Alexandra Polier has worked for the past five years as a journalist in East Africa, covering everything from war and famine to culture and fashion for such publications as Newsweek, Forbes, Domino, People, Marie Claire, New York magazine and Foreign Policy. She is currently working as a freelance writer in New York City and raising her 2-year-old son Lawrence.

From Oprah to Gwyneth, “cleansing” one’s body is the latest way to lose weight and stay healthy. Alexandra Polier tests the Coconut Cleanse—and reports on the joys (and cramps) of detoxing.