Cleanse vs Detoxification, Explained by Jess

By Jess Sepel, Founder of JSHealth Vitamins

Let’s talk about a concept that’s often misunderstood: a “cleanse.” I personally prefer to call it a “reset” because that’s exactly what it should be—a gentle way to support your body and mind, not a harsh, restrictive program. It’s definitely not about juice fasts, quick fixes or deprivation. In fact, those approaches often do more harm than good by depriving your body of the nutrients it needs to function properly.

Instead, a cleanse is about nourishment and balance. It’s a way to focus on giving your body the care it needs, especially during times when it feels overburdened. But how does this differ from detoxification?

Detoxification Explained

Detoxification is a natural, built-in process that your body performs every day. Your liver, kidneys, skin, lungs and digestive system work together to neutralise and eliminate toxins that we encounter through the environment, food and even stress.

Here’s how it works:

1. The Liver’s Detox Pathways:

• Phase I: Activation
  Toxins are broken down into smaller, reactive compounds.

• Phase II: Conjugation
  These reactive compounds are neutralised and prepared for safe elimination.

2. Elimination Routes:
   Processed toxins leave the body through urine, stool, sweat and even breath.

This incredible system operates continuously, keeping your body in balance. However, it relies on specific nutrients, like antioxidants, B vitamins, amino acids and fibre, to function at its best.

Many people don’t realise that detoxification is always happening—you don’t need to “activate” it with a special program. Think of detox as a verb, not a noun! It’s about supporting your body’s natural processes with the right nutrition and lifestyle habits to keep them working optimally.

When to Focus on a “Cleanse” (or Reset)

A resetting “cleanse” can be especially helpful during times when your body feels overburdened. Think of those moments in life when symptoms like bloating, fatigue or sluggishness suggest your liver might need a little extra support.

But remember: a true cleanse is never about deprivation, restriction or fast yet temporary results. It’s about nourishing your body and giving it the tools it needs to return to equilibrium and thrive.

How to Support Your Body’s Natural Detoxification

Whether you’re focusing on a reset or simply maintaining your body’s everyday detox pathways, here are some gentle, sustainable ways to support your wellbeing:

1. Hydrate Consistently
   Water is essential for flushing out toxins. Start your day with water to support digestion, and drink plenty of h20 throughout the day. Herbal teas with ingredients such as peppermint, dandelion and ginger can offer a soothing boost.

2. Prioritise Fibre-Rich Foods
   Fibre is key to moving waste through your digestive system and preventing toxins from being reabsorbed. Focus on a mix of soluble and insoluble fibre from fruits, vegetables and wholegrains. 

3. Include Liver-Supporting Nutrients
   Foods like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, spinach and kale contain compounds that support both phases of liver detoxification. I love a daily scoop of Greens + Collagen in water!

4. Sweat It Out
   Your skin is one of your body’s major detox organs. Gentle movement, such as yoga or walking, encourages circulation and lymphatic drainage. Activities that get your heart rate up helps release toxins through sweat!

5. Cut Back on Liver Loaders
   Reduce your intake of alcohol, processed foods, caffeine and sugar, as these can place extra strain on your liver.

6. Sleep Deeply
   Your body carries out much of its repair and detoxification work during sleep. Aim for 7–8 hours a night to allow your body the time it needs to reset.

7. Supplement for Additional Support
   When taken in quality forms at therapeutic doses, ingredients like milk thistle and turmeric can help support your liver and detox pathways. I also love fennel seed, which is wonderful for relieving bloating and digestive discomfort, and magnesium before bed to support relaxation.

The Takeaway

Detoxification is a natural, ongoing process that your body performs every day through your liver, skin, breath and stool. A cleanse—or reset—is an opportunity to focus extra care on supporting these systems, particularly during times when your body feels out of balance, gently calling it back to alignment. 

The key is to avoid harsh, restrictive programs and instead embrace nourishing, sustainable habits that work in harmony with your body’s natural rhythms. By making mindful choices about what you eat, drink and how you move, you can help your body thrive—every day.

Your body is beautifully designed to take care of you. All it needs is the right support, delivered with kindness and care.