10 Foods To Naturally Detox

Have you been eating clean and green? If not, you might want to start to stay ahead in the detoxification game! What else would you need to do? Keep reading to find out!

Taking care of your body and ensuring optimal health is not something that happens overnight; it is, in fact, a multi-step process that involves everything from ensuring a healthy intake of food, sufficient movement, and, yes, even detoxing.

Over time, due to various factors such as lifestyle, food, and the environment we surround ourselves with, our bodies start to accumulate toxins. It is essential that we get rid of these toxins in a timely manner; hence where detoxing comes into the picture.

One benefit of detoxing is that it can be done through the food you eat. By consuming foods that are natural detoxifiers and making slight changes in your lifestyle, you will be able to successfully detox your body and ensure overall good health!

Detoxification- what it means

Detoxification is the physical or medical process of removing toxins from organisms in general and the human body as well. What is so special about the human body is that this process happens naturally, carried out by the liver.

The liver and kidney are ideally the two main organs responsible for detoxification. They filter out the toxins from the blood and expel them in the form of sweat, urine, and feces. If the liver or kidney fails to function, the action of the kidneys can be mimicked by dialysis; however, liver and kidney transplants are always an option.

Now when the body takes care of all the detoxing, why is it essential that we also detox through the food we intake?

Think of it as taking the load off these two organs and contributing to an overall good health.

There are various types of detoxes, some that focus on a particular region or organ, like skin detox, and others that focus on the entire body, or a full body cleanse or detox.

How to conduct a full body cleanse or detox

A full body detox is a process that is said to eliminate all toxins from the body. This detox can take place in the form of a diet, a sauna, fasting, or even taking supplements. By going through with a detox, you are essentially enhancing your body’s natural detoxification process.

A full body detox essentially includes following a special diet or using products that claim to cleanse your body of toxins. Here are 8 evidence-based ways to rejuvenate and cleanse your body and enhance your body’s detoxification system.

Cut back on your alcohol

Alcohol consumption can come in the way of your body’s natural detoxification process since it can severely damage your liver function. Excessive drinking can result in fat buildup, inflammation, and scarring in your liver, which can affect its functioning, including filtering waste and other toxins from your body. Limiting your alcohol consumption or stopping entirely can help get your detoxification system back on track and can even contribute to a healthy liver and body [1].

Focus on your sleep patterns

They say that your brain is the most active when you’re asleep; this is because your brain reorganizes, and recharges itself, and also removes the toxins that must’ve accumulated throughout the day. When you’re sleep deprived, your body doesn’t get the chance to indulge in any of these activities. If you have trouble falling asleep, consider changing your routine and adopting a schedule that works for you and your body [2].

Stay hydrated

Water plays various important roles in your body, one of which is detoxification. When your body breaks down nutrients to release energy, it also releases certain toxins; water can help transport these toxins and can efficiently expel them from the body in the form of urine, sweat, and moisture particles through your breath. Therefore, staying hydrated is essential since water is integral to detoxification [3].

Limit the consumption of sugar and processed foods

Most health conditions that plague today’s society result from the regular consumption of sugar and other processed foods. Excessive consumption can result in obesity, heart disease, cancer, fatty liver, etc. Reducing your consumption of junk and processed foods can help your detoxification system. Replace your snacks with healthy alternatives, and your body will thank you! [4]

Consume antioxidant-rich foods

Oxidative stress is a condition that happens when your body has an excess of free radicals. These free radicals can damage your cells and contribute to conditions like dementia, heart diseases, liver diseases, asthma, and certain cancers.

Antioxidants are substances that help protect your cells and prevent oxidative stress; consuming antioxidant-rich foods can help your body get rid of toxins and excess free radicals that can increase your risk of developing a disease or condition [5].

Maximize your consumption of probiotics

Probiotics mainly contribute to your gut health, which is extremely important for your body’s natural detoxification. The probiotics you consume can help you maintain a healthy gut. By ensuring that these good bacteria are taken care of, you are contributing to a strong immunity and detoxification system [6].

