Demystifying Detoxes: What You Need to Know About Supporting Your Body’s Natural Detox Pathways
- Taylor
- Feb 10
- 5 min read
Welcome (and welcome back!) to our blog series 'Demystifying Wellness' where we break down and dig into wellness topics and trends. Let’s be real—wellness can often feel overwhelming, confusing, and packed with misleading claims that leave many of us unsure where to start. I’ve been there myself: buying into marketing hype, crossing my fingers that the newest trendy supplement would deliver on its over-the-top promises. Spoiler alert—it usually didn’t.
That frustration is what sparked the why behind this series. I wanted to cut through the noise, simplify these topics, and empower you to make informed decisions about your health. So, let’s dive in. Today, we’re tackling a buzzword that never seems to leave the wellness space: detoxes.
What Even Is A Detox?
When you hear the word "detox," you might imagine green juices, lemon water cleanses, or restrictive diets. But what does detoxing actually mean? Detoxification is a natural process your body already does every single day—your liver, kidneys, lymphatic system, and even your skin work together to filter out toxins and waste. You’re basically a self-cleaning oven!
The wellness industry, however, has turned “detox” into a buzzword, marketing products and plans that often claim to do what your body already does. These programs can range from harmless to harmful, especially if they involve extreme caloric restrictions or unnecessary supplements.
Why Are Detoxes So Popular?
It’s easy to see why detoxing has become such a phenomenon. The promise of “flushing out toxins” feels like hitting a reset button, especially when life gets overwhelming. Marketing plays on this desire for a quick fix, offering products that claim to help you feel lighter, more energized, and healthier. But the truth is, your body already does these things, and sometimes it just needs a little help from diet adjustment and herbs.
So Are Detoxes Necessary?
Short answer? Not for everyone. Long answer?
While your body is incredibly efficient at detoxing itself, there are ways to support its natural processes without resorting to extreme measures. A balanced diet rich in whole foods, staying hydrated, regular exercise, and quality sleep all play a role in optimizing your body’s detoxification systems. Herbs such as dandelion root, milk thistle, and nettles can also help to support liver and kidney health.
In certain cases, your body may be bogged down from years of processed foods, poor air quality, and the use of products with parabens, phthalates, and other chemicals known to disrupt hormones. Thank goodness our bodies are truly so magnificent and resilient—they are constantly filtering out the bad. So yes, sometimes a boost is necessary to support the detoxification processes already in place.
How do you know when your body might need some extra help detoxing?
Signs could include:
Persistent fatigue
Digestive issues
Brain fog
Skin problems like acne or dullness
A weakened immune system
A gentle detox can sometimes be a helpful reset for your system—but let’s be clear, this doesn’t mean surviving on just water and juice for a week (I mean, who could function like that?), but rather incorporating habits like drinking more water, eating fiber-rich foods, and using herbal allies such as burdock root, schisandra berries, or milk thistle. This includes cutting back on processed foods too—it’s all about giving your body a little extra love, not a total overhaul.
Detoxes really shouldn’t be done consistently—the key is to focus on supporting your body’s natural detoxification processes by shifting to a healthy diet, regular exercise, and herbal support.
If you’re considering a detox, be sure it’s for a good reason—like noticeable symptoms that suggest your body might need some extra help. Most importantly, trust your body and know when to hit pause. Making too many changes too quickly can overwhelm your system and do more harm than good. Extreme detox diets, for instance, can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and nutrient deficiencies, not to mention muscle loss and a slower metabolism. Definitely not the reset you're looking for!
Gentle and gradual is always the better approach. And of course, always consult with your a doctor/practitioner before starting a detox.
Common Myths About Detoxes
Myth 1: You need a detox to remove toxins from your body. Your liver and kidneys already have that covered, no juice cleanse required. But yes, sometimes they need a little help from some herbal allies and whole foods!
Myth 2: Detoxing helps with weight loss. Any weight loss during a detox is likely just water weight or muscle loss—not sustainable fat loss. If a program or treatment promises a quick fix, chances are you’ll regain whatever you lost just as quickly.
Myth 3: Detox supplements are necessary. Most detox supplements aren’t regulated and don’t do much besides emptying your wallet. Stick to herbal supplements and teas that support the body's natural detoxification systems.
A Better Approach To Wellness & Detoxes—How To Detox Your Body Safely
Instead of focusing on detoxes, shift your attention to sustainable habits that truly nourish your body. Think of it as a long-term investment in your health rather than a quick fix. Here are some tips:
Eat more plants: Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes provide fiber and antioxidants that support detoxification naturally.
Drink water: Staying hydrated helps your kidneys do their job effectively.
Move your body: Exercise supports lymphatic flow and overall health.
Rest well: Sleep is when your body does much of its repair work, so aim for 7–9 hours a night.
Herbs: Incorporate herbs such as burdock root to support gut health, dandelion root and milk thistle for the liver, and nettles for toxin elimination support. Herbs can be taken as capsules, teas, or tinctures.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re curious to dive deeper into the world of detoxification and how to support your body naturally, I’ve got you covered. Below are some of my favorite resources to help you separate fact from fiction, get nerdy with the science, and feel empowered to make informed decisions for your health.
Podcasts on Detoxing: These episodes are packed with helpful insights and real talk.
On Health by Aviva Romm – Episode 88: “Detoxification 101: Everything You Wanted to Know" My Personal Pick, she has an entire series on her podcast covering detoxes.
Sam Miller Science – Episode: “Detoxification Masterclass: The Truth About Detoxes, Diets, Supplements, and Liver Function”
Herbs That Support Detoxification: To start, learn more about some of the herbs I mentioned earlier, like burdock root, dandelion root, schisandra berries, and milk thistle, and how they support different detoxification processes in the body.
Burdock Root: A Traditional Detoxifier – A scientific overview of its liver-supporting properties.
Schisandra and the Five Flavors – The adaptogenic power of schisandra berries.
Milk Thistle for Liver Health – A deep dive into milk thistle’s role in liver detoxification.
Understanding How Detoxification Works: Want to geek out on how your body naturally detoxes? Here are some approachable and reliable resources.
Knowledge is power, and these resources will give you a solid foundation to understand what your body needs and when it might need a little extra support. Let me know if you explore any of these—I’d love to hear what resonates with you!
The Bottom Line
Detoxing isn’t about juice cleanses or quick fixes. It’s about giving your body the support it needs to do what it already does best (and our beautiful bodies do it so well!). Don’t fall for the hype—focus on building a lifestyle that prioritizes balance, nourishment, and well-being.
Let me know your thoughts—do you have experience with detoxes, or are you curious about natural ways to support your body’s processes? Share in the comments below!
What Wellness Topic Do You Want To Learn About Next?
Adaptogens
Biohacking
Hot and Cold Therapy
Seed Oils
Comments