As we step into spring, it's the perfect time to refresh both body and mind through a spring full body detox. Your body has natural ways of processing toxins, but these pathways can slow down due to stress, pollution, or a poor diet. 

Your body naturally removes toxins. However, overwhelmed detox pathways can affect overall health. A detox can help by focusing on the body's main detox organs. Detoxification typically involves dietary adjustments, supplements, and gentle physical practices. 

In this article, we'll explore practical interventions and how a detox can rejuvenate your system by supporting key organs like the liver, kidneys, gut, and skin, helping you feel lighter, clearer, and more energized. 

What Are Physical Detoxification Protocols?

Physical detoxification protocols provide external and mental support for your body's natural cleansing processes. Integrating daily habits like exercise, skin brushing, hydrotherapy, and fasting can help boost circulation, reduce stress, and promote detoxification and well-being.

Exercise

Regular, moderate exercise increases circulation and helps your body eliminate toxins. It also reduces stress, which in turn eases the burden on detox organs. Aim for regular, moderate workouts to stimulate your body's natural detoxification. 

Skin Detox

Detox your skin by skin brushing with a natural fibre brush, which stimulates circulation and boosts the immune system. Brush toward the heart once a day to encourage toxin removal. This gentle practice supports radiant skin and overall vitality. 

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy, such as alternating hot and cold water in the shower, stimulates circulation and immune function. Use 30-60 second intervals of hot and cold water to invigorate your body's detox pathways. Saunas also enhance detoxification, but stay hydrated to avoid dehydration. 

Fasting

Fasting has been used for centuries. By limiting food, your body focuses energy on cellular regeneration and detoxification. Fasting usually lasts 3 to 10 days. 

Before starting, consume raw fruits and vegetables for two days. During the fast, drink at least 2 liters of water, plus natural juices and herbal teas. After fasting, slowly reintroduce raw foods. If you have blood sugar concerns, add a protein supplement to your fast. 

Recommended juices and teas to drink during your fast include:

  • Lemon, Beet, Cabbage, Carrot, Celery
  • Apple, Cranberry, Grape
  • Green Drink Powder
  • Alfalfa, Burdock, Echinacea, Milk Thistle
  • Pau D'Arco, Red Clover, Slippery Elm
  • Chamomile, Dandelion, Peppermint, Rose Hips

How Can I Support The Detox Organs in My Body?

Supporting the detox organs in your body is essential for successful body detoxification. Let's explore your body's main detox organs, including the colon, kidneys, liver, lungs, and skin.

Bowel Detoxification

Bowel cleansing is a crucial step in full-body detoxification because backup waste in the colon can lead to toxin reabsorption. Keeping the colon clear supports overall wellness and detoxification as well as improves digestion. Follow the general detox guideline and consider fasting if appropriate. 

The following supplements and herbal teas can help support a safe and effective colon cleanse. Adult doses are given:

  • To heal the colon, use Calendula, Fennel, Peppermint, and Slippery Elm.
  • To detox the colon, use: Burdock or Horsetail
  • To flush the colon, use: Barberry, Cascara Sagrada, Senna, Triphala.
  • To remove mucus, use: Elecampane, Fenugreek, Yarrow
  • To eliminate parasites, use: Clove, Garlic, Wormwood.

Nutritional Information

supplementdosage therapeutic effect
yeast busters kit as directed in product literature use if concerned about cleansing yeast from the colon. total detox program for candida.
bioxy cleanse as directed on label breaks up encrusted waste matter stuck on the intestinal wall.
fibre (ground flaxseeds, oat bran, psyllium seed) 1 capsule or 1 tsp 4 times daily. also available with herbs that help detoxify more effectively. essential for cleaning the colon. fibre is non-habit forming. always take away from other supplements or medications, with a glass of water.
probiotics / acidophilus with f.o.s. as directed on label replaces good bacteria in the colon. use a dairy free formula. f.o.s. helps heal the colon wall.
aloe vera juice ½ a cup to times daily heals the colon.
black walnut, cloves, & wormwood comination as directed on label use if concerned about parasites.
colostrum 1000-3000mg daily heals the colon. helps fight candida & parasites.
green drinks as directed on label cleans the colon of toxins and heals the mucosa. a good source of vitamins and minerals.
buffered vitamin c + bioflavinoids 500mg doses, to bowel tolerance, use that amount as your daily dose. supports mucous membranes. decreases inflammation. protects the body from pollutants.
also beneficial for
bowel cleansing:		 multivitamins, apple pectin, l-glutamine.
for informational purposes only. please consult your health care practitioner before taking natural health care products. click here for full disclaimer.