Decrease your salt intake

Consuming too much salt can increase your water retention, which can actually be counterproductive. Excess water can cause bloating and can add to the number on your weighing scale. Therefore, eliminating excess water is considered one of the ways of detoxification and can be extremely important. Excess salt also prevents you from urinating, a process of natural detoxification [7].

Stay active

Staying active and getting your steps in has proved to extend your life expectancy by reducing your risk of many conditions and diseases, including heart diseases, high blood pressure, certain cancers, and type 2 diabetes. An added benefit to exercising and staying active is that it can reduce inflammation which in turn can help your body’s detoxification system, among others, function properly [8].

10 foods that detox your body and mind

Lemons

Lemons are loaded with the antioxidant vitamin C, which is essential for fighting against various diseases caused due to free radicals. Lemons also have an alkaline effect on the body and can help restore the body’s pH balance, which essentially helps strengthen your immune system.

Ginger

Ginger can help improve digestion and reduce bloating and gas, and feelings of nausea. It is also rich in antioxidants and can help boost the immune system.

Garlic

Garlic consists of a chemical called allicin that can promote the production of white blood cells that help fight toxins in the body. Garlic also has antiviral, antibacterial, and antibiotic properties that can help in the overall detoxification of the body and strengthening of the immune system

Artichoke

Artichoke contains antioxidants and fibers that help your digestive system break down fatty foods and alcohol. It is also known to stimulate and improve the functioning of the liver, which essentially leads the detoxification system.

Beetroot

Beetroot is a superfood since it contains nutrients and antioxidants like magnesium, iron, and vitamin C. It is not only beneficial for your skin and hair, but it also helps control your cholesterol levels and improve and support liver detoxification

Green tea

Green tea is exceptionally high in antioxidants and is said to protect your liver from diseases like fatty liver diseases. Green tea, as a fluid, is also essential since it can be used to flush out toxins from your body.

Cabbage

Cabbage is an excellent detoxifying food since it consists of a chemical called sulforaphane which helps the body fight against toxins. It also supplies the body with glutathione, an antioxidant that is known for strengthening the liver’s detoxification function.

Fresh fruit

Fresh fruit is rich in various vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fibers that help the detoxification process. Consuming them regularly will strengthen your body’s immune system and detoxification system.

Brown rice

Brown rice is a healthy whole grain alternative to processed foods. It is also a key ingredient when it comes to various detoxification meals since it is rich in nutrients like B vitamins, magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus. It is also rich in fiber and is therefore essential when it comes to the cleansing of the colon. It also helps protect the liver due to its selenium content.

Watercress

Watercress is loaded with various detoxifying nutrients like B vitamins, zinc, potassium, vitamin E, and vitamin C. It is also an essential ingredient for detoxification due to its diuretic property that helps flush out toxins from the body.

Best ways to detox your body in 24 hours

Detoxing your body is actually a long process and might involve various steps, hence also making it time-consuming with regards to how long you have to wait to see results. However, there are certain methods you can use to detox your body within 24 hours, and here is one;

Start with lemon water
De-bloat with breakfast
Do not skip any meals
Have your afternoon tea
Stay active

The lemon water will aid digestion and energize your digestive tract, a great way to start your morning! Once your digestive tract is ready and good to go, start your day with a healthy breakfast, and ensure you do not skip a meal–include at least one snack. Have an afternoon tea of your choice, preferably dandelion root tea or green tea, and finally, ensure to keep moving and keep your body active.

Following this routine is a quick and easy way to detox your body within 24 hours. Regardless of this routine, it would be in your best interest to cut out some time to incorporate a long-term detox routine, maybe even find a professional who will be able to guide you through it!

Benefits of a detox

We know that detoxification helps remove all the toxins from the body; we also know that removing toxins from our body can lead to obtaining optimal health, but your body already does most of the work, so how beneficial is detoxifying, and why should one do it?

