If you’re new to detoxing your body of toxins, you probably want to know all the detox dos and don’ts to do it safely!
Since my 2009 appearance on Good Morning America, I believe I have really kickstarted the conversation about all the toxins lurking in our bodies and how to get rid of them. It speaks loud and clear that so many people are interested in detoxing and cleansing their bodies the right way and not just turning to the myriad quick-fix fads that are out there!
I get a lot of emails and comments asking me about detoxification and the right way to cleanse your body, so I wanted to walk through some dos and don’ts about safely giving yourself a full-body detox.
Detox Dos
Your detox dos will be the foundation of a healthy and safe cleanse. Here are the biggest detox dos I follow when I want to get all those toxins out of my body.
1. Think About How Your Diet Affects You
The food you eat plays a vital role in the detox process. A nutritious diet promotes a well-functioning digestive system, which in turn paves the way for regular and effective detoxification.
Many foods that are a part of the Standard American Diet (SAD) contribute to toxins building up in your body.
These include:
- Animal products like meat and dairy
- Alcohol
- Gluten
- Refined sugar (and added sugar!)
- Caffeine
- Processed food
I am a huge advocate of slowly weaning yourself off this unhealthy food by taking meaningful and progressive steps. Otherwise, you run the risk of autointoxication or getting sicker than when you started because you awoke too much poison in your body without removing enough of it.
Autointoxication at the start of your detox diet can leave you feeling deprived of the foods you love and may have you going right back to your old habits, or worse— binging on unhealthy foods and bringing even more toxins into your body!
When you really take a step back and look at it, you can see how over time, this food slowly poisons us with all its myriad chemicals and processing steps!
When you eat those kinds of calorie-dense foods with super-concentrated protein and harmful substances out the wazoo, no wonder everyone is getting bigger and bigger while still being hungry, unsatisfied, and can’t lose any weight!
On the other hand, you have healthy fruit, vegetables, gluten-free whole grains like brown rice, and healthy fats from wholesome foods like avocados, nuts and seeds, and coconut!
Why a Healthy Diet is So Vital for Detoxification
When you eat healthy food like this, you are giving your gut health the attention it deserves while balancing your blood sugar levels and giving your body all the nutrients it needs to be healthy and cleanse your body of all its toxins.
A healthy, balanced diet also helps your body assimilate food better during digestion, with all its digestible minerals, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. These, of course, are going to help you feel great, look great, and have more energy.
Your healthy detox diet will also purify and cleanse your body continuously! Instead of sporadically detoxing your body when you’re feeling sick, you want your body to cleanse itself consistently over time. This helps you keep on cleansing toxins out of your body so that you’re always at your healthiest!
2. Remember Your Glowing Green Smoothie!
The Glowing Green Smoothie® (GGS) is a crucial part of the Beauty Detox lifestyle and a key part of detoxing in general.
The GGS is an amazing source of fiber, antioxidants, amino acids, and key vitamins and minerals that nourish your body and help it detoxify naturally.
I’ve gotten a bunch of questions about the GGS, so let’s clear up some of those right here.
Can I Make the Glowing Green Smoothie in a Food Processor?
No, you can NOT make your GGS in a food processor. You need a decent blender, preferably a high-powered blender like a Vitamix to make your GGS right.
Your blender needs to be able to make your Glowing Green Smoothie, well, smooth. If your GGS is chunky, it will taste disgusting and grainy. If you don’t have a decent blender though, you can still make your daily GGS.
It may take a while, but really blend your GGS until it is completely smooth. If it gets warm, put it in the fridge the night before you plan to eat it so it cools before morning.
What Else Should I Know About the Glowing Green Smoothie?
The Glowing Green Smoothie keeps for 2-3 days max in the fridge. Make sure to keep it covered too. You can halve the recipe if you prefer to make it more often. You should drink at least 16 ounces a day.
Green smoothies are also a part of my 3-day waterfall cleanse, something you should consider when feeling sluggish or bogged down.
3. Take the Right Supplements
Natural supplements, like those found in my Feel Good Starter Kit, help your body detox naturally by helping you digest your food more efficiently and boosting your gut health.
Taking natural supplements like soil-based probiotics (SBOs) or digestive enzymes really take your digestion to the next level! SBOs are vital to your overall health because they help balance all the good bacteria in your gut and strengthen your immune system.
Digestive enzymes help supplement your body’s own enzymes to help you digest fiber, carbs, fat, and protein more efficiently while eliminating uncomfortable gas and bloating.
Supplements like my Feel Good Detoxy 2.0 also help you have more easeful elimination, allowing you to expel built-up toxins from your body. Detoxy provides immediate results to kickstart your cleanse, decrease gas and bloating, and encourage gentle waste elimination as your body detoxifies.
