The 4 Biggest Myths about Detoxes and Cleanses Debunked

Thanks to much of what we hear in the media, detoxing and “cleansing” has earned a reputation for being unhealthy and even unsafe. When you hear the word “detox,” many people immediately think of all-liquid diets, expensive supplements and short-term deprivation for short-term gains. 

The truth is, a detox or cleanse doesn’t have to involve any of the above—and if you detox in a healthy, supportive manner, you can achieve lasting results in weight loss, energy gain, and full-body health.

The following are four myths you may have heard about detoxing. Understandably, these myths may cause you to be hesitant to try a detox.

Keep reading to find out the truth behind these myths and why detoxing might be just what your body is craving.

Myth # 1: You won’t enjoy anything you’re eating while on a detox.

While you might have to eliminate certain foods that you enjoy, detoxing isn’t all about eating lettuce with a drizzle of olive oil. There are many delicious recipes that can be prepared using healthy ingredients that not only taste amazing but nourish and detox/cleanse your body.

The best part is, many of them don’t involve any fancy ingredients and can be prepared even by a cooking novice. In fact, my detox and cleanse participants always discover new foods and recipes that they absolutely love that have become staples in their diets long after the detox ends. Even my boyfriend loves a lot of my recipes, without having any idea that they are staples in my detox and cleanse programs. 

Myth #2:  You’ll constantly be hungry while detoxing.

While you might end up consuming fewer calories while following a detox, you shouldn't feel deprived or hungry. Going on an extremely low-calorie diet can actually disrupt your hormones and metabolism, making your body less efficient in the long run.

Everyone’s caloric needs are different, so a detox should never dictate how many calories you consume. By consuming whole foods that provide you with the right nutrients, you help detox your body while feeling satisfied.  My participants are always amazed that they never feel hungry during my detoxes. 

For me personally, I’m always amazed at the volume of food I prepare and eat during my seasonal cleanses.  I often am not able to eat the entire portion! They might be lower in overall calories, but are often more filling due to the volume!

Myth #3:  You need to do an all-liquid detox to remove toxins from your body.

Liquid-only detoxes have had more than their fair share of popularity. These types of detoxes can backfire: Not only do people often gain the weight back as soon as the detox ends, but such restrictive eating for several days can be detrimental to your health. An effective detox will include a variety of whole foods to help nourish your body and produce long-term results.

Myth #4: Detoxes are just a way for people to make money on expensive supplements. 

Supplements involved in a detox should be just that; a supplementary part of the program, not the primary source of your nutrition.  While on a healthy detox, you get most of your vitamins and minerals from whole-food sources.

Supplements may be recommended to help your body make the most of the nutrients it receives from these foods.  For example, by including probiotics in your diet, you help your body produce vitamins, absorb minerals and remove toxins from the body. 

Aside from the benefits discussed above, detoxing is an incredibly effective way to identify if you have any food sensitivities, balance your hormones, and establish healthy habits for the long term. 

I’ve worked with detox participants who not only have lost weight and kept it off but who have also seen their energy level skyrocket, their skin clears up and even their allergies disappear. It has been essential to my own migraine and autoimmune recovery journey to do seasonal cleanses or detoxes to help me stay on top of any new food sensitivities.  And it is soooo much easier than the highly restrictive elimination and rotation diets I went through in the ’90s when I was in the middle of the worst part of my health crises!

What questions or concerns do you have about participating in a detox?

Before you try something new, like a detox, it’s normal to feel hesitant.  I want to hear from you. You can email me at [email protected]. I read every email that comes into my inbox and I promise to email you back personally. Be sure to join my private (free) "Stop Migraines Now" Facebook group where I like to share tips like this that make life a little more enjoyable (and more productive!) Or you can sign up for a quick 15-minute clarity call to see if it’s a good time for you to try a cleanse. Gwyn's calendar