Detox Diet Debunked

True or False: Drinking [insert trendy detox drink] is a good way to detox your body?

Answer: False. Your body already has a built-in detox system—your liver, kidneys, lungs, and digestive system do the hard work for you. Urine and bowel movements? That’s your body detoxing naturally.

The Truth About Detox Diets: What Really Supports Your Body

Detox diets are more popular than ever, promising to cleanse your system and eliminate harmful toxins. But do they really work? As a registered dietitian, I’ve looked into the science—and the reality is, your body is already equipped to detox itself. While certain aspects of cleanses, like eating whole, nutrient-dense foods, can be beneficial, the real key to supporting your body’s natural detoxification is a healthy lifestyle. That means nourishing your body with balanced meals, staying hydrated, moving regularly, getting enough sleep, and limiting alcohol and added sugars. Be cautious of products claiming to “cleanse” your system—often, they’re just capitalizing on a wellness trend.

What really works?

✔️ Eat in a balanced, nourishing way and include antioxidant-rich and prebiotic foods
✔️ Drink water
✔️ Get enough quality sleep
✔️ Limit drinking alcohol
✔️ Stay physically active

Lemon water? Cider Vinegar? Enjoy it if you love the taste, but don’t expect it to magically detox your body or help you lose weight. Focus on sustainable habits instead of diet culture claims.

Need support to reach your health goals?
As a registered dietitian, I provide personalized nutrition counseling to help you build sustainable habits, boost energy, and navigate food choices with confidence.