Detox Basics

All the basics about detox and cleansing. Learn what detox is, where "toxins" come from, why people detox, health conditions that are thought to benefit from detox, safety concerns, and more.

What is a detox?

Detox, short for detoxification, is the body's natural, ongoing process of neutralizing or eliminating toxins from the body. Toxins (anything that can potentially harm body tissue) are transformed chemically to less harmful compounds and excreted via stools or urine.

Sources of toxins include those produced in the body during normal functions, such as the ammonia produced during the breakdown of protein, and external chemicals such as pesticides, household cleaners, food additives, drugs, pollution, cigarette smoke, and heavy metals like lead.

What is a detox diet?

Although detox is primarily thought of as a treatment for alcohol or drug dependence, the term is also used to refer to diets, herbs, and other methods of removing environmental and dietary toxins from the body for general health.

There are many different types of detox diets. Generally, a detox diet is a short-term diet that:

Why do people go on a detox diet?

Many experts believe that many of the fat-soluble chemicals we ingest daily through food, water, and the environment can become deposited in cells in our bodies. A poor diet can also impair our natural ability to detoxify chemicals, which further leads to their build-up in the body.

This cumulative load, called the "body burden", is thought to lead to illness and has been linked to hormonal imbalance, impaired immune function, nutritional deficiency, and an inefficient metabolism. Initially, there may be subtle warning signs, such as fatigue, poor skin, and pain.

Lab tests that assess urine, stools, blood, and liver function are available at certain private labs such as Great Smokies Diagnostic Labs. Note that doctors who are not familiar with detox may be reluctant to order these tests.

To become more familiar with symptoms thought to be linked with toxicity, take our quiz.

Benefits of a detox diet

In general, people often report improved energy, clearer skin, regular bowel movements, improved digestion, and increased concentration and clarity. Improvement can also be assessed by measuring markers of disease and laboratory tests.

Is there anyone who shouldn't try a detox diet?

Consult a qualified health professional to find out if a detox diet is appropriate for you.

A detox diet shouldn't be used by pregnant or nursing women or children.

People with anemia, eating disorders, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, lowered immunity, hypothyroidism, low blood pressure, ulcers, epilepsy, cancer, ulcerative colitis, underweight, or addictions to drugs or alcohol should not try a detox diet unless recommended and supervised by a primary care provider.

Side effects

One of the most common side effects is headache within the first few days of starting the detox diet, often due to quitting caffeine cold turkey. Practitioners often suggest a gradual vs. cold turkey approach. In addition, many people take time off work to begin a detox or start the diet on a Friday night.

Some people may experience excessive diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte loss.

On the other hand, if people increase their fiber intake without consuming adequate water, it may backfire and cause constipation.

If continued for a longer time, detox diets may result in nutrient deficiencies, particularly protein (some detox diets omit animal products) and calcium.

Other side effects can include tiredness, irritability, acne, weight loss, and hunger. Any worsening of symptoms or new symptoms that occur during a detox diet should prompt a visit to a qualified health professional.

How do I get started?

It's important to see your primary care provider for a thorough assessment to ensure that your symptoms are not caused by a medical condition that requires treatment. Even serious diseases, such as cancer, can present with seemingly minor symptoms such as fatigue and back pain. Or, they may only be detected by laboratory tests.

How do I choose a detox method?

A detox diet program may include a special diet, herbs and supplements, hydrotherapy, exercise, breathing techniques and/or sauna therapy. For people trying a detox diet for the first time, a gentle approach such as the detox diet plan is often recommended.

How often do people go on a detox diet?

Proponents of detox diets generally recommended them one to two times a year to improve overall health and prevent disease. In some cases, health practitioners may recommend a detox diet more frequently or may recommend a longer detox diet.

Detox diets are best done during the warmer months. They are usually not recommended more than three times per year.

Should people temporarily stop taking medication during a detox diet?
No. Medication should never be discontinued or reduced without consulting the prescribing doctor or your family physician.