What Is a Detox? Detox is a short-term designed to eliminate toxins from your body. A typical detox diet involves a period of fasting, followed by a strict diet of fruit, vegetables, fruit juices, and water. Sometimes a detox also includes herbs, teas, supplements, and colon cleanses or enemas. This is claimed to: Rest your organs by fasting Stimulate your liver to get rid of toxins Promote toxin elimination through feces, urine, and sweat Improve circulation Provide your body with healthy nutrients Detox therapies are most commonly recommended because of potential exposure to toxic chemicals in the environment or your diet. These include pollutants, synthetic chemicals, heavy metals, and other harmful compounds.