Why “Clean Living” Isn’t Working (And What to Do First)
Let me tell you something that didn’t click for me right away:
Just because you start eating healthy or using clean products doesn’t mean your body will suddenly feel amazing. I thought it would. I mean, doesn’t it make sense? Swap the bad stuff for good stuff and everything gets better.
But that’s not how it went.
I Was Doing “All the Right Things”
I was trying new supplements. I cut out certain foods. I started paying attention to ingredients and bought all the cleaner alternatives. Sometimes I did feel a little better… but it never lasted. I’d have a good week, maybe two, and then feel like I was right back where I started.
What I didn’t realize is that my “rain barrel” was full.
What’s a Rain Barrel Got to Do With Your Health?
Dr. Stephen Cabral explains this beautifully in his book, The Rain Barrel Effect. Picture your body as a rain barrel. Every day, toxins from food, water, stress, products, air—life—drip in. For a while, your body (your built-in detox systems like your liver and kidneys) can keep up.
But over time, if those toxins keep coming and nothing’s flushing them out, the barrel starts to fill. Eventually, it overflows. And when it does, it doesn’t show up as a giant red warning sign—it shows up as…
Fatigue
Anxiety
Irritability
Hormonal issues
Gut problems
Skin flare-ups
Poor sleep
Sound familiar? It did to me too.
You Can’t Pour Green Juice Into a Sludge-Filled Barrel
This is why so many people “do the healthy things” and still don’t feel better. Because it’s like pouring clean water into a barrel that’s already full of sludge. Until you empty the barrel, nothing good you add in will fully help.
And no, this doesn’t mean you need to do a harsh cleanse. I was skeptical of detoxing at first too—especially with all the hype out there.
Let’s be honest: there are a lot of trendy detox products promising to "flush toxins" or "reset your system" in a few days. I tried some. They didn’t work—at least not in a lasting way. Most of them don’t actually support the real systems your body uses to detox. They’re just quick fixes dressed up in fancy packaging.
What Helped Me Start Emptying the Barrel
What finally worked? Starting small and being consistent.
A gentle detox based on real science
Dry brushing and light movement
Cutting back on daily toxin exposure
Supporting drainage and elimination naturally
And slowly, I started to feel like myself again.
Most People Don’t Even Know They’re Overflowing
Here’s the thing that keeps me going: I spent years studying holistic wellness, and even I had no idea my barrel was full. Most people are just used to feeling “meh”—because we’ve been told that our liver will detox everything for us.
But in today’s world, our rain barrels are filling faster than our bodies can empty them. And that’s when symptoms start showing up.
The Takeaway
If you’re doing all the “right” things and still not feeling right, maybe it’s not about adding more in. Maybe it’s time to lighten the load—gently, intentionally, and with support.
Because healing doesn’t start with doing more. It starts with creating space.
Want to Work Together One-on-One?
If you’re ready to finally get to the root of what’s weighing you down, I’d love to help. Through one-on-one coaching, I guide you through how to safely and effectively start emptying your rain barrel, restoring your energy, and creating a lifestyle that actually supports your body for the long term.
No gimmicks. No guesswork. Just real support that works.
Resources:
The Rain Barrel Effect by Dr. Stephan Cabral
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The content reflects personal experience and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine.
