
Full body detox: How to help the body detox at home
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Full body detox: How to help the body detox at home Louise Morales-Brown is a social researcher within the civil service, collecting evidence of social issues to inform and evaluate policy decisions. She has an undergraduate degree in applied psychology and criminology from the University of Brighton, in the U.K. She is currently undertaking her Ph.D. part-time at Lancaster University, where she is researching into patient experiences of diabetes distress.n
LinkedIn Amy Richter is a registered dietitian who specializes in skin conditions and gut health. She owns The Acne Dietitian, a blog and private practice dedicated to helping people with acne achieve clear skin using diet and lifestyle changes.n
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Timothy Huzar is a freelance medical science journalist and an interdisciplinary humanities academic. In his medical science writing, Tim is interested in research on the gut microbiome and the overlap of global health and social justice. Tim has a PhD from the Centre for Applied Philosophy, Politics and Ethics at the University of Brighton and has taught at a number of universities in South East England. His published academic research looks at the relationship between politics, care, narrative, and violence, with an emphasis on continental feminist thought, Black studies scholarship, and critical theory.n”},”avatar”:{“title”:””,”width”:500,”height”:500,”src”:”https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/Timothy-Huzar-500×500-Bio.png”}}],”reviewedByHeader”:”Medically reviewed by”},{“title”:[“What to know about the lemon detox diet”],”text”:[“The lemon detox diet involves drinking a lemon juice mixture for a set period. There is no evidence to support the diet, and it can potentially be…”],”link”:”/articles/324670″,”imageAlt”:”What to know about the lemon detox diet”,”thumbnail”:”https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/02/324670_2200-732×549.jpg”,”medicallyReviewedBy”:{“reviewerName”:”Natalie Olsen, R.D., L.D., ACSM EP-C”,”reviewerImage”:{“path”:”https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/12/NatalieOlsen.png”,”width”:200,”height”:200,”altText”:””}},”isNutrition”:false,”authors”:[{“id”:956,”name”:{“display”:”Aaron Kandola”,”first”:”Aaron”,”last”:”Kandola, Ph.D.”},”userLogin”:”aaronkandola”,”links”:{“website”:””,”facebook”:””,”linkedin”:””,”twitter”:””,”instagram”:””,”tiktok”:””},”link”:”/authors/aaron-kandola”,”type”:{“value”:”author”,”label”:”Author”},”nid”:””,”specialties”:[],”guestTitle”:””,”bio”:{“text”:” Aaron completed a Ph.D. in psychiatric epidemiology at University College London’s Division of Psychiatry and an M.Sc. in neuroscience at the University of Amsterdam. He works as a senior health analyst at the UK Health Security Agency and Public Health England, having previously held research positions at University College London, the Mental Health Foundation, and Monash University. Aaron’s research on the relationship between physical and mental health has appeared in leading scientific journals, such as The Lancet Psychiatry, and featured across many global media outlets, including the New York Times, BBC, Le Monde, NPR, and CNN.n
To keep up with Aaron, follow him on Twitter or visit his list of academic publications.n”},”avatar”:{“title”:””,”width”:500,”height”:500,”src”:”https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/500x500_Aaron_Kandol.png”}}],”reviewedByHeader”:”Medically reviewed by”},{“title”:[“What are the pros and cons of a juice cleanse?”],”text”:[“Learn about the science behind juicing and juice cleanses here.”],”link”:”/articles/323136″,”imageAlt”:”What are the pros and cons of a juice cleanse?”,”thumbnail”:”https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/01/juice_cleanse_pros_cons_732x549_thumb-732×549.jpg”,”medicallyReviewedBy”:{“reviewerName”:”Maya Feller, MS, RD, CDN”,”reviewerImage”:{“path”:”https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Maya-Feller-500×500-Bio.png”,”width”:200,”height”:200,”altText”:””}},”isNutrition”:false,”authors”:[{“id”:189,”name”:{“display”:”Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA”,”first”:”Rachel”,”last”:”Nall, MSN, CRNA”},”userLogin”:”rpnall”,”links”:{“website”:””,”facebook”:””,”linkedin”:””,”twitter”:””,”instagram”:”https://www.instagram.com/NallWrite/”,”tiktok”:””},”link”:”/authors/rachel-nall-msn-crna”,”type”:{“value”:”author”,”label”:”Author”},”nid”:””,”specialties”:[],”guestTitle”:””,”bio”:{“text”:”
