If you search ‘detox and cancer,’ you’ll find a tonne of websites, products, and influencers claiming that you can prevent or even cure cancer by ridding your body of ‘toxins’ through extreme diets, juices, or supplements.
As you’ll know, I hate misinformation and fear mongering, so today we are looking at what the science actually says about these detoxes and cleanses, and I’ve got some practical, actionable tips for you.
Loads of detoxes claim they can flush out toxins that cause cancer, or even shrink tumours, suggesting patients could then skip traditional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation.
There is zero compelling scientific evidence that detox regimens or cleanses, especially on their own, reduce the odds of developing cancer or curing it.
I’ve talked before about how we can reduce our risk but that we still can never fully prevent cancer.
So looking at these unproven methods in place of medical treatment is so dangerous. And extreme fasts or cleanses can lead to low blood sugar, nausea, extra fatigue, electrolyte imbalances, and a deficiency in really important immune-supporting nutrients.
Now I’m all for looking into natural methods that can support you alongside conventional cancer treatments. But even then we still have to be careful.
There are certain products that cannot be used alongside these treatments and as I say they are not a substitute for medical treatment.
A general rule of thumb that I apply to most things - If it sounds like a magical quick fix, too good to be true, it probably is.
And it often comes with a narrative of ‘your doctor wouldn’t want you to know this’ or ‘big pharma’ this. and all those kinds of statements.
Don’t get me wrong, I do feel that healthcare could put a bigger emphasis on prevention when it comes to lots of different diseases and conditions. They could do more to encourage active lifestyles and help people to improve their diet on their own before medication is just like the first answer to a symptom.
But, when it comes to cancer, we need those conventional treatments and then we can do everything we can alongside it to support ourselves.
Common Ingredients: If you look at the back of a detox tea or supplement box, you’ll often see ingredients like milk thistle, dandelion root, bentonite clay, activated charcoal, or various laxatives and diuretics like senna or magnesium oxide.
What They Do (and Don’t Do):
Laxatives & Diuretics: Many “detox teas” simply contain diuretics or laxatives. Diuretics make you wee more, laxatives make you poo more - thus reduced weight / increased output making you feel like this is working
If you see the scale drop by a few pounds, but you are just losing water weight, not fat or ‘toxins’. This can actually cause dangerous electrolyte imbalances and dehydration, particularly if you are undergoing or have recently finished cancer treatment.
Activated Charcoal: While used in emergency rooms for specific types of acute poisoning, there is no current research proving it detoxifies the body from everyday exposure or cancer-causing agents. It can also interfere with your medications.
Herbal Supplements: Ingredients like milk thistle and dandelion root are often marketed for liver health. While some studies look at their potential, commercial detox products are not strictly regulated, meaning they may contain hidden ingredients, higher levels of caffeine, or dosages below what is used in studies.
They can also interact with other medications that you take
You don’t need to buy an expensive kit to detoxify. Your body already has super efficient organs and systems for clearing waste - your liver, kidneys, digestive system, skin, and your lungs.
I did a little science deep dive, but to keep it brief:
Phase I (Cytochrome P450 enzymes): Your liver uses these enzymes to add a reactive group to a toxin, preparing it for the next step.
Phase II (Conjugation): The liver then adds a water-soluble group to the toxin so it can be safely excreted through your urine or bile.
You can’t massively change or “force” these processes with a 10-day juice cleanse. But, you can support what your body already does naturally through your lifestyle & behaviors.
As always with me - Small Changes, No Overwhelm, Big Impact: Instead of drastic overhauls, focus on these habits to support your liver and overall health:
Eat a Balanced, Plant-Rich Diet: Not plant only, plant rich. Focus on whole foods. Cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli and Brussels sprouts) and berries contain phytonutrients that have been shown to support the liver’s natural detox enzymes.
Stay Hydrated: Water is essential for your kidneys to flush out water-soluble waste products.
Work on 20-30g Fibre daily: A healthy digestive system is key for eliminating waste. Fibre helps keep things moving.
Protein with every meal: Amino acids build the metabolic enzymes and the pathways for transporting and eliminating or neutralizing toxins
Move Your Body: Regular physical activity supports circulation and overall metabolic health.
Limit the Burden: The best way to “detox” is to reduce the amount of work your liver has to do. This means limiting ultra-processed foods and alcohol, and managing stress.
Detoxes and cleanses are misleading terms that make health sound magical. Your body already has an in-house detoxifying system.
If you are currently going through treatment or recovery, focus on the basics: hydration, gentle movement, and eating enough protein and colorful vegetables to support your immune system.
If you are looking for personalised guidance on how to improve your diet quality and build strength without the overwhelm, reach out to me.
We can work 1:1 or you can join my coaching Membership: The KC Blueprint - The next intake is the 1st of August 2026.
Listen to Episode 119 of my podcast here for a short run through of the programme, or read my article on it here
Remember, we are aiming for small changes for big impact. You don’t need a drastic overhaul - you just need to feel better in your everyday life and activities.
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