With all the health information available today, it’s easier than ever to explore new ways to support your well-being—but it can also be confusing. Between fitness programs, “superfoods,” and wellness trends, it’s natural to feel unsure about what each method actually does.

One common area of confusion is the difference between a detox and a cleanse. These two ideas often get grouped together, but they’re not the same. Understanding how they differ can help you choose what’s right for your body and your lifestyle—and decide whether either approach aligns with your goals.

Why People Explore Detoxes or Cleanses

Many individuals notice times when their body feels weighed down—low energy, sluggish digestion, or simply the desire to “reset” after stress, travel, or changes in routine. While the body naturally has its own systems that handle filtering, digestion, and waste removal, some people choose structured dietary changes to help support a feeling of lightness and wellness.

Before trying any new health routine, especially if it involves major changes to your diet, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional.

What Is a Detox?

A detox typically refers to lifestyle and dietary adjustments intended to support the body’s natural filtering systems. This may include focusing on:

• Hydration

• Whole, minimally processed foods

• More rest and lower stress

• Activities like gentle movement or sauna sessions

• Herbs and ingredients that people traditionally associate with wellness

In general, detoxing is a whole-body approach, emphasizing habits that help you feel refreshed or “reset.”

What Is a Cleanse?

A cleanse usually focuses more specifically on the digestive system. The goal is to simplify the diet and temporarily remove foods that some individuals feel weighed down by.

A cleanse often includes:

• Whole, unprocessed foods

• High intake of vegetables

• Limited refined sugar

• Limited alcohol or caffeine

• Removing common trigger foods (depending on the program)

Common emphasized foods may include leafy greens, certain fruits, and simple lean proteins.

Cleanses vary widely, and not all approaches are suitable for everyone—another reason a medical professional’s guidance is helpful.

Do I Need to “Starve” for a Detox or Cleanse?

Definitely not.
While some trendy plans promote extreme fasting or liquid-only diets, these approaches can lead to:

• Low energy

• Headaches

• Nutrient gaps

• Irritability

Most long-term health experts recommend a balanced approach—one that still provides enough nutrients, calories, and hydration to support your daily activities.

Foods Commonly Included in Cleanses

(These lists vary depending on the method, but here are trends you’ll often see.)

Often emphasized:

• Fresh vegetables

• Lower-sugar fruits

• Whole, unprocessed ingredients

• Lean proteins

• Sea vegetables

• Plenty of water

Often reduced or avoided temporarily:

• Refined sugar

• Alcohol

• Highly processed foods

• Some grains

• Some dairy (depending on the plan)

Foods Often Included in Detox-Focused Eating

These are ingredients many people choose because they feel light, hydrating, or refreshing.

• Green tea

• Leafy greens like kale

• Citrus fruits such as lemon or grapefruit

• Beets

• Garlic and onions

• Pineapple or apples

• Hydrating foods like cucumbers or watermelon

These foods don’t “clean” the body, but they can support a nutritious and balanced dietary pattern.

Potential Benefits People Report

While experiences vary and these approaches do not treat medical conditions, many participants share similar observations:

• Feeling lighter or less bloated

• A sense of increased energy

• Clearer food awareness and better eating habits

• A mental “reset” when returning to whole, simple foods

Again, these outcomes are subjective and highly individual.

Final Thoughts

Detoxes and cleanses are not one-size-fits-all, and they’re not medically required for the body to function—your liver and kidneys already do that work every day. But for many people, short-term structured eating routines can feel like a helpful way to focus on wellness, simplify food choices, and reconnect with healthy habits.

Always check with a healthcare professional before beginning any restrictive or structured program, especially if you have underlying health conditions or dietary needs.

For comfortable everyday movement and active recovery, many people also enjoy using CopperJoint compression sleeves and gear as part of their wellness routine.