
When the summer sun hits, I have an almost instant desire to be healthier. I can’t say it’s the longer days, more access to fresher produce, or perhaps to fit into last year’s shorts. Each summer is the same, the sun comes out and I start my health kick with a seasonal cleanse.
Whether you have a set goal like more energy, fewer cravings, or just want to feel better in your own skin, the following popular cleanses can give your body and mind a much-needed boost. Just remember: any cleanse should be approached with care. Talk to your doctor first, especially if you have health conditions or are taking medications.
1. Classic Juice Cleanse
A juice cleanse is the most simple option. You just need to live on cold-pressed juices made from fruits and vegetables, and skip solid food for a day or two (depending on how brave you feel). Some people go longer, but most stick to a 1 to 3-day plan and come out feeling lighter and more focused.
You can DIY your cleanse with a juicer and local produce or order a pre-packaged plan from places like Urban Remedy. The benefit of buying is convenience, as it cuts out prep, reduces mess, and bottles labeled with what and when to drink.
Common benefits from juice cleanses:
- Reduced bloating
- Fewer cravings
- Clearer skin
- Short-term weight loss (mostly water weight)
That said, juice cleanses are not magic. Your liver and kidneys already detox your body daily. Juices, especially fruit-heavy ones, can be high in natural sugar. So, if you’re trying to limit sugar, consider ingredients like kale, cucumber, and celery.
2. Liver Cleanse
The liver plays a starring role in your health. It filters toxins, helps with digestion, and keeps things running behind the scenes. A liver cleanse focuses on removing things that make it work harder like alcohol, fried foods, and processed snacks. It also makes sure your body is getting the ingredients that support your liver’s function.
Common benefits from a liver cleanse:
- Eliminate alcohol, caffeine, processed foods, and red meat
- Eat fresh veggies, whole grains, nuts, and fermented dairy
- Drink at least 2 liters of water daily
- Use supplements like milk thistle or turmeric (but only with your doctor’s OK)
There’s no need to get fancy. A simple week of clean eating can give your liver a well-deserved break. For a gentle guide, check out Dr. Oz’s 2-Day Cleanse.
You might notice more energy and less bloating, but keep expectations realistic. A cleanse won’t undo years of bad habits but it can be a useful reset button.
3. The Elimination Detox
Unlike a juice fast, an elimination detox is more about discovery. The goal is to remove common irritants think sugar, dairy, gluten, and alcohol for a few weeks. Slowly reintroduce them one by one to see how your body responds.
Elimination detoxes became popular thanks to structured programs like the Whole30, which remove common food triggers gluten, dairy, sugar, alcohol for 30 days to help reset eating habits and identify sensitivities. For a more clinical approach, the Cleveland Clinic’s elimination diet guide outlines how to methodically cut out and reintroduce foods to pinpoint intolerances. Both approaches focus on improving digestion, reducing inflammation, and learning how certain foods affect your body.
Common benefits of an elimination detox:
- Weeks 1 – 4: No gluten, dairy, sugar, alcohol, soy, or processed foods
- Weeks 5 – 6: Slowly reintroduce one food group at a time
- After: Adjust your diet based on what you learn
Many people report better sleep, clearer skin, and less bloating. Even if you don’t discover a food sensitivity, you will likely walk away with a cleaner palate and a stronger sense of how different foods affect your mood and energy.
Want to keep going after your reset? Check out our recipe ideas to help you stay on track.
Is a Cleanse Right for You?
Cleanses are not one-size-fits-all. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, managing a health condition, or recovering from illness, it is best to skip them. If you’re healthy, they are not meant to be long-term diets.
What they can be is a tool a short-term practice that helps you tune into your body, interrupt unhealthy patterns, and refocus your habits. If you treat a cleanse as a beginning, not a fix, you are much more likely to maintain the benefits.
If nothing else, take it as a reminder that small changes like drinking more water, or swapping your evening wine for herbal tea can lead to big results.
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