I’m not about to sprinkle moon dust on a kale smoothie and call it body enlightenment. But I am serious about cleaning house when my system starts feeling off—sluggish, puffy, inflamed, or just not running right. This isn’t about seasonal trends, gimmicky teas, or going broke at the supplement store on a “cleanse kit.” It’s about giving the body what it actually needs to do what it’s built to do.
And no, I’m not talking about starving. Yes, there are periods when I don’t eat—but that’s not deprivation. Its intentional rest. I’m talking about feeding the body nutrient-dense foods, practicing metabolic rest through fasting, and choosing tools that help clear out toxins, inflammation, and the junk that weighs us down—literally and energetically.
So if you’re feeling bloated, foggy, tired, or just know you need a system reboot, here’s what I reach for—no drama, no restriction spirals, just honest tools that work.
- Broccoli Sprouts
These tiny sprouts are my not-so-secret weapon. They’re packed with sulforaphane, a compound that supports detox, reduces inflammation, and helps neutralize toxins at the cellular level. They’re easy to get into your diet. I sprinkle them on a salad or blend them into a smoothie—and they give me all the benefits without overpowering the taste, which is a win. As Nike would say, just do it.
- Chlorella (via Energy Bits)
This isn’t a leafy green—it’s algae. Specifically, I use chlorella tablets from Energy Bits because I find them to be some of the purest chlorella tabs out there. You can also find chlorella in powdered greens blends and other reputable tablet forms—but quality really matters. Chlorella binds to heavy metals and other unwanted chemicals, making them easier for your body to flush out. Some days I throw a handful in a smoothie. Other days, I just swallow them with a tall glass of water and move on. Either way, they get the job done.
- Apple Pectin
This one’s old school but powerful. The pectin in apples binds to toxins in the gut and helps your body carry them out. I usually just eat whole organic apples, but powdered apple pectin works too—especially in smoothies. Just drink it fast unless you want it to thicken into goo.
- Garlic
Not fancy, just effective. I use garlic in nearly every savory dish I make—curries, tacos, soups, dips, salad dressings—you name it. Allicin, its main compound, supports detox by activating enzymes that help move heavy metals and other junk out of the body. It’s low-maintenance and high-impact, which is exactly my style.
- Turmeric
Sometimes I juice the root with other ingredients (this is my go-to during a reset), sometimes I sprinkle a bit of powdered organic turmeric in lentil or tofu tacos, and I always put it in curry with coconut milk and black pepper for better absorption. Either way, turmeric’s curcumin content is powerful stuff—protecting the liver, calming inflammation, and helping mop up oxidative stress. It’s bright, bold, and all business.
- Ginger
This one’s a staple in my detox world. I juice it regularly, throw it into curries, and steep it in tea. Ginger contains gingerol—a powerhouse compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It also has anti-nausea properties, which can be especially helpful if you’re feeling a little queasy while detoxing (which, yes, can happen). It’s spicy, strong, and a little bossy—but I like my detox tools with personality.
- Green Tea & Matcha
I don’t drink coffee (which, yes, can support detox if it’s organic, mold-free, and not drowning in flavored syrup or dairy). But when I feel like I need a deeper clean-out, I’ll steep some green tea or blend matcha into a smoothie. It’s not a daily ritual for me, but it’s definitely part of my detox toolkit. Loaded with antioxidants, green tea supports the liver and helps reduce the oxidative mess toxins leave behind.
- Cruciferous Vegetables
When I want serious detox support, I load up on crucifers—broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, arugula. These veggies stimulate detoxification enzymes and support hormone balance. I roast them, stir-fry them, shred them into slaws—whatever gets them in.
- Beets
Beets are detox gold—especially for the liver. I juice them regularly as my go-to when I’m in detox mode. If you love beets, you could also shred them raw onto salads or blend them into soups. They help increase bile flow and support your body’s natural detox processes. Just be warned—they may turn your pee pink. Totally normal.
- Berries
Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries—they’re not just pretty, they’re antioxidant bombs. Berries help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation, both of which are critical when the body’s trying to reset. I eat them fresh all by themselves, throw them into my glow bowl, or toss frozen ones into smoothies. Easy, delicious, and effective.
- Leafy Greens
Kale, spinach, collards, arugula, romaine… leafy greens support detox by giving your liver the nutrients it needs to do its job, including folate, magnesium, and chlorophyll. I use them in smoothies, pile them into salads, or sauté them with garlic. They’re also high in fiber, which helps keep everything—how shall we say—moving.
- Citrus
Lemon, lime, grapefruit, orange—citrus fruits are high in vitamin C and help stimulate digestive enzymes, support liver activity, and benefit kidney function. Lemon in particular helps increase citrate levels in urine, which can help prevent certain types of kidney stones. I’m constantly juicing lemon or lime into water throughout the day, sprinkling lemon peel on my glow bowl, and squeezing fresh citrus on greens. But when I’m in detox mode, I’m even more intentional about it—and I amp it up.
- Hydration: The Ultimate Detox Transport
No matter how many detox superfoods you eat, nothing’s moving out of your body without water. Hydration is non-negotiable. It supports kidney function, keeps lymph flowing, helps eliminate waste through urine and bowel movements, and even regulates temperature while your body resets. I drink filtered water all day long—and during detox and fasting, I’m extra intentional about it. Sometimes I add a squeeze of lemon, or use an electrolyte boost like LMNT (unflavored) or Redmond’s Real Salt—because not all “sea salts” are created equal. Bonus: staying hydrated helps reduce fatigue and headaches, which can sneak up during detox.
- Fasting: The 24-Hour Reset (or Longer)
Intermittent fasting is part of my daily rhythm—17 hours on most days. I usually wrap up eating by early afternoon with something light (a banana, for example), and that helps me sleep better, feel lighter, and stay in sync. But when I need a deeper reset, I go longer. I regularly do 24-hour water fasts (I’ve done two this week), and sometimes stretch it to three days. Just water. No drama. It gives my digestive system and metabolism a real break—and the results speak for themselves.
- Walking, Vibration & Rebounding
Your lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump like your heart—it relies on movement. Gentle exercise like walking or rebounding helps circulate lymph, flush toxins, and stimulate drainage. Vibration is another great option. I tried a vibration plate—wasn’t my thing. I prefer using a FLOW device for targeted lymphatic stimulation. Massage is also a good way to move lymph, especially when paired with hydration and movement.
- Sleep (Yes, That Counts)
Sleep is one of the most deeply underrated aspects of wellness—but it shouldn’t be. Deep, consistent sleep allows your brain to flush out waste, your liver to do its cleanup work, and your hormones to reset. I monitor my sleep with a WHOOP device and aim for quality over quantity. Most nights, 6–7 hours gives me enough REM and deep sleep to keep me functioning well. But when I start to slip? I make sleep sacred.
In a Nutshell
You don’t need a cleanse kit, a magic elixir, or a cabinet full of tinctures. Your body already knows how to detox—it just needs a little help doing it efficiently. These are the tools I trust and use regularly. They work. And they remind me that feeling better isn’t about punishment or perfection—it’s about choosing better inputs, letting the body do its thing, and knowing when to get out of its way.
If you want to learn more about my journey to better health, and how it may help you, check out my book The Awakened Body by clicking HERE.