Kidney Cleansing

The kidneys have vital functions with regard to the processing and excretion of water-soluble toxins and heavy metals. Poor kidney function affects the cardiovascular system through blood pressure because of fluid regulation, and it can also affect joint health through the buildup of irritants such as uric acid.

When cleansing the kidneys, follow the general guidelines for detoxification and consider the appropriateness of a fast. Adults can use the following supplements during a kidney cleanse.

  • Natural Juices: Blueberry, Cherry, Cranberry, Garlic, Parsley
  • Herbal Teas: To heal – Birch Leaf, Goldenrod, Horsetail, Slippery Elm, To flush – Birch Leaf, Dandelion Leaf, Hydrangea, To eliminate bacteria – Bearberry, Buchu, Garlic, Goldenseal

Nutritional Information

supplementdosage therapeutic effect
herbal combo with some or all of birch, dandelion juniper, marshmallow, nettle, golden rod as directed in product literature helps flush toxins out of kidneys and bladder. do not use if you have kidney disease.
cranberry tablets as directed on label fights harmful bacteria in the urinary tract
probiotics / acidophilus with f.o.s. as directed on label replaces good bacteria in the colon. use a dairy free formula. f.o.s. helps heal the colon wall.
potassium ½ a cup to times daily replaces a mineral that is lost with frequent urination.
green drinks as directed on label contains chlorophyll. a good source of vitamins and minerals.
vitamin a 25 000iu daily rebuilds damaged tissue and supports kidney membrane. do not take if you are pregnant.
buffered vitamin c + bioflavinoids 500mg doses, to bowel tolerance, use that amount as your daily dose. supports mucous membranes. decreases inflammation. protects the body from pollutants.
also beneficial for
kidney cleansing:		 multivitamins, apple pectin, l-glutamine.
for informational purposes only. please consult your health care practitioner before taking natural health care products. click here for full disclaimer.

Liver Detoxification

The liver processes the majority of toxins in your body. It excretes most of the processed toxins through the bile and into the intestine. Most medications are also processed in the liver.  If you are on prescription medication, consult your health professional before cleansing the liver.

When cleansing the liver, follow the general guidelines for detoxification and consider the appropriateness of a fast. Adults can use the following supplements during a liver cleanse.

Herbal Teas & Juices:

  • To Heal: Milk Thistle
  • To Detoxify: Artichoke, Dandelion Root, Milk Thistle
  • To Flush: Beet Juice, Lemon Juice, Black Radish, Dandelion Root

Nutritional Information

supplement dosage therapeutic effect
d-glucarate as directed a potent detoxifier. helps the liver break down pollutants, excess hormones, toxins from candida, plastics, and others.
alpha lipoic acid 100-400mg daily a potent "dual solubility" antioxidant. removes heavy metals & cleanses the liver. use with caution if you have diabetes or hypoglycemia, as it can lower blood sugar.
milk thistle 500-2000mg daily cleanses the liver & helps regenerated damaged liver cells. especially good for environmental pollutants.
curcumin 1000-3000mg daily a potent antioxidant. helps to optimize liver function.
lipotropic factors or lecithin as directed helps to cleanse fats from the liver. protects the liver from fatty build up.
b complex 100mg daily vitamins are essential for the processing of toxins in the liver.
coenzyme q10 60-120mg daily oxygenates the cells for optimal cell functioning.
green drinks as directed on label contains chlorophyll. cleanses the liver of toxins. a good source of vitamins and minerals.
buffered vitamin c + bioflavinoids 1000-3000mg daily. protects the body from pollutants.
also beneficial for
liver cleansing:		 multivitamins, dandelion, burdock, red clover, chlorophyll, enzymes, bromelain, black radish, essiac tea, nac, glutathione and methionine.
for informational purposes only. please consult your health care practitioner before taking natural health care products. click here for full disclaimer.

