Thinking of doing a cleanse? Read these 12 FAQs first!

If you’re considering a cleanse – or are in the middle of one – it’s totally normal to have questions. Cleansing can feel empowering, but also a little overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the process.

To help you feel informed and confident, here are answers to the top 12 most frequently asked questions about cleansing.

1. What exactly is a cleanse?

A cleanse is a short-term, intentional way of eating and living designed to support your body’s natural detoxification systems – especially the liver, gut, kidneys, and lymphatic system. It usually involves:

Removing inflammatory or processed foods.
Emphasising whole, nutrient-dense foods.
Supporting elimination pathways (bowel movements, sweat, urine).
Restoring balance to digestion, energy, and mood.

It’s not about starvation or juice-only diets – it’s about giving your body a break and what it needs to reset.

2. What are the signs your gut-liver axis may be overloaded?

You feel bloated, uncomfortable and sluggish after eating.
You’re having skin issues: eczema, acne, rashes, dullness.
Your mood swings or brain fog are getting worse.
Your bowel movements are irregular, e.g. consti p ation, loose stools, or both.
Food intolerances: you react strongly to foods, alcohol or supplements.

3. Do I need to follow a specific cleanse plan?

Not necessarily. While some people follow structured protocols (like a gut cleanse, liver reset, or elimination diet), others simply commit to:

Cutting out sugar, alcohol, and processed food.
Eating clean, whole foods.
Hydrating properly.
Supporting digestion and reset.

If you’re new, start with a simple food-based approach and add targeted supplements or programs as needed.

4. How long should a cleanse last?

It depends on your goals:

3-5 days: Great for a gentle reset.
7-14 days: Ideal for deeper digestive-liver support.
21-28 days: Suitable for gut repair, full elimination diets or long-term habit change.

Listen to your body and don’t overdo it. Sometimes less is more – consistency matters more than duration. Too long a cleanse can deplete the system. If you are eliminating certain healthy food groups (like legumes) due to symptoms, try reintroducing them slowly. For example, start with just 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of chickpeas per day and observe how your body responds.

5. When is the best time of year to do a cleanse?

Spring and early autumn are ideal times to cleanse. Here’s why:

Spring is aligned with renewal and liver energy in traditional Chinese medicine. It’s a natural time to shed the heaviness of winter.
Autumn offers a chance to reset and strengthen immunity before colder months.

Try to avoid intense cleanses during peak summer (too hot) and deep winter (when your body needs warmth, grounding, and more calories).

6. Can I exercise during a cleanse?

Yes – but modify as needed. Your body is using extra energy to detox, so choose gentler movement like:

Walking
Yoga
Pilates
Light strength training
Rebounding (mini trampoline)

If you feel low energy, take rest days without guilt. Sleep and recovery are powerful detox tools too!

7. Will I experience side effects?

Some people feel amazing – others may go through a short “detox dip”, especially early on. Possible (temporary) side effects include:

Headaches
Fatigue/tiredness
Digestive changes
Mood swings
Skin breakouts

These are usually signs that your body is adjusting. Stay hydrated, support your liver, and rest as needed.

8. Can I take supplements while cleansing?

Yes, but aim to minimise non-essential supplements to reduce liver load. Focus on supportive, well-targeted options:

Liver support: Milk thistle, turmeric, NAC, dandelion root.
Gut support: Probiotics (e.g. kefir), prebiotics, collagen, L-glutamine, digestive enzymes.
Elimination support: Magnesium citrate, fibre blends, herbal teas (like fennel or senna).

At Chuckling Goat, we recommend starting with our Gut Health Protocol and Gut Cleanse Tea, which are great ways to rebalance your gut microbiome and promote cleansing. Always check with a GP or doctor if you’re unsure, have an active condition, or are taking medication for possible contraindications.

9. Can I drink coffee during a cleanse?

In most cases, it’s best to reduce or avoid coffee, especially if your cleanse is liver-focused. Caffeine can:

Stress the liver
Spike cortisol
Disrupt sleep (which is vital for detox)

If you’re a daily coffee drinker, try reducing gradually or switching to:

Herbal teas
Medicinal mushroom coffee
Green tea (low caffeine + antioxidant support)

10. How do I know if the cleanse is working or not?

You may start to notice:

Better digestion and regular bowel movements
Clearer skin
More stable energy
Improved sleep
Reduced bloating
Fewer cravings
Mental clarity

The signs can be subtle at first – journaling or using our Chuckling Goat Microbiome Tracker with our Microbiome Test helps you track the shifts. If you start noticing persistent fatigue that worsens after several days, increased irritability, anxiety or extreme mood swings, your cleanse may be too restrictive, or you might be missing key nutrients. If you feel like your body might be undernourished, you may need gentler support. If you also notice constipation or irregular digestion and not eliminating regularly, toxins may recirculate instead of being removed. Make sure to add plenty of fibre, hydration, and possibly magnesium to support bowel function.

11. What should I eat to break a cleanse?

How you end a cleanse is as important as how you start it. Avoid jumping straight into heavy, fried, or processed foods.

Start with:

Steamed veg, soups, and broths
Light proteins (chicken, fish, tofu)
Cooked grains (quinoa, brown rice)
Healthy fats (avocado, olive oil)

If you’re doing an elimination-style cleanse, gradually reintroduce trigger foods (e.g., gluten, dairy, and sugar) and observe how your body reacts.

12. Can I cleanse while working or living normally?

Yes – and in fact, your cleanse should fit into your real life. The goal isn’t isolation or perfection. It’s about small, powerful changes:

Prep meals ahead – batch cook and freeze portions.
Keep healthy snacks simple – opt for whole foods like fruit, nuts, or a smoothie.
Hydrate constantly – drink water or herbal teas throughout the day.
Make space for calm – incorporate small moments of peace, e.g. walk, journal, or sip herbal tea.

With the right mindset and support, cleansing can work even during a busy week.

Cleansing isn’t a trend – it’s a way to pause, nourish, and reset. With the right support, you can feel lighter, clearer, and more in tune with your body. It’s not about doing it perfectly, it’s about showing up for yourself with intention.

Any questions? Contact one of our Nutritional Therapists via live chat, weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm.