Reboot Your Gut: How Quickly Can Detox Improve Digestion?

We have all been in that place of feeling bloated, sluggish or just “off”, where our digestion is calling out for a break and our bodies crave a reset. We can all somehow easily identify with experiencing energy levels dipping, especially if we have been having a few too many indulgent meals or late nights.

Written by Ann Mifsud

Last Updated: October 30, 2024  |  11 min Read

It is not about shedding a few extra kilos or hopping on the latest health trend; it is about giving our body a chance to recover and recharge. And given the right fuel and rest it needs, our body can bounce back beautifully in a way that we will start feeling like ourselves once again.

In this article, we will try to understand how and why rebooting our gut can get us back to feeling in sync. We will also investigate what happens during a detox and how quickly our digestion can get back on track!

1. What Happens to Digestion During a Detox?

A detox is like giving your digestive system a mini-vacation from all the work it does day in and day out. Our digestive systems, while resilient, can get sluggish after periods of overindulgence! A gut detox focuses on removing processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats, while loading up on water, fibre-rich foods, and nutrients that your gut needs to function optimally. (source)

When you cut out the junk and feed your body with healthier, whole foods, your digestive system can start working more efficiently. Think of it as clearing out the clutter in your home. Your gut is suddenly less overwhelmed and can get back to its natural rhythm.

2. The First 24-72 Hours: What to Expect

Believe it or not, your body starts working on digestion improvements pretty quickly. Within the first 24-72 hours of a detox, you might already notice less bloating and an increase in hydration. This is because you’re consuming more water and fewer irritants, which allows your gut to function more smoothly.

Having said that, don’t be surprised if you experience symptoms such as bloating, gas, other mild discomfort, headaches or fatigue in the beginning of your detox journey. Keep in mind that in eliminating certain foods, your body might react in protest, especially if it’s been long “addicted” to sugars, highly processed food and loaded with refined carbs.(source) The body needs time to adjust as your system starts purging toxins. 

Take these as good signs though. Slowly but surely, your body starts recalibrating. As you introduce beneficial bacteria into your gut, you will notice you will start feeling better.

3. How Long for Significant Digestive Improvement?

By day 3 to 5, you’ll likely start feeling lighter, less bloated, and more energised as the gut begins to function at its best. Nutrient absorption would have started to improve, and you may find you have a more regular digestive rhythm, thanks to the elimination of processed foods that can clog the system. 

By giving your body the nutrients it needs to function better, notably fibre from fruits and veggies, you will allow for a much-needed “scrub” of your intestines, promoting smoother digestion and regular bowel movements. The first week is crucial for transitioning back to a balanced diet that supports gut health.

Should you falter, as sometimes happens, do not give in and give up. It is normal to have setbacks, but the important thing is to get back on track. You are not starting from zero this time. Instead, you are building stamina for the long haul.

As you enter your second week of detox, you will typically start noticing a detox peak. Your inflammation levels start to decrease, albeit very slowly. (source) A process of recalibration of digestive enzymes kicks in and you will start seeing an overall improvement in digestion.

If you need that extra help because you do not know where to start from and feel overwhelmed at the idea, but know deep down you need to detox, the Organixx brand has the right products for you to do so, with the peace of mind that what you are getting is of high quality, real and organic. Check out the Cleanse: Colon and Lymphatic supplement and consider pairing with the Detoxx: Liver and Kidney supplement for optimum results.

4. Six Tips to Maximise Digestive Benefits

A detox can kickstart your digestive health, but if you want those benefits to last, it’s important to view it as more than just a temporary fix. To truly reap the long-term rewards of a detox – like better digestion, more energy, and a healthier gut – there needs to be a commitment to lasting lifestyle changes. 

Think of the detox as a clean slate, and what you do afterward will determine how well your body continues to function. Small, sustainable adjustments in your daily habits will help you maintain those hard-earned results and keep your digestion running smoothly.

Here are a few simple ways to keep your digestive system happy after your detox ends:

Stay Hydrated

Keep drinking plenty of water. Hydration is crucial for smooth digestion, so aim for at least 8 glasses a day.

Add Fibre

Keep up the fibre intake with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Fibre acts like a broom, keeping your digestive tract clean and regular. When starting off with fibre from zero, do so gradually. Adding too much fibre to your digestive system too quickly can have your system overwhelmed, so do so gently while listening to your body. (See note on consuming high-quality fibre below).

Boost your Gut Microbiome

Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria that help digest food, absorb nutrients, and regulate your immune system. A healthy, diverse microbiome promotes better digestion, reduces inflammation, and even supports mental clarity and mood. (source) Besides your intake of high-quality fibre, you may wish to add a high-quality probiotic such as this one – ProBiotixx.

Eat Mindfully

Chew your food slowly and pay attention to portion sizes. This gives your digestive system the time it needs to break down food efficiently. Avoid eating in front of the TV or a screen, so your mind can engage in the process of eating too.

Avoid Processed Foods

Stay away from highly processed, sugary, and fatty foods, which in the short term slow digestion, cause bloating and lead to weight gain, and in the long term can cause serious illnesses.

Consider Lifestyle Factors

Regular exercise and adequate sleep also play significant roles in improving digestive health post-detox. Read Why It’s Time To Stop Skimping on Snooze! if you’re still unsure on how many hours of sleep you should be getting.

Note on consuming high-quality fibre: 

When choosing to boost your fibre intake through fruits and vegetables, opting for certified organic produce is a smart move. Organic foods are grown without synthetic pesticides or harmful chemicals, which means fewer toxins entering your body, especially important during or after a detox. 

Organic produce also tends to have higher nutrient content, giving your body more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support digestion and overall health. Plus, by choosing organic, you’re supporting more sustainable farming practices that are better for the environment. It’s a win for both your body and the planet!

If your budget allows it, but you are finding a hard time getting your hands on high-quality organic produce or struggling with incorporating it into your diet with too much on your hands, consider adding this organic greens supplement. This will make sure you are not only taking the necessary intake of greens, but that you are taking high-quality, organic, real wholefood. Read Nourish With OrganiGreens: The Ultimate Green Superfood to understand why this supplement is a cut above the rest.

Concluding Thoughts on the Benefits of Rebooting your Gut

While detoxing does not deliver instant results, your digestion can start to improve within the first 24 to 72 hours. Typically, after about a week, your gut will be functioning more smoothly, helping you feel lighter, more energised, and less bloated. 

If you continue to fuel your body with nutrient-rich, whole foods, you will be able to maintain these digestive benefits long after the detox ends, reversing the damage caused to your digestive system through inflammation. So, whether you are looking to reset after a summer of indulgence or simply want to give your gut a break, a detox could be just what your digestion needs!

Remember to congratulate yourself on the baby steps you make forward. Small but ongoing dietary and lifestyle adjustments made over weeks and months, will see you accomplish achievements that can actually leave a long-lasting impact on our gut.