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Bad Science, By Ben Goldacre

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Ben Goldacre, the author of Bad Science, begins dismantling scientific claims with the notion of detox. Goldacre argues that the idea of a “detox” does not exist, specifically not in a medical textbook (Goldacre, 11). It is rather a whole new physiological process that is created by marketers, lifestyle gurus, and alternative therapists. The concept of detox is rather a marketing invention, and due to its lack of scientific meaning, it can be described more as a cultural product (Goldacre, 12). How much we buy into detoxing our systems depends on how much we value ritual in our lives as individuals (Goldacre, 12). Every religion and culture has some form of purification or abstinence tradition or ritual; In Islam, there is Ramadan, in Judaism, there is Yom Kippur, and so forth (Goldacre, 13). Due to the recurring themes of purification and rituals in our lives, the idea of detoxing makes sense to us, as we believe that there are quick fixes to our negative and unhealthy habits (Goldacre, 12). We often seek redemption in our western lifestyles; whether it’s unhealthy food, drinking, drugs, or other indulgences. Therefore, the concept of cleansing our bodies from material indulgences appeals to us as we crave recovery and protection from the consequences of our harmful habits (Goldacre, 14). The detox pseudoscience is a concept I am familiar with however, I was unaware of the lack of scientific evidence associated with detoxing. As Goldacre mentioned, after a few days of

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