detoxification" claims, other fasting programs-including intermittent fasting and periodic fasting-are being researched for health promotion, disease prevention, improved aging, and in some cases weight loss. But there are no firm conclusions about their effects on human health. Also, fasting can cause headaches, fainting, weakness, and dehydration.

This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged.

NCCIH has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider(s). We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCIH.

Last Updated: September 2019

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"Detoxes" and "Cleanses": What You Need To Know

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What are "detoxes" and "cleanses"? A variety of "detoxification" diets, regimens, and therapies-sometimes called "detoxes" or "cleanses"-have been suggested as ways to remove toxins from your body, lose weight, or promote health. "Detoxification" programs may involve a single process or a variety of approaches.

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Why misinformation would lead students to "believing" it is real information.

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Why misinformation would lead students to "believing" it is real information.

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Students may be easily misled by misinformation because it is often presented in persuasive ways, especially when endorsed by trusted public figures or media outlets. For instance, the influence of celebrities in promoting detox diets taps into the trust & admiration fans may have for these individuals, leading them to believe in these unfounded claims. Similarly, the oversimplification or cherry-picking of statistical data in the media can give the false impression of clarity & certainty, when the reality is more complex.

The digital environment also contributes to the problem. Algorithms on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, & Instagram amplify content that garners attention, often prioritizing sensational or controversial claims over fact-checked, reliable information. This echo chamber effect reinforces existing beliefs & makes it harder for students to encounter & critically evaluate contradictory information.

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Incorporating information & media literacy training.

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Incorporating information & media literacy training.

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To help students avoid being misled by false or misleading information, I would embed information & media literacy lessons into my teaching in the following ways:

Critical Evaluation of Sources: I would train students to assess the credibility of sources by looking at the authorship, evidence, & motivations behind the information. In subjects like health, for instance, I would have them compare popular media claims about diets with peer-reviewed scientific articles. This way, they can learn to distinguish between marketing hype & scientifically supported information.

Incorporating these strategies will not only help students succeed academically but will also equip them to navigate the increasingly complex world of media, where they must be prepared to filter fact from fiction.

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As a teacher, I would guide my students in identifying fake news by encouraging them to ask questions and critically evaluate online content. I would explain that to assess a source's credibility, they need to learn effective search techniques for evaluating online media. I would use current events that interest the students as opportunities for deeper analysis. Additionally, I would teach that while the internet can spread misinformation, it is also a powerful tool for fact-checking. It's essential for students of all ages and grade levels to learn how to discern false from true information, as they all use the internet for research in some capacity.

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teacher teaching young students media literacy

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Helpful Tips to Identify False Information

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Helpful Tips to Identify False Information

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1. Check the source:

Examine the web address of the page you are viewing. Fake news sites often have spelling mistakes in the URL or use uncommon domain extensions like ".infonet" or ".offer".

2. Check the author:

Investigate their credibility by checking if they are authentic, have a solid reputation, and are writing within their area of expertise.

3. Check other sources:

Are other well-respected news or media outlets covering the story? Does the article reference credible sources?

4. Maintain a critical mindset:

Much of fake news is skillfully crafted to elicit strong emotional responses like fear, anger, or sadness.

5. Check the facts:

Reliable news stories contain numerous facts—data, statistics, expert quotes, and more. If these elements are absent, consider why.

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Fact vs. Fake: A Quick Lesson in Media Literacy | CBC Kids

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It looks like you're using Internet Explorer 11 or older. This website works best with modern browsers such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. If you continue with this browser, you may see unexpected results.

How to Spot Fake news from Factcheck.org

Consider the source: click away from the story to investigate the site, its mission, and its contact information

Read Beyond: Headlines can be outrageous in an effort to get clicks. What's the whole story?

Check the author: do a quick search on the author. Are they credible? Are they real?

Supporting sources: click on those links. Determine if the information given actually supports the story.

Check the date: reposting old news stories doesn't mean they are relevant to current events.

It is a joke? if it is too outlandish, it might be satire. Research the site and author to be sure.

Check your biases: consider if your own beliefs could affect your judgement

Ask the Experts- ask a librarian, or consult a fact checking web site

Breaking News Consumer's Handbook: Fake News Edition

Text equivalent can be found here

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CSI Library: Misinformation and Disinformation: Thinking Critically about Information Sources: How to Spot Fake News- a checklist

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Skip to Main Content It looks like you're using Internet Explorer 11 or older. This website works best with modern browsers such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. If you continue with this browser, you may see unexpected results.