11 Ways To Detoxify

11 simple tips that make cleansing a breeze

- Lisa Turner

It’s that cleansing time of year again, when ads for miracle detox plans litter social media posts and the pages of magazines. But is a detox really necessary? Technically, no. Your body has its own sophisticated and efficient detox system that includes the liver, kidneys, and intestines. That said, a sane, simple cleanse can optimize your natural detoxification system, give your body a break from bad habits, and leave you feeling lighter, cleaner, and revitalized. Unclear about cleanses? Check out these eleven easy tips for a safe-and-sane detox.

1 Keep it simple—and short. You know those flashy programs that include hundreds of dollars of premade juices or complicated supplements, or the starvation diets where you drink nothing but lemon water with maple syrup and cayenne? You’re wasting your money and your time—and possibly harming your health.

Steer clear of any detox or cleanse that sounds extreme, says Serena Poon, nutritionist, detox expert, reiki master, and founder of Just Add Water super nutrient foods and supplements. And forget those two-week regimens.

They’re hard to follow and create a sense of deprivation, so when you go back to your regular diet, you’re more likely to binge. A three-day cleanse once a month or every other month is really all you need to hit the reset button and break a pattern of unhealthy habits—especially after vacations, holidays, and stressful periods at work.