A-Z body cleanse Articles

Many people consider a cleanse after feeling sluggish, tired, or lacking energy. Poor diet, stress, alcohol, and environmental toxins can all contribute. Supporting your body's natural detoxification processes may help restore balance and overall wellness. However, successful detoxification requires more than following the latest trend. Detoxes and diets are not the same. Some cleansing programs can place unnecessary stress on the body and may do more harm than good. Understanding how your body's natural detoxification systems work help you make informed choices. The liver, kidneys, digestive tract, skin, and lungs already remove waste efficiently. Healthy habits and targeted nutrition can support these processes. Before starting any cleanse, learn which approaches are evidence-informed and which to avoid. These detoxification tips will help you support your body's natural detoxification safely and effectively.

How Does a Detox Work?

A detox, short for detoxification, is the body's natural, ongoing process of neutralizing or eliminating toxins from the body. What are toxins? This can be anything that can potentially harm body tissue – think of the process that leads to ammonia, or even man-made toxins that are floating around in the environment that we ingest. Together, our liver, kidneys, intestines, lungs, skin, blood and lymphatic systems work to ensure toxins are transformed to less harmful compounds and disposed of from our body, a detox simply helps this process along. Did you know that the average American has over 90 toxic chemicals in their body? While this stat is scary, Dr. Oz only recommends doing a cleanse 3-4 times a year, at most.

What is a Detox?

Let's define detoxification before exploring different approaches. Many detox programs exist, but this article focuses on a specific method. A detox diet typically lasts at least two to three weeks. It limits foods and drinks that burden the body's natural detoxification systems. It may also include herbs, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that support the liver, kidneys, and colon. This approach does not include calorie-restricted plans, juice cleanses, or harsh laxatives. Detox foods and supplements do not directly remove toxins. Instead, they support the organs that naturally process and eliminate waste. Strong detoxification depends on healthy liver, kidney, and digestive function. When done correctly, a detox may improve liver function, digestion, elimination, skin clarity, bloating, energy, mood, mental clarity, and healthy weight management.

What Are The Main Detoxification Organs?

Everything that we consume, including food, medication, drinks, and supplements, is filtered through our liver, making it the most important organ in detoxification. Other organs that play important roles in the detoxification process are the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, and skin. Since everything is filtered through the liver, it can get sluggish over time from all of the processed, refined and fast food chemicals we consume. In fact, alcohol, refined sugar, coffee, processed/pre-made food and fast foods are included as restricted foods when doing a detox.

Detoxification Tips: Herbs and Nutrients

Herbs such as milk thistle, dandelion, globe artichoke, and curcumin are important for liver support, as are lipotropic factors, choline, inositol, and methionine. Vitamins C, E, and a full range of B’s, as well as minerals such as magnesium, selenium, and molybdenum, are also vitally important for the detoxification process. A number of amino acids (taurine, glycine, glutamic acid), along with CoQ10, and NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine), are also necessary nutrients for detox – your lungs, liver, and kidneys all benefit from these.

What a detox diet consists of:

• Fruits: Apples, bananas, pears, oranges, etc. [fresh, frozen, dried or canned in natural fruit juice]
• Fruit juice: Homemade fresh fruit juices or smoothies [not sweetened]
• Vegetables: Almost any vegetable: carrots, turnips, sprouts, cabbage, onions, peppers, sweet corn, mushrooms, broccoli, cauliflower, salad, etc. [fresh or frozen]
• Beans and lentils: Any beans: haricot, cannelloni, red kidney, black eye, red lentils, green lentils, etc [fresh, dried or canned in water]
• Starches: Potatoes [all types], brown rice, rice noodles, etc.
• Fresh fish: Any fresh fish: cod, salmon, lobster, plaice, mackerel, crab, trout, haddock, tuna, Dover sole, red mullet, prawns, etc
• Unsalted nuts: Brazil, cashew, hazelnuts, peanuts, almonds, pecans, pine nuts, macadamia, walnuts, pistachio, etc
• Live natural yogurt
• Extras: Garlic, ginger and fresh herbs, honey, etc
• Drink: Tap or mineral water [at least 2 litres a day] + herbal/fruit teas

Avoid eating:

• Meats: Chicken, turkey, Red meat, and meat products such as burgers, sausages, etc
• Milk and milk products, such as cheese, cream, and butter
• Eggs
• Breads: Anything that contains wheat, etc
• Salted snacks, salted nuts
• Refined Sugars: Sweets, jam, chocolate, sugar, etc
• Alcohol
• Coffee, tea
• Fizzy drinks
• Squashes: all types
• Processed foods
• Sauces: salad dressing, pickles, mayonnaise, etc.
• Salt

Detoxification Tips: Things to Avoid

The diets in the following list have the potential to be harmful and hard on the body. As Dr. Oz exclaims, downsides to popular detoxes can rob the body of important nutrients, place your body in starvation mode and in turn, actually slow down your metabolism. These types of detoxes are typically, if anything, more taxing on our organs and can create dehydration, fatigue, dizziness and/or nausea.

• Avoid 2-3 day detox kits (they tend to be very harsh as they are trying to speed up a process that in no way can, or should happen this quickly.). These short detox diets also tend to be very restrictive, which can have consequences for those with blood sugar issues, blood pressure issues, or immune deficiencies, to name a few.
• Avoid detoxes that use harsh/strong laxatives, and a lot of them, to increase elimination of waste. These can be very inflammatory to the bowel, and for those with inflammatory bowel issues, will surely cause a flare-up. They can also cause cramping, diarrhea, nausea, and dehydration, to name a few side effects.
• Avoid calorie-restricted detoxes that last more than 24 hours. Juice diets have their place, but need to be conducted under the strict supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner, and again, are not for everyone.
  Be cautious when doing these, or any detox, in the heart of the summer or winter. Especially in the winter, when our body is already overwhelmed with cold and flu viruses, and other infection, a detox can further compromise or weaken your immune defences. You should never start a detox when you have an infection.

Other helpful hints
Another ‘must’ with any detox is increasing water consumption, along with fibre. This gently supports the bowel in its job of eliminating all the toxins filtered by the liver, and helps to decrease any side effects. Exercise can also help to support the detoxification process and elimination of toxins through the skin (sweat). So get moving!

How Will A Detox Make Me Feel?

The detox that we are talking about here will have significantly fewer side effects than many of the ‘unhealthier’ detox options. That being said, headaches during detoxification are very common, as are acne flare-ups or skin exacerbation. Generally, the first week of a detox can cause individuals to feel a little more lethargic than usual. Listen to your body and be gentle with it. Go to bed early if you are tired, and don't overdo it with exercise if your body is saying no. By the end of the second week, most people feel significantly better than they did before they started.

We advise you to seek the advice of a Naturopathic doctor before starting any detox regime – they can tailor the detox to your individual needs, and monitor your progress throughout.

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

supplement	dosage	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

supplement	dosage	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.