4. Enjoy Plenty of Fresh, Organic Produce
Remember back to the first do I talked about! A diet rich in wholesome foods is the key to healthy, consistent detoxing. And no healthy diet is complete without fresh, preferably organic produce.
The benefits of eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables are well known; fresh produce is rich in fiber, important vitamins and minerals, and antioxidants that protect your body from illness.
I recommend eating organic produce whenever possible. Organic produce is free from harmful chemicals and pesticides that not only harm the environment but harm your gut flora too. Of course, these chemicals also bring lots of unwanted toxicity into your body! The easiest way to avoid this toxicity is to avoid produce that’s been treated with all those chemicals.
5. Stay Hydrated
Dehydration is a big beauty no-no! Dehydration also makes it much harder for your body to rid itself of toxins naturally.
Drinking plenty of water and eating water-rich produce like cucumbers and watermelon help your body cleanse itself and flush toxins out.
Women need between 11 and 15 cups of water daily for optimal hydration.
Detox Don’ts
There aren’t as many detox don’ts as there are detox dos, but they are nonetheless important to keep in mind! To make sure you don’t accidentally sabotage your cleanse, make sure you avoid these detox don’ts!
1. Don’t Eat Pre-Packaged Meals
Even if they’re advertised as healthy, it’s important to avoid processed and pre-packaged meals. They’re often full of preservatives and other chemicals that can be counterproductive when you’re trying to detox.
Remember, you want those chemicals and preservatives to leave your body, not enter it!
2. Don’t Detox Sporadically
Detoxing shouldn’t be an every-so-often thing; in order to keep toxins out of your body, it’s important to continuously cleanse your body so that any toxins in your body are constantly on their way out!
Ongoing cleansing prevents toxins from building up in your body in the first place, while also ensuring that any toxins already present are quickly eliminated.
Related: 5 Tips For Your Gut Detox
3. Don’t Get Discouraged
Cleansing your body of all its toxins isn’t always easy. It’s normal to feel a little under the weather while your body works to rid itself of all those toxins, and it can be hard to stick with the detox when you’re not feeling good.
It’s so important that you do, though! It may not feel good, but that’s the sign of all those toxins being awakened and flushed out of your body.
When it comes to detoxing, the most important thing to remember is to stick with it— it will absolutely be worth it in the end! :)
4. Don’t Neglect Self-Care and Stress Management
When embarking on a detox journey with Solluna, it’s essential not to overlook the significance of self-care and stress management. A successful detox goes beyond just eating the right foods and avoiding the wrong ones; it also involves nurturing your emotional and mental well-being.
Stress can hinder your body’s natural detoxification process, making it harder to achieve your desired results. To counteract stress, incorporate relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga into your daily routine. These practices will not only help you manage stress but also enhance your overall detox experience.
5. Don’t Look For A Quick Fix
Healthy detoxing is a gradual process, so don’t expect immediate results! Like all things worth doing, time and consistent effort are essential for achieving lasting success and meaningful change. A successful detox is not a quick and easy thing, but rather a gradual journey that requires patience, consistency, and commitment.
Looking for a quick fix or following a fad that promises instant results is unsustainable and can even harm your body in the long run. Instead, aim for a balanced and holistic approach to detoxification that supports your body’s natural cleansing process.
Don’t Let That Toxicity Build Up… Do Something About It!
Embracing Solluna’s detox dos and don’ts can truly make a difference in your journey toward a healthy body detox. By staying positive and not getting discouraged, you’ll build a strong mindset that supports your goals. Remember, consistency is key; stick to your plan and trust the process.
Focus on consuming fresh foods, staying hydrated, and taking appropriate supplements to ensure your body has everything it needs to cleanse itself to get the most out of your detox! Soon enough, you’ll be well on your way to a happier, healthier, and more vibrant you.
I hope you found my suggestions helpful. I’m so glad you’ve decided to take this first step towards better health. ♥️
With Love,
Hi Kimberly,
Love your blog and your lotion. I tried the green smoothie recently and was disappointed. My blender just left it really chunky which was not the most appetizing thing. What kind of blender do you use/recommend?
have u ever heard of the VitaMix? that’s a really good one…i only have a magic bullet which works well…i don’t mind chunks, and the result with the magic bullet is great..i LOVE!hope that helps…maybe if u search the blog u might see what she uses? or check Kim out on youtube…
Hey Fiona!
So happy to hear you love the blog and the Solution! Ya!
A food processor would not be ideal for the Green Smoothie at all- nor would a really inexpensive blender which might work for other stuff.
