Body Detox: How Your Body Naturally Removes Waste

Dr. Boris Wydoff

The body is constantly eliminating waste: the liver processes incoming substances, the kidneys filter the blood, the intestines remove undigested waste, and the lungs get rid of carbon dioxide. This is the natural work of several organs, not the result of drinking a special beverage or undergoing a single procedure. In practical terms, Dr. Boris Wydoff’s system brings together attention to the large intestine, food combining, vegetable juices, proper hydration, daily walks, and breathing exercises. You can start exploring it through simple habits: eat a varied diet, pay attention to digestion, stay active every day, and avoid replacing balanced meals with strict detox programs.

What Does Body Detox Actually Mean?

This term has several meanings. In physiology, it refers to the ongoing processing and elimination of metabolic waste. In naturopathy, detoxification describes a broader system that includes nutrition, hydration, digestive health, physical activity, and other everyday practices.

The liver helps process various substances, the kidneys filter the blood, and the intestines remove undigested waste. The lungs and other body systems also play a role. All these processes happen continuously, not just when someone follows a special program.

That is why body detox cannot be reduced to a single procedure or a particular drink. Some people use the term to describe dietary changes, others mean juice programs, while others refer to an entire system of naturopathic wellness practices.

You may also come across the term "toxins" or "waste buildup." In naturopathic literature, these words are used to describe supposed accumulations of unwanted substances. In medical practice, the discussion usually focuses on specific metabolic waste products and substances that the body processes and eliminates. These are different ways of describing bodily processes, so it is helpful to understand which framework a particular term belongs to.

How Does the Body Naturally Detoxify Itself?

Every day, the body processes substances that enter through food, water, and air. Some are used to produce energy and build tissues, while others undergo further processing before being eliminated.

The liver processes substances that enter through the digestive system and those produced during metabolism. The kidneys filter the blood and remove certain metabolic waste products through urine. The intestines help eliminate undigested waste, while the lungs remove carbon dioxide.

Natural detoxification is not a one-time event. It is the continuous work of several organs and systems. The liver, kidneys, and intestines each perform different tasks, so no single food or drink can replace their functions.

Special detox programs are a separate subject. This term covers fasting, diets based mainly on juices, dietary restrictions, supplements, and various procedures. These approaches differ in their content, duration, and possible consequences.

It is important not to assume that every healthy person needs such a program. Strict dietary restrictions can lead to nutrient deficiencies. Laxatives can cause diarrhea, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances. That is why normal physiological processes and special detox methods should be considered separately.

In Boris Wydoff’s system, detoxification is also not limited to a single procedure. The author brings together several areas: intestinal health, nutrition, vegetable juice therapy, water, physical activity, and inner well-being. Each has its own place in his broader naturopathic approach.

How Can You Tell What Is Happening with Your Digestion and Body?

Interest in detoxification often begins when people notice changes in how they feel. They may experience heaviness after meals, bloating, irregular bowel movements, fatigue, or changes in their skin. However, these symptoms can have many different causes and do not, by themselves, prove that the body needs a special detox program.

For example, bowel habits can be influenced by diet, fluid intake, physical activity, and daily routines. Discomfort after meals may also be related to eating habits or the condition of the digestive system.

Fatigue should not automatically be attributed to a buildup of metabolic waste. It can occur with many different conditions, so persistent changes in how you feel should be medically evaluated.

Skin health also deserves attention. In naturopathic thinking, the condition of the skin is sometimes linked to general detoxification processes. However, dryness, redness, and breakouts cannot be used to determine the cause of skin changes on your own. Skin can be affected by diet, the environment, skincare habits, and various health conditions.

That is why the question "How does body detox affect the skin?" has no single universal answer. Changes in appearance are not a reliable way to assess how well the liver, kidneys, or intestines are functioning.

It is also important not to try to diagnose yourself based on a single symptom. If your digestion changes, discomfort persists, or your general well-being gets worse, work with a healthcare professional to find out why. A special detox program is not a substitute for medical evaluation.

