Detox: Why It Matters and How to Do It?

January 12, 2026

What reasons can contribute to a person’s system being overloaded and in need of a cleanse?

Here are the key reasons that can contribute to this feeling of toxic overload.

1. Dietary and Digestive Factors

Processed Foods and Additives: A diet high in processed foods, refined sugars, unhealthy fats (trans and saturated), and artificial additives (preservatives, colours, sweeteners) requires more work for the liver to process and metabolise.

Overconsumption: Simply eating too much, too frequently, puts a constant strain on the digestive system, leaving little time for rest and repair.

Food Sensitivities: Undiagnosed sensitivities (e.g., to gluten, dairy, or certain FODMAPs) can cause chronic low-grade inflammation, gut irritation, and an overactive immune response, which is taxing on the body's resources.

Low Fibre Intake: Fibre is essential for binding to waste and toxins in the gut and moving them out of the body. A low-fibre diet can lead to sluggish digestion and constipation, allowing waste products to sit in the colon for longer.

2. Lifestyle and Environmental Factors (The "Toxic Load")

Environmental Toxins: Exposure to pesticides (on non-organic produce), heavy metals (in some fish and old pipes), air pollution, volatile organic compounds (VOCs from paints, cleaners, and new furniture), and plastics (like BPA) adds to the liver's detoxification workload.

Alcohol and Caffeine: Both are metabolised by the liver. While moderate consumption is manageable, excessive intake can overwhelm the liver's pathways, leading to inflammation and fatty liver disease.

Medications and Drugs: Both prescription and over-the-counter medications must be processed by the liver. Long-term use or polypharmacy (taking multiple medications) can be taxing.

Smoking: Inhaling thousands of chemicals directly introduces toxins into the bloodstream, bypassing some of the body's initial defences and placing a heavy burden on the lungs and liver.

3. Mental and Emotional Factors

The mind-body connection is powerful, and mental stress has direct physiological consequences.

Chronic Stress: This is a major contributor. Stress hormones like cortisol, when constantly elevated, can disrupt nearly every system in the body. It can impair digestion, weaken the immune system, increase inflammation, and hinder the liver's detoxification processes.

Lack of Sleep: Sleep is when the brain and body perform critical repair and cleanup processes, including clearing out metabolic waste. Poor sleep quality or quantity disrupts this essential maintenance.

Information Overload: The constant barrage of emails, notifications, news, and digital stimuli can lead to mental fatigue, anxiety, and a feeling of being "wired and tired," which is a form of systemic stress.

4. Biological and Internal Factors

These are processes happening within the body itself.

Dysbiosis and Gut Health: An imbalance between good and bad bacteria in the gut (dysbiosis) can lead to a "leaky gut," where undigested food particles and bacterial toxins pass into the bloodstream. This triggers a constant, low-level immune response, consuming significant energy and resources.

Chronic Inflammation: Whether from diet, stress, or hidden infections, chronic inflammation is a state of constant alert for the immune system, which is energetically expensive and contributes to the feeling of being "overloaded."

Metabolic Byproducts: The body's own metabolic processes create waste products (like ammonia and free radicals) that need to be neutralised and eliminated. An inefficient metabolism can produce an excess of these.

Why is detox beneficial?

Instead of thinking of a "cleanse" as magically washing away toxins, it's more helpful to view it as a period of dietary and lifestyle intervention designed to reduce the incoming burden and support the body's innate systems. This typically involves the following:

Reducing the Load: Eliminating processed foods, sugar, alcohol, caffeine, and common allergens.

Providing Essential Nutrients: Eating whole, nutrient-dense foods (fruits, vegetables, lean proteins) that provide the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants the liver needs to function optimally.

Promoting Elimination: Increasing fibre and water intake to support regular bowel movements and kidney function.

When you replace a standard Western diet (high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats) with a cleanse diet (typically high in whole foods, fruits, and vegetables), several positive things can happen:

Reduced Inflammation: Eliminating common inflammatory triggers like processed foods, alcohol, and added sugar can lead to a noticeable reduction in bloating, joint pain, and skin issues like acne.

Improved Digestion: A cleanse focused on high-fibre plants and plenty of water can help regulate digestion and relieve constipation.

Stable Energy Levels: By cutting out sugar and caffeine (in some cleanses), you may initially feel fatigued, but many people later experience more stable energy without the afternoon "crash."

Rest for the Digestive System: Eating simpler, easier-to-digest meals (like smoothies or soups) can give your digestive organs a break from the hard work of breaking down complex meals, which some people experience as feeling "lighter."

Many cleanses emphasise drinking a lot of water and consuming fresh juices or whole fruits and vegetables.

Simply being better hydrated can improve energy, skin health, and cognitive function.

Micronutrient Infusion: Flooding your body with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from fresh produce can help correct minor deficiencies and support your body's natural detoxification systems.

Should I do the detox and how often?

A reset might be a good idea if you answer "yes" to several of the following:

You feel "sluggish" and have low energy.
Your digestion is off (bloating, irregularity).
You've been through a period of indulgence (holidays, vacation) and want to get back on track.
You rely heavily on processed foods, takeout, and sugar.
You feel a loss of control over your food choices and want a structured plan to break the cycle.

A reset is NOT recommended if:

You have any underlying health conditions (kidney, liver, heart disease, diabetes).
You are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive.
You have a history of eating disorders.
You are under significant stress or are recovering from an illness.
You are an athlete in the middle of a heavy training cycle.