I recommend the Vitamix, and it is possible to get a refurbished one on their website, which is a bit cheaper. It is still pricey though ($300+), but it will last forever, is so easy to clean, and makes the smoothie smooth in like 30 seconds.
There are probably some less powerful but decent and cheaper brands out there- but I am so in love with my Vitamix I’ve never used anything else!
Keep in touch and please come visit again.
xx Love, Kimberly
Hi Kimberly,
Saw your piece on GMA, loved your energy and decided to try the green smoothie. It’s GREAT! In four days I already feel better and realized yesterday I haven’t needed my usual afternoon nap after work. Yeah! Thanks so much!
Regards,
Philly
Mountain View, CA
Hi Phyllis,
Wow, that’s awesome!!! Keep it up with the Green Smoothie, and be sure to mix some different greens in there for variety.
Hopefully you will cut back on your caffeine/coffee intake- if you even drink it is in the first place.
Are you finding yourself starting to make more healthy food choices during the day afterwards?
Keep in touch and let me know how you are doing!
xx Kimberly
Hello Kimberly
Saw you on GMA and you were terrific. Tried the Green Smoothie and love it! In fact so much so that I’m thinking of having it for breakfast and dinner … everyday. Do you recommend this? If yes (and I have a regular meal for lunch), when and how often should I have the Detox Smoothie?
Your yoga poses are pretty inspiring too ….
Hi Anthony,
Your enthusiasm is awesome! I would try having the Green Smoothie every day ONLY for breakfast for a little while more- like at least a month. It’s hard for me to give thorough advice since I don’t have your health background, but remember that the alkalinity of the greens is very cleansing, as are the fruits. So we need to ease in, so too much doesn’t get stirred up too fast for us to cleanse it out. Sometimes people get really enthusiastic and go all raw or 2 smoothies a day, and in a few weeks hit a wall because the detoxification process hasnt’ yet caught up with them, and they erroneously think they are “lacking” something and that is why they feel sick or weak.
So just stay on how you are doing- and you can mix the Detox Smoothie in once a week- and be sure you are taking a probiotic every day and expelling a lot of waste material. (Sorry but it is part of it! :) ).
Let’s transition a bit slower, and in a month or so increase. Cool?
Keep in touch with me on how you are doing!
xx Kimberly
Hi Kimberly,
I want to buy Maca, but I have found many side effect feedback online. I have very bad hormonal acne, and irregular pms. The online feedback actually mentions that Maca will worsen the situation and make you break out even more and some people have really severe side effect. So do you recommend me to try it?
Thanks,
Charlene
Hey Charlene! I had seen the negative feedback about Maca as well, but I decided that the only way to know for sure how I would react to it would be to try it! I’ve been taking it for a little over a month and my hormonal acne has pretty much disappeared! I say give it a try! You never know…it could be the thing that finally works for you!
-Melanie
Thank you so much Melanie, I will try it. My hormonal acne is very serious. Do you get it in Whole Food or the brand Kimberly buys?
Thanks,
Charlene
Hey Charlene! I actually started out taking Maca in capsule form which I picked up at Central Market (which is like Whole Foods), but I recently started taking the Navita brand from vitacost https://www.vitacost.com/Navitas-Naturals-Maca-Power-Raw-Maca-Powder
Got it
Got it~! They actually sell them in Henry’s, I will go and check out, my hormonal acne is out of control. Thank you so much Melanie :)
Hi Charlene,
If your skincare is out of control and you are using the right skincare products, then there is probably some kind of toxicity in your body as well. I would make sure you are taking a probiotic every day to help balance out the good over the bad bacteria in your system, and help clean you out on an ongoing basis.
Keep in touch with me on your progress!
xx Kimberly
Hey Charlene,
Well if you are worried about the side effects you could always talk to your doctor.
If you do decide to try it, be sure to start with really small doses- like 1/4 of a teaspoon, and see how you do. I have never heard of anyone’s acne getting worse from maca! And just like Melanie’s situation, in many cases it can help.
Also- you could check out my blog on Eating for Acne.
Keep in touch on how you do!
All my very best,
xx Kimberly
Hi Kimberly,
it’s great that your blog has so many readers now!
