There are a lot of detox options out there to cleanse your body of toxins. What you probably didn't know is that some of these are simple foods that you probably already have in your pantry or refrigerator. The following are foods that are known to have detox properties.
Garlic
Not only does garlic make everything tastier, but also it is a powerful detox food. Garlic has been used as a medicinal food for thousands of years. Garlic supports many liver enzymes that are necessary for detox. It may also help support multiple sulfur compounds and bio-active selenium. It also works against microbes, possessing 39 various anti-fungal, bacterial, parasitic and viral agents. Try taking garlic two to three times a day to maintain blood levels necessary to achieve detox.
Leafy Greens
The chlorophyll contained in leafy greens like spinach and chard works as a cleansing nutrient. In addition to being powerful cleansing agents, leafy greens are good for your blood. They also stop the growth and development of harmful bacteria inside of the body.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons are also great agents of detoxification. They are able to prime the digestive tract and cause the production of digestive enzymes. They are rich in vitamin C, a vitamin that is known to be a great detox agent. Vitamin C can work against toxicity that is caused by non-steroidal inflammatory drugs in your liver. It also assists the body in removing traces of heavy metals.
Raw Vegetables
Not only are leafy greens a great way to detox, but raw vegetables in general are also effective in achieving it. You can either consume them in their natural state or make juice out of them. You should eat the vegetables raw, because many of the nutrients are lost during cooking. The fiber that is contained in raw vegetables can help with digestion issues. Vegetables also contain essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for the proper function of your body. You should try varying the raw vegetables that you eat because they are different from each other with respect to the nutrients that they contain.
Chia or Hemp Seeds
Both chia and hemp seeds contain a lot of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 aids the lubrication of intestinal walls and draws out the toxins for removal from the body. Chia seeds swell and make a coating when soaked. This makes for a great detox for your gut.
Detox Supplements
Not only are the above-mentioned foods great detox agents, but also there are supplements that you can take that will do the trick too. For example, probiotics work in the gut to help ensure that your digestive tract is free of toxins.
We have seen that there are many natural ways to simply rid your body of toxins. Some are ready at hand in your kitchen, and some are available from your local health center or even online. Remember, before beginning any detox or cleanse, talk with your doctor or health professional to ensure you choose one that is right for you.
About the Author: Emma Sturgis is passionate about health and wellness. She enjoys writing about all the things she loves in life, including yoga, hydrotherapy, Nature's Sunshine products and anything related to living life to its fullest.