Does Cleansing Even Work – Or Is It Just What We Need?

Cleansing: It’s one of those wellness trends that just won’t quit. Every year, there’s a new version - juice cleanses, soup cleanses, ‘detox’ teas, fasting protocols. And the promise? A total body reset, a fresh start, and the hope of undoing a weekend of questionable food choices. But the real question is: does it actually work? People talk about cleansing like it’s some kind of magical reset button that can turn you into a glowing, vibrant superhuman overnight. After all, your body already has a built-in detox system (hello, liver and kidneys), so why would it need extra help and is there actual science behind it? Let’s break it down.

The Truth About ‘Toxins’ - And Why Detoxing Still Matters

We hear the word ‘detox’ a lot. Sometimes, it sounds like a magic fix; other times, it’s dismissed as unnecessary. But here’s the thing - your body is already detoxing around the clock. Your liver, kidneys, and gut are constantly working to process and eliminate what you don’t need. The challenge? In today’s world of ultra-processed foods, late-night snacking, and non-stop stress, our digestive systems rarely get a real break, making it harder to function at their best. That’s where a cleanse can really help - not by overriding what your body already does, but by giving it the extra support it needs. Think of it like cleaning your house - your vacuum does a great job, but every few months, you need a deep clean to really freshen things up. The right cleanse floods your system with nutrients, supports digestion, and lets your body reset in a way that feels good and not punishing.

But what actually happens when you give your body that break? Research suggests that short-term cleansing can help support digestion, promote gut health, and even reduce inflammation - key factors in how you feel day to day. It’s less about ‘flushing out toxins’ and more about giving your body the reset it deserves. Read on to see how it works - and why it makes a difference.

What Happens When You Stop Constantly Eating?

Your body is designed to process food, absorb nutrients, and clear out waste. From the moment we wake up to the moment we go to bed, we’re constantly keeping our digestion on. Our bodies are great at multitasking, but when you’re eating all the time - it never really gets a pause. Digestion takes a surprising amount of energy, and if the system is always working on breaking down food, it has less time for other important processes, like cellular repair.

Research shows that when you take a break from eating, your body shifts into a process called autophagy. This is basically your system’s way of doing a deep clean - breaking down old, damaged cells and recycling them into fresh, healthy ones. Scientists have linked autophagy to everything from reduced inflammation to improved brain function and even a longer lifespan.

But Aren’t Most Cleanses Just Expensive Starvation?

Let’s be clear - not all cleanses are created equal. There’s a big difference between a smartly designed cleanse and a starvation diet in disguise. If you’ve ever done a cleanse that left you feeling weak, cranky, and one sip away from regretting every life choice, it was probably the wrong kind. 

A good cleanse should:

• Give your digestive system a break without making you feel like you're dying
• Be packed with actual nutrients, not just sugar water
• Leave you feeling refreshed, not miserable
• Work as a reset - not a punishment
  

Unfortunately, a lot of cleanses on the market do the opposite. They strip your body of energy, slow down your metabolism, and trick you into thinking dehydration is weight loss. 

So… Are We Being Fooled?

Here’s the verdict: 

Cleansing isn’t a magic bullet, but it is a helpful reset for your body. Your organs do the heavy lifting, but a cleanse can offer extra support when you need it. If you’re using it to give your body a break, reset your digestion, and flood yourself with nutrients, then there’s real science behind it. The trick is knowing why you’re doing it. Whether you’re looking to jump-start a healthier routine, recover from a period of overindulgence, or simply support your digestive system, a cleanse can help. When done right, cleansing can help your body feel lighter, more energized, and fully supported. Try one of our signature PRESS juice cleanses to provide your body with natural, supportive ingredients, giving you the reset you need without the fuss.

Reference: 

https://www.bluezones.com/2018/10/fasting-for-health-and-longevity-nobel-prize-winning-research-on-cell-aging/#:~:text=Japanese%20cell%20biologist%20Yoshinori%20Ohsumi,positive%20impact%20on%20cell%20renewal