Rachel has been a freelance medical writer since 2004. She currently works as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist at a Level I trauma center. To keep up with Rachel, follow her on Instagram.n”},”avatar”:{“title”:””,”width”:500,”height”:500,”src”:”https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/500x500_Rachel_Nall.png”}}],”reviewedByHeader”:”Medically reviewed by”},{“title”:[“What is the apple cider vinegar detox?”],”text”:[“A look at the apple cider vinegar detox, which is a popular cleansing diet. Included is detail on scientific studies and the potential adverse effects.”],”link”:”/articles/320930″,”imageAlt”:”What is the apple cider vinegar detox?”,”thumbnail”:”https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/02/320930_2200-732×549.jpg”,”medicallyReviewedBy”:{“reviewerName”:”Natalie Butler, R.D., L.D.”,”reviewerImage”:{“path”:”https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/12/NatalieButler.png”,”width”:200,”height”:200,”altText”:””},”specialties”:[]},”isNutrition”:false,”authors”:[{“id”:953,”name”:{“display”:”Jayne Leonard”,”first”:”Jayne”,”last”:”Leonard”},”userLogin”:”jayneleonard”,”links”:{“website”:””,”facebook”:””,”linkedin”:””,”twitter”:””,”instagram”:””,”tiktok”:””},”link”:”/authors/jayne-leonard”,”type”:{“value”:”author”,”label”:”Author”},”nid”:””,”specialties”:[],”guestTitle”:””,”bio”:{“text”:” Jayne is a qualified counselor and psychotherapist, and she holds a diploma in nutritional therapy. At present, she is completing a master’s degree in counselling and psychotherapy. She is passionate about the influence of diet and lifestyle on mental health and well-being. Through her work in both private and not-for-profit settings, she hopes to empower others to take charge of their lives and improve their physical and mental health.n”},”avatar”:{“title”:””,”width”:500,”height”:500,”src”:”https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/500x500_Jayne_Leonard.png”}}],”reviewedByHeader”:”Medically reviewed by”},{“title”:[“5 ways to tell if your diet is healthy, according to experts”],”text”:[“Experts from the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization, as well as independent nutritionists explain what five factors…”],”link”:”/articles/5-ways-to-tell-if-your-diet-is-healthy-according-to-experts”,”imageAlt”:”5 ways to tell if your diet is healthy, according to experts”,”thumbnail”:”https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/healthy-food-bag-market-732×549-thumbnail.jpg”,”isNutrition”:false,”authors”:[{“id”:879,”name”:{“display”:”Maria Cohut, Ph.D.”,”first”:”Maria”,”last”:”Cohut Ph.D.”},”userLogin”:”mcohut”,”links”:{“website”:””,”facebook”:””,”linkedin”:””,”twitter”:””,”instagram”:””,”tiktok”:””},”link”:”/authors/maria-cohut”,”type”:{“value”:”author”,”label”:”Author”},”nid”:””,”specialties”:[],”guestTitle”:””,”bio”:{“text”:” Maria is an insatiably curious soul, particularly fascinated by the mysterious workings of the human brain, medical history, and our relationship with our own bodies, both during and after life. Before joining Medical News Today, Maria worked as a teacher, academic ambassador, and a freelance writer and copy editor. Recently, she finished a Ph.D. in English at the University of Warwick in the U.K. In her spare time, she learns Japanese, occasionally practices taxidermy, and spreads her infectious love of invertebrates.n
nTwittern”},”avatar”:{“title”:””,”width”:500,”height”:500,”src”:”https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/06/Louise-Morales-Brown-500×500-Bio.png”}}],”medicalReviewers”:[{“id”:1402,”name”:{“display”:”Amy Richter, RD”,”first”:”Amy”,”last”:”Richter, MS, RD”},”userLogin”:”arichter”,”links”:{“website”:”https://theacnedietitian.com/”,”facebook”:”https://www.facebook.com/theacnedietitian”,”linkedin”:”https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-richter/”,”twitter”:””,”instagram”:”https://www.instagram.com/the.acne.dietitian/”,”tiktok”:””},”link”:”/reviewers/amy-richter-rd”,”type”:{“value”:”medical_reviewer”,”label”:”Medical Advisor”},”nid”:”163998″,”specialties”:[{“name”:”Nutrition”}],”guestTitle”:””,”bio”:{“text”:”
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A full body detox is a practice that some people believe can eliminate toxins from the body. Detoxing the entire body may involve following a particular diet, fasting, taking supplements, or using a sauna.
Detoxes can encourage habits that may enhance the body’s normal detoxification processes, such as eating a healthful diet, getting enough exercise, and staying hydrated.
However, there are also risks involved, and some detox products can be harmful.
This article looks at what a full body detox entails, the potential benefits and risks, and how to follow a detox safely.
A full body detox, or cleanse, is a plan that people follow in an effort to eliminate toxins from the body.
Toxins, such as poisons or pollutants, are substances that negatively affect health. The body can already eliminate these substances on its own through the liver, kidneys, digestive system, and skin.
