Do Detoxes Work?

I get this question, “Do Detoxes work?” all the time. And it’s a tricky one because I could actually argue both the YES and NO sides. But the short answers is Yes and No and that’s because not all detox plans are created equal.

In in this post I’ll clarify the detox concept. I’ll explain the fundamentals of how some detoxes do work on a life changing level. I’ll also explain how some are just a bunch of BS with potentially harmful side effects.

What does it mean to detox?

The idea is that you’re going to give your body a minute to relax, rest and refresh. You will avoid things that cause toxic build up. You’re also going to provide a foundation so that your body can release built up toxicity. Toxins, by medical definition are:

A poisonous substance, especially a protein, that is produced by living cells or organisms and is capable of causing disease when introduced into the body tissues but is often also capable of inducing neutralizing antibodies or antitoxins.

Dictionary.com

They can be byproducts of metabolism and/or your environment. And a build up can lead to brain fog, low energy, bad digestion, decreased immunity, inflammation, muscle aches, joint pain, bloating, and depression. And as the definition states, are often at the root of chronic disease.

A detox is generally not a lifestyle approach to wellbeing and are always for a short period of time. Some as short at 24 hours up to maybe 30 days. But the idea is that by allowing your body to rid its toxic build up, you can expect to see a wide variety of positive side effects. You can look forward to things like more energy, less bloating, less brain fog, weight loss, boosted immunity, skin issues can clear up and your mood can shift in a positive direction.

NOTE: There is an entire body of research that goes into fasting (complete abstention of food) with a lot of positive benefits. But that is not what this post is about nor am I getting into that here. I’m talking about a detox plan where some sort of nutrition is prescribed in the form of food, pills, powders, teas, juice, etc.

Why would you need to Detox?

Doesn’t your body have its own natural detoxification systems? You bet’cha! Because if it didn’t, we’d all be dead. Your liver, kidneys and lymph nodes are always neutralizing, filtering and shuffling out the bad stuff so you stay alive. But there is a big difference between not being dead, and feeling really good. And that is where a good detox can really be helpful.

What makes a good detox?

It’s true that some detox plans can be full of useless, expensive marketing fluff. But that others can yield really great, sustainable results. Here is the 1-2-3 of how to distinguish a good detox plan:

1. You are actually able to do it.
2. It provides sufficient nutrition.
3. It delivers sustainable benefits.

A detox plan can range from juice, pills, powders and teas all the way to a well balanced, complete meal plan full of delicious food. As you’re doing your research, here are the important things to look for.

What to consider when looking for a detox that works

1. Is the detox plan something you can actually do?

If the plan is so restrictive and unenjoyable and you can’t actually follow through on the plan, then obviously, it can’t work. If the plan is full of food you enjoy eating, your chances of having success are exponentially greater.

When you’re looking at a plan, think about the reality of going through it. Is that someting you want to do? And always keep in mind that you’re doing a detox to improve your health, and that should not be or feel like punishment.

2. Is the detox plan balanced and healthy?

If the plan is super restrictive and does not provide your body with the nutrition it needs, not only will it be harder to follow, it could have negative side effects which may have a longterm impact. You may experience excessive hunger, loss of energy, jitters, anxiety, mood swings, decreased metabolism, and plenty of other bad stuff.

When you’re looking for a good detox plan, look for one that is balanced and involves not just essential micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) but also macronutrients (lean protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fat). This ensures your body is still getting the fundamental nutrition it needs to function well. It’s not uncommon for a detox to completely lack protein, fiber and/or fat which can be difficult to do and impossible to sustain.

3. Are the results of the detox sustainable?

You could argue that any detox is a good idea regardless of what happens afterward. Because your body got to rest and cleanse, it’s beneficial and healing no matter what. But I tend to disagree with this concept. I believe a good detox plan will not just deliver results, it will also provide the foundation to sustain them.

Do Detoxes Work? NO! Not something like this:

Take for example a traditional juice cleanse or any type of plan that sells you a pill, powder or tea without a meal plan. Yes, you do it for 3-7 days and you just have the nutrition supplements provided. They may be super nutrient dense and likely very expensive. You douse your body in micronutrients and probably enough sugar for energy so you can make it through your detox. The net result is usually a lot of pounds lost, and a sense of clarity, increased energy and vitality. And the upside is that you did allow your body to rest, cleanse and recharge.

But then, you’re done. You drank all the juice, powder or tea and took all the pills. Now what? The last thing you want is one more green juice or another shake. You may actually even be afraid of food as it’s associated with how you felt before the detox. You’re left with no strategy or skills to move forward, making it very easy to end up right were you started. But you’re now $50-$500+ less rich and starved of days of joyful eating. You may even have a new fear of food, the root of disordered eating. So that my friends, is a detox that does not work.

Do Detoxes Work? YES! Look for these components:

There is such a thing of metabolic detoxification through food. Where you can still eat food. Good food, whole food, real food, food that heals. You can learn how to shop for it, how to cook it and how to enjoy it. You can experience what it feels like to live in a well nourished and loved body and why it’s worth putting in the effort.

And when that detox is over, you’re left with a collection of new foods you didn’t know you loved and an archive of recipes you can use forever. Plus, you have the confidence to know that you don’t need to starve or be uncomfortable to “detox.” You’ve also built sustainable healthy skills that last well beyond the terms of your detox.

How “Detox” became a dirty word and why I wish it wasn’t

The word “detox” can be so gimmicky and can so easily be a plan full of expensive-nutrition-nonsense that in the long run, does your body no good. I feel like in a lot of ways “Detoxes” and “Cleanses” are just the modern day “Diet” from the 80s we all know are just bad for you.

But it’s unfortunate because there really can be good components of a detox and they can be easier to take on than a lifestyle overhaul. Because it’s not a lifestyle approach, it does not have “forever” stamped on it. Which can make attempting the change easier and more realistic. I mean, we can all do anything for just a few days, right? And if in those fews days you happen do discover a way of living you love, then it can become a lifestyle with lasting benefits.

In Summary: Do Detoxes Work?

So long as you find a plan that meets the 1-2-3 criterial of this post, go for it! If you can do it, it’s nutritionally balanced and offers lasting results, you should definitely consider it! See how you feel and if you like it. So long as it’s balanced and you’re not starving, it’s unlikely you’ll do any short or longterm damage. Just don’t fall for anything that you can’t do, will starve your body or leave you with unsustainable results or worst case — an eating disorder. Ok?

The 10-Day Flat Belly Detox

Of course I have a detox. And of course it’s a good one. My goal in life is to help people discover the joy and simplicity of plant forward eating. I created the 10-Day Flat Belly detox after decades of experience in the wellness industry and 6 months of 2020 quarantine. I needed a plan I could follow that would keep me engaged, get me results and help me feel better both physically and emotionally.

Since I’ve launched this plan dozens have experienced sustainable benefits that go far beyond weight loss. You can learn more and/or get started using the link below. And feel free to ask me any questions at all!