How to Detox Your Body (The Healthy, Sustainable Way)

September 9, 2026 at 9:15 am

You've seen the detox trends on TikTok and Instagram: from extreme fasting to juice cleanses and teas that guarantee results, there are plenty of ways to do a full-body detox.

Unfortunately, most of these extreme methods do more harm than good.

Your body already has a built-in detox system, but processed foods, a lack of hydration, and stress can all affect its ability to work. Instead of restricting your body, supporting it through natural methods can help you detox safely and sustainably.

Find out how to detox your body naturally in this guide.

What is detoxing?

Your body naturally detoxes itself every day through some key processes:

Your liver processes waste products and toxins.
The kidneys filter waste and turn it into urine.
Your digestive system removes waste from the body.
The skin and lungs get rid of by-products through sweat and breathing.

Why you should avoid extreme detox diets

There are so many extreme detox diets out there, with each claiming to offer amazing results. But it's essential to remember that most of these diets aren't scientifically backed. In fact, they can cause more harm than good.

Let's take a look at some popular detoxes and their dangers.

Juice cleanses

Juice cleanses market themselves as the fastest way to reset your body. Instead of eating food, most cleanses require you to drink only juice for a set number of days. Minor detoxes may only last a day, while longer detoxes can last up to a week.

However, juices are high in sugar but lack other vital nutrients. Research also shows that these cleanses can cause blood sugar spikes, dehydration, and kidney damage (Health).

Detox tea

Detox teas often use a combination of herbs and diuretics to stimulate weight loss. Most tea detox diets recommend cutting out sugar and processed foods while using the tea. Because they have a laxative effect, you'll lose weight - but this is usually only temporary.

Studies show that detox teas can impact your eating habits, result in laxative dependence, and cause hyponatremia (NIH).

Detox pills

Detox pills are similar to teas because they contain herbs and ingredients that have a laxative effect on your body. Again, they might seem like they're initially working, but the reality is that these pills can impact your body's ability to remove harmful toxins naturally.

Crash diets

Crash diets promise weight loss but can harm your organs. From the grapefruit diet and cabbage diet to extreme fasting, you'll often see people saying they've lost tons of weight.

Here's the thing: while you may lose weight, it's usually just excess water and unsustainable in the long term.

You're also depriving your body of all the nutrients it needs to function, which can slow down your metabolism and lead to deficiencies.

How to do a full body detox the right way

Fast detox diets might seem like they work, but this is usually only on the surface. The fact is, juice, tea, pills, and extreme dieting can cause more harm in the long term.

If you want to detox your body, helping it to enhance its natural functions is always more effective. Does it take longer? Yes. Is it safer? Absolutely.

Reduce your reliance on processed foods

Processed foods are part of our modern society. Busy schedules and a convenience-focused culture often make it easier to order from Deliveroo than to cook. A diet that's high in processed foods can impact your digestive system, heart health, and gut balance (BHF).

A balanced diet gives your body the support it needs, so focus on whole grains, complex carbohydrates, protein, and fibre. If you struggle to maintain a balanced diet, meal-replacement shakes provide vital nutrients and protein.

Swap two meals a day for a shake and consume a healthy meal that incorporates all food groups.

Focus on liver health

The liver is one of the most important organs for detoxification, and it depends on certain nutrients to eliminate toxins. Foods that naturally support the liver include healthy fats, cruciferous vegetables, onions, and garlic.

Certain supplements can support liver function, including choline, milk thistle, and N-acetyl cysteine.

Gut health and digestive system support

A healthy digestive system and gut are central to your body's detoxification ability. When your digestion is sluggish, it may reabsorb waste products rather than removing them.

A healthy diet that includes fibre, regular meal timings, and optimal hydration can support digestion, but supplements can give it an extra push.

Using probiotics prevents gut imbalances by introducing healthy bacteria to balance out harmful bacteria, while digestive enzymes help your body process nutrients more efficiently.

If you struggle with constipation, magnesium supplements may promote regular bowel movements.

Regular physical activity and hydration

Two of the best ways to support your body's natural detoxification processes are to get regular exercise and drink plenty of water.

Staying hydrated throughout the day and adjusting your water intake based on the temperature helps your body process and eliminate toxins.

Aside from boosting endorphins, enhancing heart health, and promoting circulation, many specialists also believe that regular exercise can enhance liver and kidney function (PubMed).

Water plays a critical role in detoxification by supporting kidney function and waste removal.

Practice stress management

Long-term stress may negatively affect your digestive system. Studies show that high levels of stress can slow digestion and cause abdominal pain (Harvard Health).

Unfortunately, there's no magic method for reducing stress, as it requires finding some balance in your life. Yoga, exercise, and getting plenty of downtime can be beneficial, but certain supplements may also help.

For example, Ashwagandha is one of the most effective natural remedies for stress management, which supports your body's detoxification processes.

Using supplements for a natural detox

Supplements should never replace real food, but they can make a difference to your overall wellbeing. Here are some tips for using supplements safely:

Find A Balance: Think about your dietary habits and consider where you might need extra support. For example, if you don't eat meat or seafood, vegan protein and Omega-3 supplements can be beneficial.
Increase Your Fibre Intake: Optimal fibre is the cornerstone of digestive and gut health. Legumes, whole grains, vegetables, and fruit all contain high levels of fibre. If you frequently experience constipation, fibre supplements can offer extra support.
Use Micronutrients: These are the vitamins and minerals your body needs. Unfortunately, many people don't reach their recommended intake through diet alone. Using Greens Powders gives your body a healthy dose of micronutrients and complements a balanced diet.
Approach Detoxification Holistically: Natural detoxification requires a balance of diet, exercise, quality sleep, and hydration. Supplements can offer support, but they're not a magic solution.

The bottom line

Extreme detox diets might seem like a quick fix, but their results rarely last. More importantly, you could be causing long-term damage to your body.

Focusing on natural remedies and positive lifestyle changes provides your organs with the support they need, enhancing their detoxifying properties.

Take steps to improve your diet, maintain optimal hydration, and enjoy regular physical activity. Even a daily walk can support your body's natural functions.

And, if you require additional support, supplements can replace dietary gaps. Sealions is here to help you focus on your health and make positive changes. If you need advice about which supplements to take or have any questions, please get in touch with us today.