As humans, we are constantly exposed to harmful substances, pollutants, toxic chemicals, and certain microorganisms that could interfere with the integrity of normal biochemical processes if a certain threshold is reached. Needless to mention, we come into contact with (or trigger the formation of) these substances through the air that we breathe, what we eat, drink, see, hear, touch, or even think about. In other words, toxins, – some of which could disrupt normal functioning, cause diseases and disorders, or interfere with your overall well being – just have a way of piling up in the body of a human being.
Thanks to Mother Nature, the human body has organs such as the skin, liver, and the kidneys constantly getting rid of these substances from our bodies to maintain good health. However, these organs can only do so much and their capacity to eliminate toxins from the body is usually limited. If you’re a good guesser, this is where detoxifying or body cleansing comes into play. But did you know that you can actually use diet to detoxify the body? Read on to find out how and discover some foods that can help you do just that!
Food and Detox
As much as certain medications, herbal preparations, and activities have been proven to boost the body’s ability to eliminate potentially harmful substances, one of the best ways you can detoxify your body is through your diet. After all, we are what we eat… or are we? According to Dr. Todd Watts of Microbe Formulas (https://microbeformulas.com/), intestinal parasites get most of their fuel from processed sugars and foods that are rich in carbohydrates that the infected individual consumes. This means that adjusting your diet so that you eat less of foods that promote the growth and reproduction of these parasites can help in detox. In addition to this, however, you’ll need to adopt a habit of consuming foods that are naturally great at not only flushing out toxic compounds, but those which are also effective in eliminating free radicals, by-products of immune mechanisms, antigens, and live disease-causing microbial organisms that may have invaded your gut.
If these foods are not readily available to you or maintaining a strict diet is a bit more challenging, you can always go for supplement formulas that are created using their ingredient extracts. All the same, here are 11 foods that help detoxify the body.
1. Beets
It might not be the best-tasting “Fruit” smoothie after all, but this bright red plant’s benefits are documented everywhere. In addition to high antioxidant levels, research has found beet juice to be effective in enhancing the production of detox certain enzymes and helping the liver do a better job.
2. Green Tea
Apart from aiding in weight loss, green tea provides a myriad of benefits in the human body. it is rich in antioxidants, making it effective in fighting free radicals in your body while promoting optimum balance. It’s also known to contain cancer-preventive properties, not forgetting its ability to boost the production of enzymes involved in detoxification.
3. Blueberries
Anyone will agree that they are overly sweet and delicious. However, blueberries have multiple health benefits, and detox is one of them. They are great at flushing out bacteria and reducing inflammation in the body, not forgetting their powerful antiviral properties and their ability to protect the delicate brain by preventing toxins from crossing the blood-brain barrier. They also contain cancer-fighting properties, can help lower blood pressure, and are good for cardiovascular health. They are good forefront fighters of free radicals too.
4. Cabbage
Not everyone likes them, but cabbage is actually great in promoting hormone balance in the body as well as cleansing the gut. In addition to its antioxidant properties and ability to fight cancer cells, regular consumption of cabbage can help strengthen your liver’s ability to get rid of toxins from your body.
5. Cranberries
Cranberries are known to be rich in antibacterial and antiviral compounds. They are especially good for your urinary tract health and are known to promote the elimination of toxins through your kidneys and the urinary tract. The health benefits of cranberries don’t stop at preventing UTIs. Historically, cranberry juice has also been used to provide relief for stomach issues as well as promote the healthy functioning of the liver.
6. Apples
Apples are not only delicious, but they also go a long way to detoxify your body. This is primarily because, in addition to being an excellent source of vitamins and fibre, apples also provide a rich supply of phytochemicals such as flavonoids and terpenoids. Phlorizin, which is found in apples, for instance, is a phytochemical that is said to enhance the liver’s ability to produce bile, thus promoting the detox process. Apples are also rich in pectin, a fibre that helps cleanse the body of heavy metals and bad cholesterol.
7. Avocados
Despite being a great source of healthy fat, avocados are also excellent detox foods. Thanks to being a rich source of glutathione, avocados can help fight a myriad of carcinogenic compounds whole boosting the liver’s ability to get rid of synthetic chemicals.
8. Garlic
Garlic, as some of you know it, is another powerhouse of health benefits that is readily available in your kitchen counter. This wonder food has a long list of medical benefits, among them, being its ability to detox your body of potentially harmful or toxic substances. Besides possessing antioxidant, antiviral, antifungal, anticancer, and antibacterial properties; garlic can also help get rid of parasites from your intestines, blood, and other parts of the body. It’s also useful in cleansing the respiratory tract, especially in cases where the lungs and sinuses are clogged with mucus.
9. Grapefruit
Just like apples, grapefruit is also rich in pectin fiber, which is known to bind well to cholesterol as well as heavy metals to cleanse the blood and the body. Rich in antiviral substances, grapefruit can help cleanse your body of certain viral infections. It is also an excellent food as a detox for both the liver and intestines.
10. Legumes
When was the last time you had a good meal of cooked beans, peas, or lentils? Well, you might have been missing a lot since it turns out that legumes are great sources of fibre that helps cleanse your blood of cholesterol. They’re also great for intestinal cleansing and help regulate blood sugar.
11. Lemon
This orange-like fruit does more than just promote your skin’s health or help with your fitness goals. Thanks to their high vitamin C content, lemons provide the body with what it needs to make enough glutathione to promote proper liver function in eliminating harmful substances.
We are what we eat, so they say. On this note, toxins and harmful substances gradually accumulate in our bodies, until it reaches a point where certain crucial processes are affected. But getting rid of toxin build-up could only take adjusting your nutritional habits and lifestyle. In addition to exercising regularly and avoiding stress, the above tips on detox foods should get you started on your journey towards better health.
