Short Course

Understanding Detoxification

The naturopathic approach to detoxification, in five short modules - drawn from the same material we teach in our practitioner diplomas.

Format Self-paced, 5 modules
Investment £39
Credential Certificate of completion

What you'll learn

"Detox" is one of the most talked-about ideas in nutrition, and also one of the most misunderstood. This course sets out the naturopathic model of detoxification properly - not as a weekend juice cleanse, but as a cellular process that depends on specific nutrients, and which the naturopathic model holds can be supported through diet.

The material is drawn directly from what we teach in our practitioner diplomas, including the Nutritional Therapy Diploma's foundational work on toxin movement and cellular detoxification. You don't need any prior nutrition knowledge to follow it.

Five modules

Work through at your own pace. Most students complete the course in a few hours spread over a week or two.

Module 1

The Naturopathic View of Detoxification

Where the modern idea of "detoxing" actually comes from - the early naturopaths, the concept of "auto-intoxication", and why detoxification is a cellular process rather than just a bowel movement.

Module 2

How Detox Actually Works: Phase I & II

The two-step biochemistry behind detoxification - oxidation and conjugation - and the specific vitamins, minerals and amino acids each phase depends on.

Module 3

Eliminative vs. Suppressive Foods

The naturopathic gradation of foods, from the most strongly eliminative (citrus, pineapple) to the most suppressive (pork, milk) - and where everyday foods like wheat, rice and eggs sit on that scale.

Module 4

Building a Sensible Detox Diet

A practical, food-based approach to supporting detoxification - why extended fasting is oversold, what a bowel cleanse can and can't do, and how genetics affects individual detox capacity.

Module 5

Where This Fits in Naturopathic Practice

How detoxification connects to wider naturopathic assessment and case work - and where to go next if you want to take this further.

Who this course is for

Personal interest

Anyone who wants to understand what detoxification actually means, beyond the marketing, before changing their own diet.

Curious about training

A low-commitment way to try our teaching style and naturopathic approach before considering a full diploma.

Existing practitioners

A concise refresher on the naturopathic detoxification model, independent of any formal CPD scheme.

Want to go further?

Modules 1 and 2 cover much of the same ground as Folder 1 of our Professional Diploma in Nutritional Therapy, and detoxification comes up again in more depth in the Diploma in Nutritional Consultancy's work on eliminatory support and cleanse case histories. If you enjoy this course, speak to us about how it fits with the full diplomas.

Common questions

Is this an accredited qualification?
No. This is a short, self-study course for personal development, not a professional qualification. It doesn't carry IICT accreditation and isn't linked to any CPD points scheme. You receive a certificate of completion, not a diploma. If you want a professional credential, see our accredited diploma courses.
Is there a tutor marking my work?
No - this is a self-study course with a short self-check quiz at the end, rather than tutor-marked assignments. Our diploma and diploma-level courses include full personal tutor support; this short course doesn't, which is part of why it's priced the way it is.
Do I need any prior knowledge?
No. The course starts from first principles and doesn't assume any background in nutrition or biochemistry.

Important: The naturopathic model of detoxification described in this course is a traditional framework, not an established medical treatment. It does not diagnose, treat, or cure any disease, and isn't a substitute for medical advice. Anyone with a health condition should consult a qualified medical practitioner, and restrictive or extended dietary changes should only be undertaken with appropriate professional guidance.

Ready to start?

Get instant access for £39 and start learning today.