Lung Cleansing

The lungs are responsible for filtering out particulate matter from the air. The lungs constantly encounter microbes and toxins. They help remove waste when the liver, kidneys, and bowels become overwhelmed.

When cleansing the lungs, follow the general guidelines for detoxification and consider the appropriateness of a fast. The following supplements can be used during lung cleansing; adult doses are given.

  • Physical Therapy – Deep breathing exercises
  • Inhalation Therapy – Lavender, Eucalyptus, or Myrrh essential oil
  • Herbal Teas and Juices: To heal – Coltsfoot, Ginger, Lungwort, Peppermint, Slippery elm, To detoxify –Chickweed, Cordyceps, Gingko biloba, Goldenseal, To remove mucus – Elecampane, Horehound, Hyssop, Mullein

Nutritional Information

supplement dosage therapeutic effect
coenzyme q10 60-120mg daily improves oxygenation in the lungs.
quercitin as directed reduces mucous congestion.
herbal combo with all or some of: slipper elm, elecampane, mullein, wild cherry, & horehound as directed essential for cleaning the colon. fibre is non-habit forming. always take away from other supplements or medications, with a glass of water.
nac (n - acetyl- cysteine) 500mg twice daily breaks up mucous congestion in the lungs.
msm (methyl sulfonyl methane) 3000-6000mg daily studies show msm improves lung diseases and reverses lung damage. helps reverse smoking-related lung damage.
aerobic oxygen as directed increases cellular oxygenation. aids in toxin removal from the body.
vitamin a 1000-3000mg daily promotes the repair of lung tissue. do not use if you are pregnant.
vitamin e 400-800iu daily protects lung tissue from toxin damage. do not use if you are taking anticoagulant medications.
buffered vitamin c + bioflavinoids 1000-300mg daily supports mucous membranes. decreases inflammation. protects the body from pollutants.
also beneficial for
lung cleansing:		 multivitamins, apple pectin, l-glutamine.
for informational purposes only. please consult your health care practitioner before taking natural health care products. click here for full disclaimer.

Skin Cleansing

The skin is the body’s largest organ. The skin protects the body and removes some waste. Excess toxins can overwhelm this process and burden major detoxification organs.

When performing a skin detox, follow the general guidelines for detoxification and consider the appropriateness of a fast. The following supplements can be used during skin cleansing; adult doses are given.

  • Topical Therapy: To remove infection – Calendula, Tea tree, Colloidal silver, To heal – Aloe vera, Calendula, Vitamin E
  • Herbal Teas: To heal – Borage, Fennel, Calendula, Nettles, To detoxify – Burdock, Dandelion, Horsetail, Sheep sorrel

Nutritional Information

supplement dosage therapeutic effect
3-6-9 essential fats 3600-7200mg daily use moisturizes the skin. useful in helping clear psoriasis and other chronic skin conditions.
echinacea as directed cleanses the lymphatic system.
probiotics / acidophilus with f.o.s. as directed on label replaces good bacteria in the colon. intestinal toxicity promotes formation of skin blemishes. use a dairy free formula. f.o.s. helps heal the colon wall.
aloe vera juice ½ a cup 1 to 2 times times daily promotes healing of the skin.
red clover, burdock and dandelion as directed cleanses the blood which improves the condition of the skin
green drinks as directed contains chlorophyll that detoxifies the skin. a good source of vitamins and minerals.
bee pollen 1000-3000mg daily rejuvenates the skin. do not use if you are allergic to bee products.
also beneficial for
skin cleansing:		multivitamins, nettle, pau d'arco, milk thistle, silica
for informational purposes only. please consult your health care practitioner before taking natural health care products. click here for full disclaimer.

Key Supplements For A Full Body Detox

1. Milk Thistle For A Full Body Detox

Milk thistle is a powerful herb known for supporting liver health. It is a bitter herb that causes the release of digestive juices and bile, thus helping with indigestion and intestinal cleansing. 

People historically used milk thistle to support digestion and increase breast milk production. Today, it primarily supports liver health. The active compound, silymarin, strengthens liver cells by helping them resist toxic compounds and regenerate themselves. It also boosts glutathione and protects against toxins and drug overdoses. 

The liver uses glutathione to neutralize free radicals created during toxin processing.

Natural health practitioners widely recommend it for liver detox, indigestion, and gallbladder issues. 

