In a world full of quick-fix cleanses, the word detox has become one of the most overused and misunderstood terms in wellness. From charcoal lemonade to 3-day juice fasts, many popular detoxes rely on extreme restriction and promise miraculous results. But the truth is, your body doesn’t need gimmicks. It needs support.
Real detoxification is a continuous, intelligent process your body performs daily through a complex network of organs and systems: primarily the liver, lymph, kidneys, digestive tract, skin and lungs.
The goal of a detox isn’t to “flush toxins” in some vague way, it’s to reduce the burden on your detox organs, gently assist their natural processes and give your body the nourishment it needs to function optimally.
Below, we’re breaking down what to do and what to avoid for a truly supportive detox according to the experts at OWL Venice.
DO: Support Your Liver First and Foremost
Your liver is your body’s primary detox organ. It filters toxins, metabolizes hormones, processes nutrients, and neutralizes harmful compounds. But it doesn’t work alone, it relies on key nutrients and cofactors to complete its job. The liver has two main detox phases:
- Phase I: Toxins are converted into intermediate forms (sometimes more reactive than the original).
- Phase II: These are then made water-soluble and excreted.
Without enough amino acids (like glycine, glutamine, cysteine), antioxidants (like glutathione), and B vitamins, detox gets stuck halfway, leaving your body feeling worse, not better.
Best foods for liver support:
- Bone broth (rich in glycine + glutamine)
- Leafy greens and cruciferous veggies (for sulfur)
- Beets (methylation support)
- Dandelion and bitter greens (stimulate bile production)
DON’T: Rely on Juice Alone
Juicing may offer quick energy and micronutrients, but it misses key components:
- No fiber to bind toxins and keep digestion moving
- No protein to support liver detox phases
- No fat for bile flow and hormone metabolism
Plus, juice-only cleanses can destabilize blood sugar, trigger cravings and increase cortisol (your stress hormone), which actually slows down detox pathways.
Instead of removing, think about what to add:
- Add broth for aminos
- Add healthy fats like avocado or ghee
- Add fiber via steamed veggies or chia
DO: Balance Blood Sugar
When you skip meals or fast too aggressively, your body shifts into stress mode. Elevated cortisol leads to impaired digestion, sluggish liver function, and hormonal imbalance.
To keep your detox pathways online:
- Eat small, balanced meals (protein + fat + fiber)
- Space meals 3–4 hours apart for digestive rest
- Avoid excessive caffeine (a liver burden)
OWL Reset programs were designed to nourish, not starve, with shakes and broths that are easy on digestion while still delivering 38g protein and 15g fiber per day.
DON’T: Overdo the “Quick Fix” Supplements
More isn’t always better. High doses of laxative teas, harsh binders or synthetic detox kits can lead to:
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Dependency on bowel stimulants
- Fatigue or mood swings
- An exhausted, overworked system
Your detox organs need gentle, consistent support, not extreme purging. If you’re not pooping daily, sweating regularly or sleeping deeply, it’s time to go back to basics.
DO: Sweat, Move, Breathe and Rest
Detox isn’t just about what you consume, it’s also about how you release. Non-digestive detox pathways include:
- Skin: Sweat supports the excretion of heavy metals, urea, and excess salt
- Lymphatic system: Movement and dry brushing help circulate lymph, which doesn’t move on its own
- Lungs: Deep breathing helps release carbon dioxide and calm the nervous system
- Sleep: Your brain’s glymphatic system activates during deep sleep to “clean” itself
Pro Tips:
- Add sauna or Epsom salt baths 2–3x/week
- Try breathwork or vagal toning
- Walk daily or rebound on a mini-trampoline
DON’T: Ignore Emotional Detox
One of the most overlooked elements of detoxification is emotional. Stress, anxiety, repressed emotions, and trauma impact gut health and liver function. The vagus nerve connects your gut to your brain and emotional tension can slow digestion, decrease detox enzyme production and heighten inflammation.
Try:
- Journaling
- Somatic movement or breathwork
- Connecting with a coach for emotional support
At OWL, every Reset includes access to our health coaching team because healing isn’t just physical, it’s personal.
Detox, the OWL Way
We don’t believe in starving, punishing or obsessing over “cleanse rules.” We believe in real nourishment, guided support and honoring the body’s natural intelligence.
Our Reset programs blend:
- Bone broth elixirs with medicinal herbs
- Vegan Mylkshakes with fiber, protein and adaptogens
- Custom food lists to support you, not restrict you
- Free 1:1 coaching so you never go it alone
Whether you’re looking to improve digestion, boost energy, balance hormones, or simply feel more you, a smart, supported detox can be your reset button.
Ready to try detox the OWL way? Explore The OWL Reset or book your free consult