Removing toxins from the body – even from places where they may have been stored for decades – doesn’t have to be as complicated as some make it out to be.
One of the most effective ways to protect against toxic build-up in joints, organs and tissues, is to simply begin to incorporate specific foods and botanicals that protect against free radicals and remove environmental toxins.
There are countless foods that help cleanse and remove toxins from deep within. But right now, no one is getting enough of them because they don’t know which foods are the right ones, or how to identify them.
Today I’m going to remove the confusion and mystery, and help you incorporate these and other nutrient-dense detox foods into what you eat. Then you can truly nourish your organ systems and eliminate toxins, clearing the way for optimal health and vitality.
The vibrant color of health
Many foods which support good health are also intensely colorful. These vibrant colors are produced by the rich abundance of phytonutrients and antioxidants they contain.
Blueberries, carrots and beets are good examples. Beets are especially good detoxifiers and are full of B vitamins and minerals, including zinc, which is crucial for the immune system. They are also full of fiber, to help cleanse the digestive tract. Even better, beets support the liver, the body’s primary filter for toxins.
Turmeric is a bright yellow root commonly used as a spice in traditional Indian cooking. It is also a staple in Ayurvedic medicine. As happens so often, scientific research has confirmed ancient medical practice. Turmeric – and curcumin, its main active ingredient – detoxify the body, improve digestion, fight cancer, increase antioxidant protection and enhance immunity, among many other benefits.
Sea vegetables are also excellent for supporting detoxification and overall health. They have been part of Asian cuisines for thousands of years and offer remarkable health benefits.
Colorful red brown and green marine plants contain vitamins A, C, E, B complex, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and other minerals. They also contain compounds that support the removal of toxins, stabilize blood sugar and promote immunity. There are a number of varieties to choose from, including nori, dulse, arame and kelp.
Cultured and fermented vegetables should also be on the menu. The fermentation process increases digestibility and boosts nutrient profiles significantly. These foods support immunity and aid detoxification. Sauerkraut and kimchee for example, are sources of probiotics, enzymes and nutrients that support digestion, detoxification and overall health. Just be sure to get these foods from the refrigerated section of your favorite grocer, where the non-pasteurized foods are kept. Pasteurization kills the beneficial bacteria and nutrients created during fermentation.
Many culinary mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and compounds that help detoxify the body, boost immunity, reduce inflammation, and even repair damaged tissue. Plus, mushrooms are the only vegetable that has vitamin D, an essential vitamin but also a bone-building hormone and an immune system booster, which helps when you do have toxins inside you. Shitake, oyster and maitake are excellent examples that can be included in soups, sautés and other savory dishes.
Lemon helps the body remove toxins and is also an excellent tonic for both the liver and gall bladder. In my practice, I recommend a daily dose of an olive oil and lemon mixture during detoxification.
Here’s how to make it:
- Blend an organic lemon, cut into pieces, with 1¼ cups spring water and a tablespoon of olive oil.
- Shave some of the peel into the mixture. The pectin from the lemon peel also helps the digestive tract.
- Partially strain, leaving some pulp.
- Drink before bed.
- In addition to supporting detoxification, many of my patients report that this drink helps improve their sleep.
There are many excellent foods that you can eat every day for “clean energy,” so to speak.
A daily dose of fresh green vegetables can help cleanse the digestive tract and blood stream.
Extra fiber is also essential. With their high levels of fiber, flax seeds are ideal to help remove toxins from the digestive tract. They are also a great source of omega 3 fatty acids.
Garlic is also a potent detoxifier, in addition to providing strong immune support.
Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables get metabolized into a compound called DIM, which supports immunity, helps your body remove excess estrogen, especially the kind induced by exogenous toxins, aiding in detoxification.
Detox with a little help from mother nature
Many herbs and botanicals actively detoxify the body, support antioxidant activity and help reduce “detox reactions” during a cleanse.
I recommend modified citrus pectin (MCP) from the pith of citrus peels, together with alginates derived from kelp. This will help remove heavy metals, such as lead, mercury and arsenic, and environmental toxins. MCP also controls a pro-inflammatory protein called galectin-3. At high levels in the body, galectin-3 can fuel cancer, heart disease, chronic inflammation, fibrosis of organs and tissues, and related conditions.
Though the body has many mechanisms to get rid of toxins, we’re exposed on a daily basis so it can be hard to keep up.
A gentle, seasonal cleanse is an excellent way to support these processes, enhance immunity and maintain overall health.
Celebrate the renewal of life and energy this spring by taking the right steps to increase your vitality. Whether it’s for three days, three weeks, or longer, a gentle and nourishing spring cleanse can help you reach a greater level of health and wellness, naturally.
For more health and wellness information, visit www.dreliaz.org.
