Natural Body Cleanse: What It Is, Does It Work & How to Do It Safely
Thinking about doing a natural body cleanse to “flush out toxins”? You’re not alone — but here’s the truth: your body already has an incredible built-in detox system. Your liver, kidneys, gut, and skin do the heavy lifting every day. This post will explain how your body naturally cleanses itself, when a natural cleanse might help, and how to do it safely — without falling for harmful cleanse fads.
In this article, you will learn:
- What is a detox?
- Signs it’s time for a detox
- Ways to detox and cleanse your body naturally
- Are you ready for a detox?
What is a Detox?
The word “detox” is used liberally in the health and wellness space, but different health experts have different definitions for the word.
Since your body is always detoxifying, when we say “detox” or “cleanse”, it’s much more about giving your body a break. Either a break away from processed foods and sugar or a break from digestion altogether.
That means there are a few different ways you can support your natural detoxification pathways and “cleanse” your body of excess hormones and environmental toxins.
6 Signs It’s Time for a Detox
- Digestive issues (gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea)
- Fatigue or energy dips and spikes
- Brain fog
- Skin issues (acne, rashes, dry skin, etc.)
- Constant cravings
- Stubborn fat loss
4 Ways to Detox & Cleanse Your Body Naturally
1. Eliminate Processed Foods and Sugar
The first way to gently support your detox pathways is simply by eliminating processed foods and sugar. Try this for a longer period – 21-30 days – and notice the results on your entire system, from weight loss to a sharper mind, to better sleep. For a detailed approach to eliminating processed foods, check out this article.
2. Try an Elimination Diet
An elimination diet is a more targeted approach, removing foods that are the most likely to cause reactions in your body. Most elimination diets ask you to avoid the “Big 8” allergenic foods, which account for about 90% of all food allergies in the U.S., plus other inflammatory foods like corn and processed sugar. The Big 8 include milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soy. Elimination diets are usually done for 28-31 days, followed by a reintroduction of foods.
3. Water and Juice Fasts
These are among the more controversial “cleanses” because most of these ask that you cut calories so dramatically. Juice fasts will provide glucose for energy and some essential nutrients, but are void of fat, fiber, and protein, which can be tough on your system.
Water fasts are even more intense and shouldn’t be done for more than a day or so without a doctor’s supervision. In both cases, these fasts are meant to give your digestive system a little break while cleansing your system of the ill effects of processed foods.
4. Try a Bone Broth Fast
A bone broth fast is like the other liquid fasts, but without the sugar of a juice fast. Plus, bone broth is full of gut-healing nutrients, from types I, II, and III collagen protein to naturally occurring glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid. All of these can help to support gut health, elevate your mood, improve sleep quality, and strengthen immune function.
Are You Ready for A Detox?
If you're experiencing one or more of the signs above, then it might be time to give your body a break with one of these four holistic detox methods. But where should you start?
First, always consult your doctor before embarking on a new diet or exercise plan. Then, we recommend some good old-fashioned trial and error. Everybody is different, so start with the detox that resonates with you most, stick with it for three or more days, and then if you don't notice any results, try another method!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a detox or cleanse if my liver and kidneys already work? Not necessarily. Your body naturally removes waste and “toxins” through your liver, kidneys, gut, and skin. Detox diets often don’t remove more than what your body already handles.
Are juice cleanses or liquid-only cleanses safe? They can be risky. According to experts, these cleanses may cause nutrient deficiencies, electrolyte imbalances, and low energy.
What are the possible risks of doing a natural cleanse? Potential risks include dehydration, low nutrients, gastrointestinal distress, and even dependency on laxatives if used improperly.
How can I support my body’s natural detox system instead of doing a cleanse? Simple daily habits help more than a short-term “cleanse”: stay well‑hydrated, eat fiber-rich whole foods, get enough sleep, and avoid overconsuming alcohol or processed foods.
Should I consult a doctor before doing a body cleanse? Yes. Especially if you have health conditions (like diabetes or kidney issues), are pregnant, or plan to use herbal detox supplements, talk to a healthcare provider first.
Have you tried a detox or bone broth cleanse? We’d love to hear about your experience. Share your story in the comments below!
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