Where to Start: Practical Steps for Nutrition and Lifestyle

To understand how body detox works in everyday life, you do not need to jump straight into fasting or juice programs. You can start with your regular diet, hydration, and physical activity. These are all important parts of Dr. Boris Wydoff’s system.

Below are specific guidelines presented in the author's materials.

1. Take a closer look at your diet. Pay attention to the variety of foods you eat and which ones provide your body with protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Vegetables and fruits contain vitamins, minerals, and other dietary components. Avoid building your entire diet around just one type of food.

2. Explore the principles of food combining. In *The ABCs of Health*, Boris Wydoff discusses Professor Shelton's food-combining system in detail. The author suggests paying attention to food combinations and links them to digestive function. This is part of his naturopathic approach, not a mandatory medical rule.

3. Pay attention to hydration. Drinking water is essential for normal body function. We take in water every day, and our fluid needs depend on individual circumstances and health. Do not assume that drinking more water automatically speeds up the elimination of substances. The system described here does not establish a universal water intake target in milliliters per kilogram of body weight.

4. Explore vegetable juices. The doctor's books include combinations such as carrot, beetroot, and cucumber; carrot and spinach; and carrot, celery, and lettuce. The author considers these part of his juice therapy approach. However, juices should not automatically replace a balanced diet.

5. Make daily movement part of your routine. Boris Wydoff recommends brisk walking for 30–40 minutes a day. This is a specific guideline within his system and can help make physical activity a regular habit.

6. Pay attention to heat treatments. The author's system includes a warm shower or bath lasting 10–15 minutes. This is one element of his approach to blood and lymph circulation, not an independent method that can replace the natural work of the organs.

7. Practice breathing breaks. The doctor recommends taking ten slow, deep breaths three times a day. His recommendations also include airing out the bedroom before going to sleep.

8. Do not start with extreme restrictions. Learn about nutrition and digestive function before considering special programs. Fasting, laxatives, and strict dietary restrictions are not necessary starting points for taking care of your body.

One important point: the materials describing this system do not provide a universal list of foods that everyone must completely eliminate, fixed proportions of fiber, protein, and carbohydrates, or a single water intake target in milliliters per kilogram of body weight. Therefore, these figures should not be attributed to the doctor. The practical recommendations above are based on specific elements of his approach, not arbitrary numerical standards.

If you are interested in detoxing at home, it is important to distinguish everyday habits from carrying out intensive procedures on your own. Being at home does not make every method safe.

My Advice: How My Body Detox System Works

I am Dr. Boris Wydoff, and I have been working with natural approaches to health and wellness for more than fifty years. In my experience, body detoxification should not be viewed as a single procedure, but as a step-by-step approach involving nutrition, the intestines, water, movement, and a person's inner well-being. In my books, I explain why I consider these areas together.

First — pay attention to the large intestine.

In *The ABCs of Health*, I begin explaining my system with the large intestine. I consider it the foundation for further work with the body. According to my theory, if intestinal function is impaired, the other areas of detoxification cannot be considered separately from this problem.

I link digestive health to a person's overall well-being. That is why I recommend starting your exploration of my system by learning about the structure and functions of the intestines and their role in eliminating waste. It is important to understand that the intestines are one part of the overall system, not the only organ responsible for eliminating substances.

Second — explore food combining.

In *The ABCs of Health*, I discuss Professor Shelton's food-combining system in detail. I believe that food combinations matter for digestion and suggest treating nutrition as an independent part of the overall detoxification system.

In my model, nutrition should not exist separately from the other areas. I connect food choices with digestive function and the body's overall condition. This is a feature of my naturopathic approach: conventional medicine does not regard food combining as a mandatory condition for normal digestion.

Third — explore vegetable juice therapy.

In my books, I describe several vegetable combinations for making juices:

• carrots, beetroot, and cucumber;
• carrots and spinach;
• carrots, celery, and lettuce.

I consider these combinations part of my juice therapy system. I associate the first with supporting the liver and gallbladder, the second with nourishing the intestines and nervous system, and the third with mineral support.

