Drinking Water

DrNatura Cleansing vs Detox

If you're like most people, the terms "cleansing" and "detoxification" (or "detox") are a little vague; it can be hard to figure out where one ends and the other starts, or what distinguishes one from the other.

Indeed, many sources use the terms interchangeably, which just makes it all more confusing. And the reality is, cleansing and detoxification do share some similarities. Knowing these things, as well as how they are different, can help you feel more in control of your health, wellness, and self-care choices.

Holding Stomach

Cleansing

In general, when we speak of “cleansing” the body, we're aiming our work at the digestive system and, in particular, at the colon. This is important, as retained debris in the colon contributes to a pattern of sluggish elimination, as well as to a range of health concerns from head to toe, like depression and irritability, allergic reactions, gastrointestinal irregularities, hormonal imbalances, and more. [1] , [2]

The dual aim of a good colon cleansing program is to balance the intestinal flora while also promoting efficient and regular bowel function. [3] There are different approaches to this, but credible sources underscore the importance of an adequate intake of fiber as a cornerstone of a good cleanse and a healthy digestive system, as fiber both feeds the "friendly" bacteria in the body while also sweeping the colon clean and improving elimination. [4] , [5] , [6] , [7]

Detox Drink

Detoxification

The sad truth is that we live in a toxic world with pollutants known to cause bodily damage found all too easily in our air, water, soil, and food. To keep us safe from such threats, the body has its own detoxification processes with organs of elimination. These include the lungs, skin, digestive system, kidneys, and liver. [8] Knowing this has never been more important, as we are living in a time during which toxins are accumulating in our bodies faster than they can be naturally eliminated. [9]

The goal of a good detox is to support these natural detoxification organs and their processes by helping to rid the body of chemicals and pollutants in order to bring it back to optimal health. [10] There are several ways to do this, including through fasting, chelation therapy, and using natural substances (e.g., fruits and vegetables, juices, herbs, etc.) to support the kineys and liver. [11]

An important component of a good detox program, of course, is doing one's best to decrease exposure to toxins. This, combined with natural therapies like those named above that boost the body's innate detoxification abilities, can promote better health and a reduction of a number of health complaints.

Detox Smoothie

How They Are Related

Clearly, though they are distinctly different, cleansing and detoxing are related. As noted above, some go so far as to think they are the same thing. A potential source of confusion here is that the digestive system - targeted through cleansing - is also part of the body's innate detoxification system. [12] The clearest distinction comes, however, from recognizing that a cleanse focuses specifically on the digestive tract and especially on the colon, while a detox supports all the other organs of elimination. [13]

Now that we have a better understanding of the differences and similarities between cleansing and detoxification, it's good to remember that the colon has a major role in detoxification as the primary channel through which wastes leave the body. [14] This means it can be advantageous for a person to cleanse the colon prior to completing a detoxification program; starting the detox off with a clean colon can help ensure the best detoxification results.

DrNatura Full Line of Cleansing Products

References:

  1. Balch, P. A. (2010). Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 5th ed. New York, NY: Penguin Group. Pg. 799.
  2. The Complete Guide to Natural Healing. (2000). International Masters Publishers, AB. 11:17.
  3. Ibid.
  4. Balch, P. A. (2010). Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 5th ed. New York, NY: Penguin Group. Pg. 799.
  5. The Complete Guide to Natural Healing. (2000). International Masters Publishers, AB. 11:17.
  6. Trivieri, L. & Anderson, J. W. (2002). Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide. Berkeley, CA: Celestial Arts. Pgs. 192, 684, 686.
  7. Greger, M. (n.d.) Fiber. NutritionFacts.org.
    https://nutritionfacts.org/topics/fiber/
  8. Organ Systems: Detoxification. (2021). Texas A&M University.
    https://vetmed.tamu.edu/peer/detoxification/
  9. Trivieri, L. & Anderson, J. W. (2002). Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide. Berkeley, CA: Celestial Arts. Pg. 168.
  10. Ibid.
  11. Trivieri, L. & Anderson, J. W. (2002). Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide. Berkeley, CA: Celestial Arts. Pgs. 168-178.
  12. Organ Systems: Detoxification. (2021). Texas A&M University.
    https://vetmed.tamu.edu/peer/detoxification/
  13. Raguthu, M. (n.d.). Holistic Cleanse and Detoxification. Medwin Family Medicine & Rehab.
    https://medwinfamily.com/holistic-cleanse-and-detoxification/
  14. How the Bowel Works. (2021). Bladder and Bowel Community.
    https://www.bladderandbowel.org/bowel/bowel-resources/how-the-bowel-works