When you’re following a detox, no matter how long the plan is, one of the primary aspects in your life that you’ll be taking a look at is the food that you’re eating. Food has the power to nourish and heal us, or to poison us. Which do you choose today?
Eating tons of organic vegetables, as well as organic fruits, heart-healthy nuts, and protein-rich legumes is essential when you’re detoxing and trying to get your body system where it needs to be to expel anything that doesn’t serve it. You have only benefits to gain from eating more dark leafy greens, antioxidant-rich fruits, warming spices, and foods that are hydrating and full of fiber.
In particular, the following is a list of some of the best foods to eat for detoxing, and ones that you’ll want to make an effort to eat many times a day during your detox plan and beyond.
Kale – Kale contains powerful antioxidants that help cleanse the body of toxins and act as anti-cancer agents. Kale is high in dietary fiber, which helps move things through the digestive tract. It also has the amazing ability to neutralize harmful compounds found in the body, and speed up the liver’s production of enzymes that cleanse the body.
Lemons – Do you ever wonder why lemon water is a “go-to” drink on most detox plans? Lemons are great liver detoxifiers, and they contain extremely high amounts of vitamin C, which helps the body make a substance called glutathione. This compound assists the liver in the cleansing process, and eases the effect of environmental toxins on the body. Vitamin C is one of the many plant-based substances that help to keep cancer at bay by protecting against cell damage. It fights against toxins that we are exposed to from environmental pollution. When you consume fresh lemon juice, you’re giving your body more than 20 anti-cancer substances, as well as balancing pH levels in the body.
Beetroot – Beets are a unique vegetable because they contain a powerful combination of phytochemicals (chemicals from plants) and minerals that make them the perfect food to purify the blood, fight infection, and detox the liver. Beets help detox the entire body by optimizing our cell’s intake of oxygen, resulting in a cleaner internal environment. Beets help to balance the blood’s pH levels, which assists in overall detoxification.
Flaxseeds and Flaxseed Oil – Flaxseeds are known for being a primary source of beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids, which are of critical importance to good brain function and a healthy heart. Flaxseeds help to strengthen the immune system as well.
Garlic – Fresh garlic is a food with powerful antioxidant and antiseptic properties, as it helps to rid the body of harmful bacteria, viruses, and even intestinal parasites. This blood and intestine detoxifier removes buildup from the arteries and helps to lower blood pressure. Garlic is a great anti-cancer food because it detoxifies the entire body system. This superfood also assists the respiratory tract in releasing mucous buildup.
Avocados – Avocados are often called the perfect food for babies. If we can nourish our little ones with a food that blocks more than 30 carcinogens from entering the body, then we can surely treat ourselves to the same. Avocados help to dilate blood vessels and lower cholesterol, blocking toxins that may be able to destroy arteries.
Blueberries – Did you know that blueberries contain a natural aspirin-like substance that reduces chronic inflammation and pain, while lowering the damage that toxins do to cell tissue? Blueberries are known for being one of the most powerful antioxidants on the planet too, helping to rid the urinary tract of bacteria and prevent infections.
Legumes – When you’re detoxing, your body still needs essential nutrients like protein, which can be found in legumes. These foods are packed with fiber as well, which helps keep things moving in your digestive system. Legumes can cleanse the intestines, lower cholesterol, and keep blood sugar levels balanced.
Cabbage – Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable that quite possibly may be the king of antioxidant and anti-cancer foods. Especially when fermented, which offers probiotic (good bacteria) benefits to the intestinal tract, cabbage helps the body realize better health by assisting the liver in breaking down excess hormones, neutralizing damaging environmental substances, and aiding in the production of detoxifying enzymes.
Cranberries – Turn to cranberries for an antibiotic and antiviral food that helps expel viruses and bacteria from the urinary tract.