How to do a detox (without going to extremes or miracle diets)

The word detox has become so popular that it's difficult to understand what it really means. People talk about "detox juices," "cleansing diets," or "purification programs" as if the body were a reservoir that needs to be emptied periodically. But the truth is that the human body is an incredibly efficient machine at eliminating what it doesn't need, and it doesn't require miracle solutions to do so.

At The Therapist, we believe that true detoxification isn't a passing fad, but a natural process of regeneration that can (and should) be supported through functional nutrition, rest, hydration, and emotional well-being. This is what drives us: demystifying the concept, restoring its meaning, and showing how to care for the body without punishing it.

What does "detoxing" really mean?

The idea of "detoxing the body" isn't new. Since ancient times, people have spoken of purification and balance, but in recent decades, the concept has been distorted by extreme diets that promise quick results, almost always at the expense of health.

When we speak of detoxification scientifically, we are referring to something very concrete: the set of biological processes the body carries out daily to neutralize and eliminate harmful substances.

These processes are primarily carried out by organs such as the liver, kidneys, lungs, intestines, and skin.

The human body is already naturally "detoxified."

But that doesn't mean we can't support it.

Constant exposure to pollutants, food additives, alcohol, medications, stress, and lack of sleep can overwhelm natural detoxification mechanisms. And that's where the concept of functional detoxification comes in: a way to give the body the right conditions to function at its maximum potential.

At The Therapist, we created the Reset Plan for precisely this purpose: to support the body in its natural functions, without deprivation, with liquid and functional meals created by a chef and a nutritionist.

When the body needs a detox

You don't always have to "wait" for an obvious sign, but the body tends to warn you when it's out of balance.

Some common symptoms include:

Constant fatigue, even after sleep.
Slow digestion and a feeling of bloating.
Dull skin, acne, or skin reactions.
Difficulty concentrating, irritability, mood swings.
Fluid retention and abdominal discomfort.

These signs don't mean that the body has literally "accumulated toxins," but rather that the systems responsible for processing them are overwhelmed.

But there's a lot we can do to support them, and it all starts with the plate (and the mind).

What a detox is NOT

Before we talk about solutions, it's important to clarify what a detox is not.

It's not a weight-loss diet.

The goal isn't to lose weight quickly, but to restore balance. When the body returns to functioning properly, the weight will adjust naturally.

It's not a liquid, restrictive plan.

Spending days drinking only juices is a form of malnutrition, not health. The body needs fiber, protein, fat, and micronutrients to detox effectively.

It's not a punishment after overindulging.

Eating healthy shouldn't be an act of guilt. Detox is a gesture of self-care, not correction.

Many "detox" programs on the market drastically cut calories, which can cause fatigue, irritability, muscle loss, and the yo-yo effect.

When the body goes into deprivation mode, it slows down the metabolism, which is exactly the opposite of what you want.

A healthy detox is about re-educating, not restricting. It's about supporting the body, not forcing it.

How to do a healthy and balanced detox

The science is clear: the liver, kidneys, and intestines already detoxify naturally, but they depend on specific nutrients to do so effectively.

The goal of a functional detox is to provide these nutrients in a balanced way, so the body has the energy to perform its vital functions efficiently.

1. Invest in natural and functional foods

The basis of an effective detox is a functional diet: natural foods, rich in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, without artificial additives or refined sugars.

Include daily:

Green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, arugula).
Fruits rich in enzymes and antioxidants (pineapple, berries, apples).
Foods rich in chlorophyll (spirulina, wheatgrass, broccoli).
Good fats (avocado, seeds, nuts).
Light plant-based proteins (lentils, grains, quinoa).

The ingredients in our Detox Blend were designed for just that: to support the liver, improve digestion, and reduce inflammation, with a combination of pineapple, spirulina, broccoli, and chlorella.

The word detox has become so popular that it's difficult to understand what it really means. People talk about "detox juices," "cleansing diets," or "purification programs" as if the body were a reservoir that needs to be emptied periodically. But the truth is that the human body is an incredibly efficient machine at eliminating what it doesn't need, and it doesn't require miracle solutions to do so.

At The Therapist, we believe that true detoxification isn't a passing fad, but a natural process of regeneration that can (and should) be supported through functional nutrition, rest, hydration, and emotional well-being. This is what drives us: demystifying the concept, restoring its meaning, and showing how to care for the body without punishing it.

