MANY people with weight challenges have resorted to slimming teas, an option which on the face of it requires no sacrifice. But could these teas be causing harm to the body?

Nutritionist and dietitian Jenelle Solomon said tea drinkers who drink religiously, several times daily and in large quantities, could in fact be causing harm to their bodies.

“Many people are obsessed with losing weight and many of them have not given much thought to losing weight naturally, which is why they choose these weight loss teas,” she said.

“But using this shortcut could be very taxing on your body.”

She pointed out that while she generally does not recommend use of these teas, if they are used in moderation, the effects on the body would not be so extensive.

“Weight loss should be gradual. If it is not gradual then it is not healthy which is why I would not recommend that people use these teas. Also, the loss of fat so rapidly is also risky. What happens is that when these cells are broken down that quickly, fatty acids in large quantities remain,” Solomon explained.

She pointed out that this would cause a build-up of fatty acids or ketone formations that could increase the level of acids in the body, making it very acidic while creating a chemical imbalance in the blood as well.

“For healthy body functions, a balanced pH level in the body is required, and the body works to ensure that it is as alkaline as possible. If you continue to abuse these teas and the blood is consistently acidic, and there is no medical intervention to change this, it could be lethal,” Solomon explained.

She said that another reason that balancing the body’s pH is necessary is linked to the theory that an acidic body is the perfect habitat for cancers to thrive.

The liver, according to Solomon, is perhaps the most overworked organ in this process. She said slimming teas, especially green teas when used in large quantities, could over time damage the liver.

“Green tea, when consumed in small amounts and when regulated, is fine. But when there is a dependency on it several times daily then research shows how it could induce liver injury. Additionally, the liver is under constant pressure to use the broken down micronutrients when teas are consumed religiously, which could also cause damage,” Solomon said.

Another downside to the use of slimming teas is laxative-dependency and the associated repercussions.

“Laxatives are a common ingredient in weight loss. Initially, consuming weight loss teas will cause diarrhoea, and destroy your bathroom routine pattern. It will then over time cause you to become dependent on it, which means that if you are unable to supply the body with the usual dosage, then you could begin to suffer from chronic constipation,” Solomon said

She said that she understands that struggling with a slow metabolism can be difficult, and the easy way out is always more attractive. However, she advised people against choosing convenience if it means that their health could be in jeopardy.