Proponents of detoxes claim that a detox can help with this process. There is no single definition of what a full body detox involves, but it may require a person to:
- follow a specific diet
- fast
- drink more water or juices
- use supplements
- use colonic irrigation, enemas, or laxatives
- use a sauna
- reduce exposure to toxins in their environment
While some people believe that full body detoxes provide health benefits, they are not necessary for most people. The body already has its own highly efficient detoxification system to eliminate toxins from the body.
Sometimes, people have medical conditions that require help with detoxification. For example, people with heavy metal poisoning may undergo chelation therapy. This is a procedure that removes heavy metals from the body.
However, people who are healthy typically do not require additional help with detoxification.
While detoxes are not medically necessary for most people, under certain circumstances, they may offer some health benefits, such as:
- Weight loss: A 2017 review notes that detoxification diets can result in weight loss. However, the researchers note that this is likely due to the severe calorie restriction of some diets.
- Fruits and vegetables: Many detox diets may involve consuming fruits and vegetables. According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, roughly three-quarters of people in the United States do not consume enough fruit and vegetables.
- Hydration: Many full body detoxes also promote water consumption. Water is vital for health and helps the body remove waste through sweating, urination, and bowel movements.
- Antioxidants: According to a 2014 review, some studies have found that certain detox diets can aid liver function and that certain foods can increase the antioxidant glutathione. Glutathione can help remove toxins, such as heavy metals, from the body. However, the researchers highlight that many of these studies had design flaws, involved a small number of participants, or were animal studies.
Many of the potential benefits of detoxes do not last long and end once a person resumes their normal diet. At present, research does not support the use of detox diets for either weight management or toxin elimination.
- restrict food intake, leading to a lack of necessary nutrients
- drink large quantities of juices or teas, which may lead to a dangerous electrolyte imbalance
- drink juices that contain large amounts of oxalates, which may raise the risk for kidney problems
- use detox products that contain laxatives, which may result in severe diarrhea and dehydration
- try diet plans that exacerbate underlying conditions, such as diabetes
People should always discuss supplements, detox products, and new diets with a doctor or dietitian before trying them.
If a person wishes to try their own version of a full body detox in order to feel healthier, there is a safer way to do so. In many cases, making simple changes to diet or lifestyle can improve general health.
Here are some ideas for how to support the body’s detoxification system.
Stop smoking or drinking
Tobacco smoke and alcohol both place strain on the body in various ways. Alcohol in particular affects the liver, which is the body’s main detoxification organ.
If a person smokes or drinks regularly, they can begin a detox by reducing these habits or stopping entirely.
Stay hydrated
Drinking enough water is important for general health and also for detoxification. How much water a person needs depends on their level of physical activity and age, among other factors.
Begin eating a nutrient-dense diet
Adequate nutrition allows the body’s detoxification system to work effectively. People should avoid refined carbohydrates, added sugars, and processed foods and try to include more:
Oily fish are another source of beneficial nutrients. However, it is important to note that some oily fish, such as tuna, can contain mercury. The FDA advise eating 2–3 servings of low-mercury fish or seafood per week.
Get enough sleep
Sleep allows the brain to remove toxic waste products that accumulate throughout the day. This makes adequate sleep an essential part of detoxification.
Improve indoor air quality
While it is not always possible for individuals to control pollution exposure outdoors, there are things people can do to reduce exposure indoors, such as:
- asking household members to smoke outdoors
- avoiding products that contain high amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as aerosols and air fresheners
- keeping rooms well ventilated when someone is using solvents, household paints, and other DIY products
- choosing carpets, couches, and mattresses that do not emit VOCs
- addressing issues such as damp and mold
- dusting regularly
- using an air purifier with a HEPA filter
People can check the air quality in their area using AirNow.
Before a person attempts a full body detox or makes significant lifestyle changes, it is advisable for them to consult a healthcare professional.
It is also best to consult a doctor if a person is having ongoing symptoms that make them feel the need for a detox. These could be a sign of an underlying condition, which may require treatment.
If a person decides to try a full body detox and begins to feel unwell or experiences symptoms such as diarrhea, fatigue, dizziness, or vomiting, they should stop the detox and contact a doctor.
A full body detox aims to help the body eliminate toxins. However, there is not much evidence that they provide any long-term health benefits or that they are a sustainable way to lose weight.
Some types of detox recommend drastic dietary and lifestyle changes, while others involve using products that contain laxatives. These types of detoxes can be dangerous.
People can adopt a more balanced approach by using a detox as an opportunity to begin healthful habits, such as drinking more water, eating more fruits and vegetables, and stopping drinking or smoking. However, people should speak with a doctor before making any major changes.
How we reviewed this article:
Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
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