Alternative detox.

BACKGROUND: The concept that alternative therapies can eliminate toxins and toxicants from the body, i.e. 'alternative detox' (AD) is popular. SOURCES OF DATA: Selected textbooks and articles on the subject of AD. AREAS OF AGREEMENT: The principles of AD make no sense from a scientific perspective and there is no clinical evidence to support them. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY: The promotion of AD treatments provides income for some entrepreneurs but has the potential to cause harm to patients and consumers. GROWING POINTS: In alternative medicine, simplistic but incorrect concepts such as AD abound. AREAS TIMELY FOR RESEARCH: All therapeutic claims should be scientifically tested before being advertised-and AD cannot be an exception.