I have a question about something you wrote in this entry. You say we can store the green smoothie in the fridge for a few days. I’ve always read that you must drink a smoothie very quickly, so the vitamins don’t oxidize. It’s the same when you cut vegetables or fruits, you must eat them quickly. That’s why I’m a bit surprised here…
Have a nice day,
Ophélie
Ophelie- your information is incorrect. A juice must be drank within 15 minutes or so, as you are splitting open the cells, stripping the fiber, and exposing it to immediate oxidation. With a Green Smoothie, you are blending the whole vegetables, and some fruits, and banana. If it is covered well, it will hold up pretty good in the fridge for a little while. Of course, making it every single day would be the absolute best, but who has time for that? It is better to stay drinking it every day by making it in larger quantities, as I’ve always discovered with my clients. And it’s not like cutting open an apple and leaving it out- that’s why apples turn brown with oxidation. We are covering it and keeping it cool. Besides- there is so much more to the drink than perfectly intact enzymes- it has to do with alkalinity and amino acids, etc. which don’t magically disappear when its covered.
Ok, thanks for your quick answer! What you wrote makes sense, so I’m going to keep it in the fridge.
Whoa, there’s another Charlene on here…so i put the JA so u’ll know it’s me Kim! I’m sooo sooo happy about the flooding of newcomers to the blog…it was really only a matter of time. I am so grateful to have been able to converse with u thru this, when it was much easier, or lighter hehe, but I am soooo glad and just happy for you that it has taken off…:) let’s drink a green smoothie to that!! :)
Hi Charlene (JA) :)
I am still here!!!!!!!!!! I am getting through the initial flood of correspondence then it will be a matter of keeping up.
Thanks for your congrats, and I will never ever forget about you!! I always love getting your comments.
Write soon and have a great weekend!
xx Kimberly
Kim, what blender do you use/recommend?
Hi Bel,
Well I recommend the Vitamix, and they have refurbished ones that are cheaper. It is sort of pricey, but it will last you forever!
One of my readers said the Blendtec works well too!
xx Kimberly
Kimberly,
Do you drink the green smoothie everyday or for how long? Is it to be a part of your eating habits or just for a cleanse?
Thanks for your information. I am enjoying my new found “foods”.
Michele
Kimberly:
Thank you for your information and the green smoothie. Is this smoothie to be a part of everyday nutrition or just for a short-term cleanse, and if so, how long should it last?
I am enjoying the new found “foods”. Thanks!
Hi Kimberly,
I have been told by my nutritionist that I am suffering from Candida, which explains my fatigue and skin rashes. Can you please recommend any foods that will help to clear this up.
Thanks!
Sofia
Hi Sofia,
Candida feeds off sugar and yeasts. So you can try “starving” the yeast by refraining from refined sugars, white flours, pastas, breads, etc. Also be sure to take a probiotic every single day to start to balance in the good bacteria over the bad. Raw sauerkraut and other probiotic-friendly foods will also help! There are some good books that are completely devoted to natural programs to getting rid of candida. You might want to check them out!
Good luck and let me know how you do.
xx Kimberly
Hi Kimberly,
I stumbled upon this site accidentally. My husband, my mother, my father and I have decided to try a vegan diet for 30 days starting January 2, 2010. We decided to do so because of seeing a Dr. Oz episode where a man named Rocco was able to lower cholesterol, blood pressure, waist size, weight, etc. We want off the medication and on to a healthier life. The problem is meal planning (portion control and what to eat?). Any suggestions on a book or vegan site? We are or were meat and potatoes people who live near Houston, TX.
HI Terri, I am offering nutritional consultations now if you are interested in a customized meal plan. A good, general place to start may be Dr. Joel Furhman’s Eat to Live.
xx Kimberly
Hi Kimberly … any idea how I can see the video because it says “removed” now when attempting to see it? Also, is this smoothie something you should do every day for breakfast forever or just for a few months? Every other day? I’m a bit confused
HI Kimberly..
I wanted to start by telling you Thank you for the Green Smoothie recipe.. I love it!!!
I’m planning on starting also the Detox Smoothie for 3 times a week; however I’m confused on how I can combine the two. Can you give me a example on a Smoothie Schedule for a week?
Hi Veronica! Make the Green smoothie every day without fail. For a lighter lunch later on in the day you can make the Detox Smoothie or as a late afternoon snack at least 3 hours after lunch you can drink it then. It does not replace the Green Smoothie, which is the most important and should be drank every day.
xx Kimberly
Hi kimberly,
Love the Green smoothie!! Also, have your book……read couple chapters. Drink green smoothie everyday last couple weeks…….made green drink but unsure how often drink it????? Detox tea is that laxative tea??? I have done master cleanse…gain more weight back and I was always size 0-4 now omg bigger then ever been. I want to get back!!! I’m afraid leave my house weight I’ve gained. In rut……would love to travel around world. You have inspired me so far I’ve read.
Have Great Day,
Jayne
HI Jayne!
Drink the GGS throughout the mornings. Try to have 16-24 ounces. The detox tea is not a laxative, it helps cleanse out bacteria and supports your liver, which is a detoxifying organ. xx