For me, it is essential to understand that vegetable juices do not replace the entire diet. I consider them in the context of overall nutrition and the other elements of my naturopathic approach.

Fourth — combine movement, heat, and breathing.

I link blood circulation and lymph movement with the function of the capillaries. According to my theory, a sedentary lifestyle and shallow breathing interfere with the proper movement of blood and lymph. That is why my system emphasizes daily activity and heat treatments.

I recommend brisk walking for 30–40 minutes a day. My recommendations also include a warm shower or bath for 10–15 minutes, breathing breaks with ten slow, deep breaths three times a day, and airing out the bedroom before going to sleep.

Another area of my system is working with the mind. I believe that calmness, faith in one's own abilities, and a person's outlook on life should complement physical self-care. That is why I consider the psychological aspect together with nutrition, movement, and other practices rather than treating it as something separate.

All these principles reflect my personal naturopathic approach. If you have a chronic condition, are pregnant, or take medication, discuss any changes to your diet or routine with your healthcare provider beforehand. Do not replace prescribed treatment with wellness practices on your own.

Where and How to Learn More

If you want to explore naturopathy in a structured way, I recommend looking at the Academy of Natural Healing program. It is designed to help students study Dr. Boris Wydoff’s system and brings together several areas of learning.

The course includes five stages. The first focuses on the doctor's books, including *The ABCs of Health*, *A Reference Book for the Healthy and the Sick*, and *Secrets of Youth, Health, and Beauty*. At this stage, students become familiar with the author's main ideas about the body and natural approaches to wellness.

The second stage covers nutrition and detoxification. The third focuses on diseases and naturopathic practices. The fourth brings together seminars and audio materials that introduce the doctor's explanations. The fifth explores the mind and psychological aspects of his system.

After completing the program, students take an examination with the doctor in person. Those who successfully complete the course receive personalized certificates.

The educational goal of the course is to help students understand the principles of the system, recognize the connections between nutrition, digestion, detoxification, and lifestyle, explore naturopathic practices, and become familiar with natural approaches to wellness.

This kind of training allows students to study the subject systematically rather than collecting individual tips from different sources. However, the knowledge gained does not replace medical education or consultations with healthcare professionals. Program details and registration are available on the Academy's website.

When to See a Doctor

When is urgent medical help needed?

Loss of consciousness during fasting or another restrictive program requires urgent medical attention. In this situation, call emergency services rather than trying to continue the detox program on your own.

A significant deterioration in your condition, severe weakness, and signs of dehydration also require prompt medical evaluation. Do not dismiss these symptoms as a normal reaction to dietary changes.

Older adults and people with weakened immune systems need to be especially careful. Unpasteurized juices may contain harmful bacteria, so drinking them carries additional health risks.

When should you make a routine appointment with a doctor?

Before changing your diet or starting a special program, discuss your plans with a healthcare professional if you have diabetes or a kidney, heart, or digestive condition. This also applies to people who have undergone intestinal surgery and those who take medication regularly.

If you have diabetes, your diet should follow the recommendations of your healthcare team. People with kidney conditions should also discuss their diet with a healthcare professional, since some foods contain significant amounts of oxalates and other substances that matter for certain conditions.

Pregnancy and preparation for childbirth are not suitable times to experiment with fasting, strict juice diets, or special procedures on your own. If you are wondering about detoxing before childbirth, discuss any dietary or lifestyle changes with your obstetric care provider in advance.

You should also seek medical advice if you experience persistent changes in digestion, bowel movements, skin condition, or general well-being. A single symptom cannot reveal what is causing the problem. To determine the cause, a doctor evaluates your symptoms, performs an examination, and orders tests when necessary.

Learn more about how I approach this subject on the Youth and Longevity page.

Boris Wydoff — naturopath and author, Ph.D. in nutrition. For over fifty years I have helped people restore health through nutrition, cleansing and the power of the mind — in Europe, America and Asia. About the author →

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