Detox after winter: Truths and myths about cleansing the body

With the arrival of spring, the same trend appears every year: detoxification of the body . After a winter when we may have eaten heavier foods, moved less and spent more time at home, we naturally crave change. We want to “cleanse” our bodies, gain energy and get rid of fatigue. The Internet and social networks are full of instructions for three-day juice cures, miracle teas, fasting and extreme detox programs.

But what is the truth? Does detox work? Does our body need it? And if so, how to do it healthily and gently? In this article, we will look at the most common myths about detoxification, offer you verified facts, and add specific tips on how to cleanse your body and mind after winter without extremes.

What exactly is detox?

The word detox comes from the concept of detoxification – the process of ridding the body of toxic substances. In medicine, this means, for example, treatment for drug or alcohol overdose. However, in the common context of a healthy lifestyle, people talk about detox as cleansing the body of “harmful substances” that supposedly accumulate in it over time – for example, due to poor diet, stress, alcohol or lack of exercise.

But here the differences between myth and reality begin.

Myth #1: The body needs to detox to get rid of toxins

Truth: The body has its own natural detoxification system. The main detoxification organs are the liver, kidneys, intestines, lungs, and skin . These organs are constantly working to remove unwanted substances from the body.

If you are healthy, your body can detox on its own every day , without the need for extreme intervention. The problem arises when we overwork our body – with a diet full of sugar, alcohol, stress, lack of sleep. In this case, it is not that you are “flooded with toxins”, but that your body needs support, not shock.

Myth #2: Juice cleanses and fasts will cleanse the body

Truth: Juice cleanses and fasts are very popular because they promise quick results. Sometimes even short-term weight loss, which can feel like a “cleanse.” But most of the time, it’s just water and muscle loss—not fat or “toxins.”

Additionally, during prolonged fasting or a one-sided diet (e.g., only vegetable juices), the body does not receive enough protein, fat, fiber, or other important nutrients . This can lead to fatigue, irritability, a slowed metabolism, or a weakened immune system.

Short-term fasting may have its place (e.g., so-called intermittent fasting), but it should be introduced sensitively, ideally after consulting with a specialist.

Myth #3: Detox is ideal for quick weight loss

Truth: Detoxing should never be an excuse for drastic weight loss. Yes, you may lose a few pounds on a detox, but most of it is water or muscle loss. Plus, once you return to your regular diet, the weight often comes back quickly—sometimes in excess (the yo-yo effect).

Long-term healthy weight loss is not about extremes, but about a balanced, sustainable change in diet and lifestyle .

Myth #4: Detoxification is quick and easy

Truth: True “cleansing” the body – in the sense of regeneration, restoring balance and supporting natural processes – is not a matter of 3 days. It is a process that requires time, patience and care .

Detoxification is not a one-time event, but part of a long-term lifestyle - where diet, exercise, sleep and mental well-being form a single whole.

So… is detox unnecessary?

Not quite. Detox as a reboot, not a punishment – ​​that’s what a healthy approach should look like. Instead of drastic methods, focus on supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes .

Below we bring you practical tips on how to do it without stress and starvation.

10 tips on how to support your body after winter gently and effectively

1. Increase your fiber intake

Fiber helps to “clean” the intestines – it supports digestion, prevents constipation and helps the body get rid of waste. It is found in vegetables, fruits, legumes, seeds and whole grains.

2. Drink plenty of water

Water is essential – not only for hydration, but also for proper kidney and liver function. The goal is to drink about 30–40 ml of water per kg of body weight per day . A great start to the day is warm water with lemon – not for a “miracle detox”, but to gently kick-start digestion.

3. Include fermented foods

Healthy gut = better detoxification. Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kefir, kimchi, or yogurt support the microbiome and thus overall immunity and digestion.

4. Get some exercise

Movement gets your lymphatic system going, improves blood circulation, and helps eliminate waste through sweat. You don't have to go to the gym right away - even a brisk walk or yoga will do wonders.

5. Limit alcohol and sugar

Alcohol and added sugar are a burden on the liver and the entire body. You don't have to give them up forever, but the spring season is ideal for a voluntary reset - even for 2-4 weeks.

6. Get quality sleep

Sleep is the time when the body regenerates. Without it, detoxification is not effective. Try to go to bed regularly, get at least 7-8 hours of sleep, and limit blue light in the evening.

7. Eat seasonal and fresh foods

Spring offers plenty of fresh vegetables – radishes, spinach, arugula, spring onions. These foods naturally boost metabolism and are full of vitamins.

8. Try a “mental detox”

Detox is not just about the body. Cleanse your mind too – from negative messages, overload, stress. Start the day without your mobile phone, write a diary, do breathing exercises or meditation.

9. Support the liver

The liver is a key detoxifying organ. It can be helped by things like artichoke, milk thistle, turmeric, or green tea . A warm soup made from broth and vegetables is also great.

10. Simplify your diet

Spring is a great time for change, but not everyone has time to shop, cook, and plan. Our premium boxed meals can make it a lot easier to get started – you’ll get balanced, fresh, and nutritionally complete meals that will support your body, not burden it.

Detox as a symbol of a new beginning – why do we actually want it?

The desire to “detox” in spring is not just a fashion trend. It is deeply rooted in our psychology and culture. After winter, which is typically a period of calm, slowing down and isolation, spring comes as a symbol of renewal, light and new energy. Life awakens in nature and the natural need to restart arises in us as well. We want to feel lighter, healthier, fresher. Detox is often not just about the body – but about the inner setting, the ritual of change .

Psychologically, we seek control – over our health, our diet, our bodies. And detoxing can give us the feeling that we are “doing something right”. Unfortunately, this is where we often go to extremes: we believe that if we restrict ourselves for a few days, everything will miraculously be resolved. But the body and psyche do not work on shortcuts – they require consistency, gentleness and respect .

That's why it's important to see spring detox as an opportunity to reboot , not as a punishment. Let's not start spring with guilt or pressure to perform. Instead, let's ask ourselves: "How do I really feel right now?" , "What does my body need?" , "What does it do me good?" .

Create your own version of detox – one that supports you, not limits you . It doesn’t have to be radical. It could be a slower morning, a walk in the sun, a lighter lunch, or more vegetables on your plate. And when you top it all off with quality food that someone has prepared for you with love? Maybe from Yes Krabiček? That’s the real spring cleaning – of body and soul.

Summary: How to detox healthily and without extremes?

• Detox is not a quick shortcut, but part of long-term care

• The body has its own cleansing system – support it, don’t sabotage it

• Avoid extremes – juice cleanses, hunger strikes, miracle pills

• Opt for a diet rich in fiber, probiotics, and nutrients

• Move, get enough sleep, drink water and take care of your mental well-being

• If you need help, use a professionally prepared diet

Start small, but stick with it for the long haul.

Detoxing after winter doesn’t have to be about strictness, sacrifice, or drastic changes. On the contrary – the most effective cleanse is often the simplest. When you give your body a quality diet, regular exercise, rest for regeneration, and loving care, it will start working the way it should. Not immediately, not overnight – but sustainably and healthily. Remember, a healthy lifestyle is not about perfection. It’s a set of daily choices that you make with respect for yourself.

If you are unsure at the beginning of your journey or don't have time, feel free to ask for help. At Yes Krabičky, we believe that every body deserves the best – fresh, nutritionally balanced meals without stress and compromise. Treat yourself to a reboot that will taste good. And most importantly – enjoy that spring feeling of a new beginning. And you can take the first step today - just order one of our 7 programs!