What does "detoxing" really mean?

The idea of "detoxing the body" isn't new. Since ancient times, people have spoken of purification and balance, but in recent decades, the concept has been distorted by extreme diets that promise quick results, almost always at the expense of health.

When we speak of detoxification scientifically, we are referring to something very concrete: the set of biological processes the body carries out daily to neutralize and eliminate harmful substances.

These processes are primarily carried out by organs such as the liver, kidneys, lungs, intestines, and skin.

The human body is already naturally "detoxified."

But that doesn't mean we can't support it.

Constant exposure to pollutants, food additives, alcohol, medications, stress, and lack of sleep can overwhelm natural detoxification mechanisms. And that's where the concept of functional detoxification comes in: a way to give the body the right conditions to function at its maximum potential.

At The Therapist, we created the Reset Plan for precisely this purpose: to support the body in its natural functions, without deprivation, with liquid and functional meals created by a chef and a nutritionist.

When the body needs a detox

You don't always have to "wait" for an obvious sign, but the body tends to warn you when it's out of balance.

Some common symptoms include:

Constant fatigue, even after sleep.
Slow digestion and a feeling of bloating.
Dull skin, acne, or skin reactions.
Difficulty concentrating, irritability, mood swings.
Fluid retention and abdominal discomfort.

These signs don't mean that the body has literally "accumulated toxins," but rather that the systems responsible for processing them are overwhelmed.

But there's a lot we can do to support them, and it all starts with the plate (and the mind).

What a detox is NOT

Before we talk about solutions, it's important to clarify what a detox is not.

It's not a weight-loss diet.

The goal isn't to lose weight quickly, but to restore balance. When the body returns to functioning properly, the weight will adjust naturally.

It's not a liquid, restrictive plan.

Spending days drinking only juices is a form of malnutrition, not health. The body needs fiber, protein, fat, and micronutrients to detox effectively.

It's not a punishment after overindulging.

Eating healthy shouldn't be an act of guilt. Detox is a gesture of self-care, not correction.

Many "detox" programs on the market drastically cut calories, which can cause fatigue, irritability, muscle loss, and the yo-yo effect.

When the body goes into deprivation mode, it slows down the metabolism, which is exactly the opposite of what you want.

A healthy detox is about re-educating, not restricting. It's about supporting the body, not forcing it.

How to do a healthy and balanced detox

The science is clear: the liver, kidneys, and intestines already detoxify naturally, but they depend on specific nutrients to do so effectively.

The goal of a functional detox is to provide these nutrients in a balanced way, so the body has the energy to perform its vital functions efficiently.

1. Invest in natural and functional foods

The basis of an effective detox is a functional diet: natural foods, rich in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, without artificial additives or refined sugars.

Include daily:

Green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, arugula).
Fruits rich in enzymes and antioxidants (pineapple, berries, apples).
Foods rich in chlorophyll (spirulina, wheatgrass, broccoli).
Good fats (avocado, seeds, nuts).
Light plant-based proteins (lentils, grains, quinoa).

The ingredients in our Detox Blend were designed for just that: to support the liver, improve digestion, and reduce inflammation, with a combination of pineapple, spirulina, broccoli, and chlorella.

2. Maintain a balance between solids and liquids

Contrary to what many diets suggest, the body needs to chew.

Chewing activates digestive enzymes and contributes to satiety.

Therefore, the best detoxes combine functional liquid meals (soups and cold-pressed juices) with light periods of solid food.

This is what makes The Therapist's Reset Plan different: it's not about "starving yourself," but about giving your digestive system a rest while providing complete nutrition.

Functional soups, for example, contain fiber, protein, and natural phytochemicals that support the liver and intestines. Cold-pressed juices, on the other hand, concentrate antioxidant nutrients without losing enzymes or freshness.

3. Hydration is essential

Water is one of the greatest allies of detox. It is through water that the body eliminates compounds metabolized by the liver and kidneys.

The ideal is 2 to 2.5 liters per day, and this can vary depending on physical activity and temperature.

Functional teas can help diversify hydration and support specific functions:

Ready, Set, Reset – draining and antioxidant, helps reduce fluid retention.
Vitamin Tea – strengthens the immune system with ginger and lemon.
Mind The Tea – ideal for relaxing and balancing the nervous system.

These teas were created to complement natural detoxification, without caffeine or additives, helping the body rebalance from the inside out.