A short, gentle cleanse focused on whole foods and hydration can be a useful reset after a period of indulgence, but it is not necessary for health. For most people, this type of reset should not be done frequently; once or twice a year is perfectly sufficient. The true benefit comes from using the cleanse as a springboard to maintain healthier habits long-term, rather than as a recurring, drastic measure.

What benefits can be gained from a cleanse?

A well-designed cleanse—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—can offer a wide range of benefits. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly reported and scientifically supported benefits:

Physical Benefits

Increased energy – Removing toxins and improving digestion can boost vitality.
Improved digestion – Cleanses often reduce bloating, gas, and constipation.
Clearer skin – Detoxing the liver and gut can lead to fewer breakouts and a healthier complexion.
Better sleep – A lighter system often leads to deeper, more restful sleep.
Weight balance – Especially when reducing sugar, processed foods, and inflammation.
Reduced cravings – Especially for sugar, caffeine, and processed foods.
Stronger immune system – A cleaner system supports immune function.

Mental and Emotional Benefits

Mental clarity – Less brain fog, better focus, and sharper thinking.
Emotional balance – Releasing physical and emotional toxins can reduce irritability and mood swings.
Stress relief – Many cleanses include mindfulness, which helps calm the nervous system.

Can you recommend a healthy and effective detox plan?

Wake-up ritual: Warm water with lemon and a pinch of cayenne (stimulates digestion and circulation), 5–10 minutes of deep breathing or prayer

Hydration: Aim for 2–3 litres of pure water daily. Add herbal teas like dandelion, nettle, peppermint, or ginger (support liver, kidneys, and digestion)

Diet: Focus on whole, unprocessed plant foods:

Fruits: Berries, apples, citrus, papaya
Vegetables: Leafy greens, cruciferous (broccoli, kale), beets, carrots
Whole grains: Quinoa, brown rice, oats
Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, black beans
Healthy fats: Avocados, flaxseeds, walnuts
Fermented foods: Sauerkraut, kimchi, miso (for gut health)

Avoid: Sugar, caffeine, alcohol, dairy, gluten, processed foods, oils

Meals:
Breakfast: Green smoothie or fruit bowl with chia seeds
Lunch: Steamed veggies, quinoa, and lentil stew
Dinner: Raw salad with sprouts, avocado, and lemon-tahini dressing
Snacks: Fresh fruit, raw nuts, herbal tea

Water Treatments (Hydrotherapy)

Contrast showers: 3 minutes hot, 30 seconds cold (repeat 3x) to stimulate circulation and immunity

Epsom salt baths: 2–3 times during the week to support detox through the skin

Foot soaks: Warm water with ginger or mustard powder for 20 minutes

Movement & Elimination

Exercise: 30–60 minutes daily (brisk walking, rebounding, stretching)

Dry brushing: Before showers to stimulate lymphatic flow

Bowel support: Ground flaxseed or psyllium husk with water to ensure regular elimination

What side effects can be experienced?

Common Side Effects of a Cleanse

Headaches
Often due to caffeine withdrawal, dehydration, or toxin release.
Tip: Stay well-hydrated and consider tapering off caffeine before starting.

Fatigue or Low Energy
Your body is redirecting energy toward detoxification.
Tip: Rest more, avoid overexertion, and get quality sleep.

Digestive Changes
Bloating, gas, or more frequent bowel movements are common.
Tip: Include fibre (like flaxseed or chia), and drink plenty of water.

Skin Breakouts
Toxins may be released through the skin.
Tip: Support elimination through sweating (exercise, sauna, baths).

Mood Swings or Irritability
Emotional detox is real—especially if you're cutting sugar or caffeine.
Tip: Gentle exercise, journaling, and herbal teas like chamomile can help.

Brain Fog or Dizziness
Often linked to blood sugar fluctuations or dehydration.
Tip: Eat small, frequent meals with complex carbs and drink water regularly.

Cravings
Especially for sugar, salt, or processed foods.
Tip: Keep healthy snacks on hand and drink herbal teas to curb cravings.

What key supplements can support detox?

To support a cleanse and avoid nutritional deficiencies, certain supplements and nutrients can be especially. These work by enhancing your body’s natural detoxification pathways—particularly in the liver, kidneys, digestive system, and cells—while ensuring you stay nourished and balanced.

Here’s a list of the most important ones:

Alpha Lipoic Acid: The best supplement to boost Glutathione (body’s master antioxidant; crucial for liver detox). Supports: Cellular detox, immune defence, and oxidative stress reduction.

Milk Thistle Complex (or Livercare). Protects and helps regenerate liver cells. Supports liver detoxification and bile production.

Magnesium Citrate powder. Supports over 300 enzymatic reactions, including detox and elimination. Supports bowel regularity, muscle relaxation, and sleep.

Psyllium Husk Fibre. Binds toxins in the gut and promotes elimination. Supports colon cleansing and microbiome health. Always take it with plenty of water.

Super Greens (HealthAid) such as Chlorella: Binds heavy metals and supports cellular detox.

Activated Charcoal (Gastone capsules): One of the best ways to eliminate toxins without side effects. Always take it with plenty of water.

Probiotics such as DailyProbio

Any information or product suggested on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Consult your primary healthcare physician before using any supplements or making any changes to your regime.