Here are 7 more reasons to help you start your detoxification journey.

You feel better

Detoxification is an instant and gratifying process. Once your body gets rid of all the toxins, it starts functioning more efficiently. Not only will your health improve, but so will your mood and energy levels; you will start experiencing life at a whole new spectrum wherein you wake up feeling vibrant and joyful.

You can lose weight

Detoxification can help you eliminate all the toxins in your body, including excess sugar and flour calories that contribute to overeating, insulin spike, and inflammation. Once your body is rid of this toxin, you will start to notice positive weight loss; you will also notice an improvement in your energy levels and your overall well-being.

Your cravings reduce

Sugars and other processed foods are naturally more addictive. By getting on a detox, you will be virtually unhooking yourself from the need to consume these addictive foods that are mostly made up of harmful sugars that are hyper-processed and hyper-palatable. Once you start eating clean, your body will immediately adapt and start craving more healthy foods.

You eliminate food sensitivities

When you’re on a detox, you adopt a more spartan diet, which often leads to a natural elimination of foods that you could be sensitive to–gluten, dairy, or other particulars. When your body reacts to these foods, it might cause inflammation and various other symptoms that an intelligently planned cleansing diet can avoid.

Your body will experience a reboot

Oftentimes, it is very easy to go off track and stray from healthy living. You might start sleeping too much, eating too little, exercising too much, etc. A simple way to get back on track is a detox! Simple food, a simple schedule, and lots of self-love should do just the trick. This can help reboot your system and result in a healthy mind and body.

It will improve your sexual health

Being chronically stressed, and exposed to environmental toxins, can all diminish the potency of your sex hormones. With a detox, you can eliminate these toxins that can cause hormonal imbalances and can harm your metabolism and instead contribute to an overall healthy sex life. Your sex life can be related to your environment and the toxins you intake; it is therefore extremely important for you to watch where you spend your energy and how to rid yourself of any and all harmful toxins.

It can give you a positive outlook on life

Detoxing can help you feel more energetic and happy; it can also aid in weight loss and get rid of brain fog, fatigue, joint pain, cravings, and a myriad of health problems. Once you start noticing the positive changes in your life, and when your attention and time is not spent on treatment and medication, you will have more time to dedicate to your thoughts and beliefs and the way you live life; this might overtime translate to an overall positive outlook to life!

FAQs

What foods help flush your system?

Foods that are rich in certain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fibers are best considered detoxifying foods; these are also the same foods that help flush your system of all toxins. Some of the foods you can consider are ginger, garlic, brown rice, green tea, cabbage, and beetroot.

How can I naturally detox my body?

Detoxification naturally takes place in your body with the help of your liver and kidneys; however, it doesn’t harm to strengthen your detoxification system. You could do so by fixing your diet, changing your lifestyle, and considering supplements. You could also naturally detox your body by eating detoxifying foods like garlic, ginger, beetroot, brown rice, etc.

What is the fastest way to flush your body of toxins?

The fastest way to flush toxins out of your body is to strictly stick to a detox schedule for at least a day; this would include fasting, eating clean and green, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, taking supplements or herbs, and getting enough movement.

How do you flush toxins out of your body?

Flushing toxins out of your body is a natural process that takes place in your body with the help of the liver and kidney. However, you could also flush the toxins out of your body by indulging in a detoxification process that includes eating detoxifying foods, getting enough movements, and getting enough rest.

Wrapping Up

Our bodies are designed in a way wherein they can flush out toxins without any intervention; however, sometimes, it does no harm and would actually be beneficial if we contributed to this process. When we follow a detoxifying schedule, we are essentially just strengthening the detoxification system and enabling efficient functioning.

A detoxification schedule or process would include eating clean and green, fasting when required, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly.

Although this sounds simple enough, always ensure to consult a professional who will be able to guide you and help in case of any reactions or harmful side effects.

10 Foods to Naturally Detox

Detoxification- what it means