4. Give your body time (and don't rush results)

An effective detox doesn't happen in 24 hours.

The body needs time to adjust its metabolism and regain internal balance.

On average:

1 day helps soothe the digestive system.
3 days are enough to notice lightness, mental clarity, and energy.
5 days allow for deeper regeneration, targeting inflammation and overall vitality.

Therefore, the 5-Day Reset Plan is the most complete: it gives the body the right time to regenerate, nourishing without overloading.

How to prepare your body before and after a detox

A successful detox starts before and continues after.

The secret is in the transition.

Before: Preparing the groundwork

Reduce your coffee, alcohol, and sugar intake in the days leading up to it.
Increase your vegetable and water intake.
Avoid heavy meals at night.

During: Treat yourself gently.

Get more rest, avoid intense workouts, and listen to your body.
Take light walks and practice mindful breathing.
Ensure that each meal, even liquids, is savored mindfully.

After: Maintain balance. Gradually reintroduce solid foods.

Avoid processed foods, fried foods, and refined flours in the following days.
Maintain the habit of including soups and functional juices in your routine.

In the ebook that accompanies the Reset Plan, we share recipes and rituals to prolong this feeling of lightness and mental clarity even after the detox.

The Role of the Gut and Mind in Detoxification

The gut is often called the "second brain," and for good reason.

It's where neurotransmitters like serotonin, responsible for mood, energy, and even sleep quality, are produced.

When the gut is overloaded, not only does digestion change, but emotional state also suffers.

Therefore, a balanced detox should include emotional regulation practices and ingredients that support the nervous system.

This is where blends like the Anxiety Blend, made with ashwagandha, Peruvian maca, and reishi, come in: adaptogenic ingredients that reduce stress and balance cortisol.

A calm mind is also part of detox.

Breathing, breaks, simple self-care rituals, and even moments of silence are effective ways to detox the mind.

Detox Beyond the Plate

Detoxing isn't just about choosing what you eat; it's also about choosing what you consume emotionally.

Getting a good night's sleep is essential: during sleep, the body carries out part of its cellular regeneration and waste elimination processes.
Managing stress is crucial: chronically elevated cortisol compromises the liver and immune system.
Moving your body helps the lymphatic system circulate and eliminate toxins.

Simple activities like yoga, walking, or gentle stretching enhance the detox effect and help maintain balance.

At The Therapist, we believe that health is a system: body, mind, and emotions in constant dialogue.

Example: a 3- to 5-day functional detox

This is an example of how a balanced functional detox can be structured:

Typical Day

Morning: Cold-pressed juice with spirulina, ginger, and pineapple + a scoop of the Detox Blend.
Mid-morning: Ready, Set, Reset draining tea + 1 mini functional blend.
Lunch: Broccoli and cilantro functional soup + savory granola (for crunch and satiety).
Snack: Smoothie with Workout Blend or Anxiety Blend, depending on your energy level.
Dinner: Light beetroot and ginger soup + Mind The Tea infusion.

During these days, it's natural to feel light, focused, and well-being.

This isn't a "disguised fast," but a conscious eating program that respects your body and nourishes it with what you need.

The Therapist's Reset Plan combines this balance: soups, juices, shots, and blends prepared daily with natural and functional ingredients, delivered ready to consume.

Frequently Asked Questions About Detox

1. How many times a year should I detox?

It depends on your lifestyle and stress level. Generally, 1 to 3 times a year, especially during seasonal transitions, is sufficient.

2. Does a detox help with weight loss?

There may be volume loss and reduced bloating, but the goal is balance, not calorie restriction.

3. Can I exercise during the detox?

Yes, but opt for light exercise: yoga, stretching, walking.

4. Is it safe to do a detox without supervision?

As long as it's balanced and uses natural foods, yes. Avoid extreme or monotonous plans.

Conclusion: True detox is about balance.

Detoxing isn't about depriving your body; it's about giving it space to recover.

It's about pausing the hectic pace, making better choices about what we eat and how we live.

It's about taking care of your digestion, skin, energy, and mind.

At The Therapist, we believe detox is an invitation: a moment to reset your body with respect, pleasure, and scientific evidence.

If you feel like your body needs a reset, check out our Reset Plan: created by a functional chef and a nutritionist, with balanced meals, natural ingredients, and wellness rituals that transform detox into a complete self-care experience.