Milk Thistle As A Supplement

Milk thistle comes in capsules, dried herbs, tinctures, liquid extracts, and cleaning formulas. Its active components are not soluble in water; therefore, there is little medicinal value in drinking it as a tea. 

Choose concentrated extracts or capsules for liver support. Choose teas or bitter herbs to stimulate digestion through taste.

Milk thistle is generally safe, but it does have detoxifying properties. Individuals with serious liver disease or high levels of toxic compounds in their bodies should use milk thistle under the guidance of a health professional.

2. Probiotics For A Full Body Detox

Probiotics are essential for digestive and colon health. They are the beneficial microbial flora you need for optimal digestive and colon health. 

Without healthy gut flora, poor assimilation of nutrients, intestinal irritation, or constipation can result. But their effects go beyond those commonly associated with digestion.

Naturopathic and medical doctors are recognizing the importance of gut flora for overall health. Many bodily functions require healthy gut flora. Certain Lactobacillus strains help produce immune factors. Other strains help support healthy cholesterol levels.

Types of Friendly Bacteria

Probiotics differ by where they work in the body. Some support the small intestine, while others colonize the large intestine. But, believe it or not, beneficial bacteria exist in the mouth, urinary tract, stomach, and even on the surface of the skin.

What to Look For in a Probiotic

When choosing a probiotic, look for a multi-strain formula for the broadest benefits. A good probiotic typically provides 6-20 strains of healthy bacteria. This broad coverage helps replenish and maintain your natural gut flora. 

Some probiotics target specific health issues. For example, Saccharomyces boulardii is effective against chronic intestinal distress from C. diff or food poisoning. Another type, known as a nutrient soil probiotic, replenishes beneficial bacteria lost due to modern soil depletion. These strains, like those in Primal Defense, have shown promise in fighting candida and restoring the gut after food poisoning. For travelers, taking a high-cell-count probiotic two weeks before a trip, and continuing during and after, can help prevent parasites and traveller's diarrhea. 

Detoxification and Probiotics

An intestinal cleanse benefits many, especially those with constipation or parasites. Waste buildup in the colon allows harmful bacteria and yeast to thrive; therefore, cleansing and repopulating with probiotics is key. These supplements help restore healthy gut flora, offsetting parasites and yeast that were flushed out during a cleanse.

Probiotics are measured by active cell count, with a high-potency supplement considered 10 billion cells or more. Though they have a shorter shelf life, they remain more stable than expected. Ideally, store them in the fridge, but if you can't, most only lose about 5% of their potency after 30 days under normal conditions. 

Probiotics are best taken on an empty stomach to ensure more bacteria survive the journey to the intestines. Powders and lozenges also help deliver beneficial bacteria to the mouth and esophagus. Some probiotics contain dairy, so if you're sensitive to dairy, choose a dairy-free option. 

3. NAC For A Full Body Detox

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a stable form of the amino acid L-cysteine and a key precursor to the antioxidant glutathione. It supports liver detoxification by neutralizing heavy metals like mercury, cadmium, and lead. It also protects cells from aging damage, viruses, and chemotherapy and radiation. 

Natural health practitioners recommend NAC for boosting immunity, reducing asthma, fighting colds and flus, and heavy metal toxicity.

As a supplement, it's available as capsules or powder. It can cause side effects such as diarrhea and interact with certain medications. Consult your healthcare provider before taking it if you're on other medications.

Cautions & Considerations When Doing A Full Body Detox

Cleansing may worsen symptoms or alter medication levels, so it's crucial to consult a healthcare practitioner if you have serious health concerns. 

Common detox symptoms include:

  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Headached
  • Diarrhea
  • Food Cravings

These symptoms signal that your body is releasing toxins and will subside as the cleanse progresses. It's necessary to nourish yourself properly and stay hydrated during a full body detoxification protocol. It's important to:

Avoid: packaged or fast foods, coffee, black tea, chocolate, alcohol, white sugar, salt, condiments, tobacco, dairy products, fried food, preservatives or artificial sweeteners.

Consume: 2L of filtered water daily, herbal teas and 100% pure fruit juices. Eat fresh or steamed vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats, fish, soy products, nuts, seeds, cold-pressed vegetable oils and spices. Drink a glass of warm water with lemon each morning.