Detoxing is often misunderstood. Some people see it as a quick-fix diet with the main motivation being weight loss, others as a necessary health reset, and many are simply curious about whether it’s actually worth doing.
Last week, I talked about why detoxing is so beneficial in our modern world, given the sheer volume of toxins we’re exposed to daily and the fact many of people are living with compromised health.
But what does a detox actually do for you? What kind of results can you expect? And is weight loss part of the equation?
What Can You Expect from a Detox?
There are two key types of benefits when you do a structured detox:
The results you feel and see – the things you notice during and after a detox, and then there are deeper benefits you don’t necessarily feel or see, but that play a huge role in your long-term health.
During and after a detox, most people experience:
- Better sleep
- Clearer skin
- Improved digestion
- A more balanced mood
- Feeling lighter and brighter
- Fewer cravings
- A metabolism boost
- Increased energy
- A healthier relationship with food and your body
But Does Detoxing Lead to Weight Loss?
Many people are drawn to detoxes because of the potential for weight loss, and it’s true that most people will naturally lose some weight during a detox. However, the extent of weight loss depends on several factors, including the type of detox, how restrictive it is, and whether you actually have excess weight to shed.
A key thing to understand is that some people lose body fat, while others primarily lose water weight – this often happens when the body is carrying a high toxic load as the body stores most toxins in our fat cells. Toxins can contribute to inflammation and fluid retention, so when you support your body’s detox pathways, you may find you naturally look and feel less ‘puffy’ or bloated.
However, it’s really important to understand that detoxing isn’t about extreme weight loss or crash dieting – it’s about supporting your body in doing what it was designed to do.
Why I’m Not a Fan of Overly Restrictive Detoxes
Many detox programs are incredibly restrictive – some are essentially extended fasts, while others dramatically cut calories.
While these methods may lead to rapid weight loss, they can also place unnecessary stress on your body and nervous system. Extreme detoxes and diets often push the body into a state of deprivation, which can cause more harm than good if not done correctly. They can also lead to rebound weight gain, fatigue, and even hormonal imbalances.
I believe in a balanced, healthy approach to detoxing – one that doesn’t leave you feeling drained or deprived.
A well-structured detox isn’t about starvation; it’s about removing certain foods that may be inflammatory or difficult to process while nourishing your body with foods that support your natural detoxification pathways.
For example, during a ‘healthy’ detox, you will likely:
- Eat whole, nutrient-dense foods while avoiding processed ingredients.
- Reduce the workload on your digestion by incorporating blended meals like smoothies or soups.
- Follow simple lifestyle practices that support your liver, gut, and lymphatic system in expelling toxins.
When done properly, a detox helps your body heal, restore, and reset – without forcing it into an extreme state.
The Deeper Benefits of Detoxing
While the benefits I listed above are the ones people feel and see, there’s another layer of detoxing that is just as important – if not more so.
When your body isn’t constantly overwhelmed with toxins, it can focus on:
- Repairing damaged cells
- Reducing inflammation
- Strengthening the immune system
- Enhancing hormone balance
- Slowing down the ageing process
In other words, detoxing isn’t just about feeling great in the short term – it’s an investment in your long-term health, your life span and your ability to ward off disease.
Why I Recommend Regular Detoxes
As I shared in last week’s post, I like to think of detoxing as a form of maintenance for your body – like taking your car in for a service. Just as your car needs regular tune-ups to run smoothly, your body benefits from periodic resets to clear out built-up toxins and restore balance.
For this reason, a quarterly or annual detox can be a powerful way to prevent illness and support long-term health – not just as a quick fix, but as an integral part of your wellbeing routine.
Want to Try a Detox?
Next month, I’ll be opening a small number of 1-to-1 spots for my RESET Detox Programme, where I’ll personally guide you through a structured, supportive, and healthy detox designed to help you feel your best.
If you’re interested, you can join the waitlist to be the first to receive details when spots open. Simply send me a message at info@katehorwood.com, and we’ll keep you updated! No pressure – just the info you need to decide if it’s the right step for you.
Kate x
