January Reset: How to Support Your Liver Detox Naturally (Without Cleanses or Deprivation)
January is traditionally the month of fresh starts. After the indulgences of December, many people begin searching for ways to “detox”, often landing on restrictive cleanses, juice fasts or quick fix liver detox plans. At Junius, and in the functional medicine world, we take a very different approach.
True detoxification is not something you switch on for seven days in January, it’s a vital biological process happening 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Your liver actually requires adequate nourishment to do its job well, not deprivation.
In this updated January 2026 guide, we’ll explore what detoxification really means, how your liver works, why hormones and digestion are part of the picture, and how food, lifestyle habits and the Junius SPA green juice can support your body gently and effectively.
What Does “Detoxification” Really Mean?
Detoxification is the process by which your body breaks down and eliminates toxins, with the liver acting as the central processing hub.
Toxins come from two main sources:
1) Internal toxins – such as used hormones, metabolic waste products and by-products of normal bodily processes
2) External toxins – including alcohol, medications, artificial sweeteners, pesticides, heavy metals, air pollution, chemicals in skincare and cleaning products, and compounds in tap water
Before these substances can leave your body, they must first be made safe. This happens in the liver through a highly complex, nutrient-dependent process.
The Two Phases of Liver Detoxification
Liver detoxification occurs in two main phases, followed by a crucial third step: elimination.
Phase 1: Breakdown
Toxins are metabolised and chemically transformed. This phase requires nutrients such as B vitamins, iron, zinc and amino acids.
Phase 2: Neutralisation
The liver then binds these broken-down toxins to other compounds so they can be safely removed. This phase is especially nutrient-intensive and relies on:
Amino acids (from protein)
Magnesium, zinc and manganese
Folate, vitamin B6 and B12
Choline
Antioxidants and phytonutrients
Phase 3: Elimination
Once processed, toxins must leave the body via stool, urine or sweat. Daily bowel movements are essential to prevent toxins (including used oestrogen) from being reabsorbed.
This is why any detox plan that doesn’t include adequate food, protein and fibre is not supporting detoxification at all.
Detoxification, Hormones & Why It Matters for Long-Term Health
Once hormones such as oestrogen have been used by the body, they must be broken down by the liver and excreted. If this process is sluggish, used hormones can be re-circulated, contributing to hormone imbalance and increasing long-term health risks.
Supporting liver detoxification is therefore not just about January resets, it’s crucial for:
Hormone balance
Energy levels
Clear skin
Digestive health
Reducing toxic load over time
Good sleep
Why Juice Cleanses Miss the Mark
A common misconception is that detoxing means going hungry or drinking only green juice for several days. While juice-only plans may temporarily reduce digestive workload, they do not support liver detoxification.
Without protein, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates, the liver lacks the raw materials it needs to complete its detox pathways. In fact, prolonged restriction may force the body to break down lean muscle tissue to access amino acids, the opposite of what we want for long-term health.
Cold-pressed juices are powerful additions to a balanced diet, not replacements for food.
How to Support Your Liver Detox All Year Round
1) Eat Quality Protein with Every Meal
Protein provides the amino acids required to build detoxification enzymes. Aim to include:
Fish and seafood
Organic eggs
Organic, grass-fed meat and poultry
Tofu, tempeh and edamame
Quinoa
Including a variety of protein sources improves amino acid intake and supports efficient detoxification.
2) Increase Cruciferous Vegetables
Vegetables such as broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, rocket and watercress contain compounds like DIM, I3C and sulphoraphane, which support safe and efficient oestrogen metabolism in the liver.
3) Prioritise Fibre for Daily Elimination
Elimination is the third and final phase of detoxification. Fibre supports phase 3 detox by binding toxins in the gut and promoting daily bowel movements. Include:
Ground flaxseed (1 to 2 tablespoons daily)
Vegetables of all colours
Berries
Whole grains such as oats, quinoa and buckwheat
4) Stay Well Hydrated
Hydration supports toxin removal via urine and stool. Aim to sip filtered water and herbal teas throughout the day. Junius juices and shots also contribute to daily fluid intake while delivering additional phytonutrients.
The Role of the SPA Green Juice in Gentle Detox Support
The SPA Super Cell Cleanser juice has been carefully formulated to complement, not replace, a nutrient-dense diet.
Key ingredients include:
Artichoke – supports healthy bile flow, essential for detoxification
Broccoli & kale – cruciferous vegetables rich in sulphoraphane, DIM and folate
Spinach – a source of chlorophyll to support cellular detox and antioxidant defence
Parsley – traditionally used to support liver and kidney cleansing
These ingredients provide a concentrated source of plant compounds that support liver pathways, hormone balance and overall vitality, making the SPA juice a powerful daily ritual during January and beyond.
Detox-Supportive Lifestyle Habits
Detoxification isn’t just about food.
Sleep well – much of the liver’s restorative work happens overnight
Move and sweat regularly – exercise, saunas and Epsom salt baths support toxin elimination through the skin
Moderate alcohol and caffeine – reducing intake lightens the liver’s workload, especially during a January reset
Dry January can be a helpful reset for alcohol consumption, but it doesn’t need to be paired with restriction or deprivation.
A Healthier Way to Approach January
January doesn’t have to mean punishment, guilt or extreme detoxes. The most effective way to support your liver is through consistent nourishment, hydration, movement and rest, with targeted support from high-quality cold-pressed green juices.
By adopting this approach, you’ll support your body not just for seven days, but for the whole year ahead.
Here’s to a nourished, energised and balanced start to 2026.
The Junius Team
