The dark side of detoxes

Thinking of starting the New Year with a ‘detox’?! Think again!

Detox diets or ‘cleanses’ are often advertised as a way to rid your body of toxins. However, science doesn’t support these claims; in fact, extreme detox diets can be harmful to both your physical and mental health.¹

Common types of detoxes and side effects

Fasting, juice cleanses, restricting certain food groups, using specific detox supplements or ‘cleansing’ the colon with enemas or laxatives. They all aim to eliminate toxins, but prolonged use can lead to² –

Gastrointestinal issues: laxatives or high-fibre foods may cause bloating, flatulence, and severe diarrhoea.

Mental health effects: lack of fuel from food can cause severe anxiety, irritability, depression, insomnia, and intense cravings.

Dehydration/electrolyte imbalance: frequent bowel movements or fasting can cause drops in electrolytes, such as potassium or sodium, which can lead to dizziness or even seizures.

Nutrient deficiencies: restricting food groups can lead to protein, iron, and B vitamin deficiencies, causing muscle loss, slowed metabolism, and blood sugar issues.

Organ damage: overuse of ‘liver detox‘ supplements can cause the liver to overwork, causing itching, rashes, or further liver damage.³

If weight loss is your goal…

Rapid weight loss from detoxes usually comes from water and glycogen loss, not fat loss. This can leave you fatigued, dizzy, irritable, and unable to exercise—further slowing long-term weight management. Your body may also retain fat as a survival response to perceived starvation.⁴

Detoxing naturally

Your body is naturally detoxing every day. Your detoxification system includes the liver and kidneys, the lungs, lymphatic system, digestive tract and skin. The liver breaks down toxic substances, which are then filtered out via the kidneys through urine. Your digestive system also eliminates toxins through bowel movements, while your skin removes toxins through sweating.⁵ Trust in your body’s natural systems and support them with safe, effective habits:

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of filtered water to support kidney function and help all systems run smoothly.

Eat nutrient-dense foods: Whole fruits, vegetables, and cruciferous veggies (broccoli, garlic, onions, kale, cabbage) contain sulphur, which helps produce liver enzymes.

Prioritise fibre: Beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, and whole grains promote regular bowel movements and support digestion. Chuckling Goat’s Prebiotic Powder can help optimise fibre intake.

Sleep well: 7–9 hours of sleep allows your brain to clear metabolic waste and your body to repair itself.

Get moving and boost circulation: Exercise boosts circulation, lymph flow, and sweating, which aids natural detoxification. Dry skin brushing toward the heart can also support circulation and lymphatic flow.⁶

Reduce alcohol and other toxins: Limit alcohol and chemical exposures to ease the load on liver and kidneys.⁷⁸ Try our Gut Cleanse Tea instead!

The takeaway

Your body is naturally equipped to detoxify every day—through the liver, kidneys, digestive system, lungs, skin, and lymphatic system. You don’t need extreme diets, juice cleanses, or harsh supplements to “reset” your body. The safest and most effective approach is to support your body’s own systems with consistent, sustainable habits.

Focusing on gentle, science-backed practices not only protects your physical and mental health but also promotes long-term energy, digestion, and overall wellbeing. A true detox isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about trusting your body and giving it the support it needs every day.

Check out the Gut Health Express for more gentle detox advice.

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

The dark side of detoxes

Common types of detoxes and side effects

If weight loss is your goal…

Detoxing naturally

The takeaway

References

Questions? Talk to a Nutritional Therapist on live chat!

More from The Gut Health Express

As Featured In