Clean eating is highly popular with many people starting to reject ultra-processed meals and takeaways in favor of natural foods. Fresh fruit and vegetables help make a healthy diet. And fresh fish is preferable to pizzas and fried chicken.
Some foods help the body better absorb nutrients. Clean eating also reduces the amount of toxins ingested. Some foods and supplements help with cleansing the body too.
What is the point of detoxing the body?
When toxins accumulate in the body they impact general health. A build-up of toxins may lead to fatigue and digestive problems. Allergic reactions such as itchy skin may occur as well as headaches.
One of the liver's functions is to purge toxins from the body. But, when a person's lifestyle involves alcohol, cigarettes, and processed food, these toxins build up. Environmental pollution and prescription medicine also contribute to toxins in people.
Benefits include improved digestion, better focus, and more restful sleep.
How do you cleanse your body with different foods?
Trying to stick to your five-a-day may be difficult. Diet changes are often hard to adhere to. Therefore, a daily dose of vitamins in a convenient packet is ideal for ensuring essential nutrients are consumed.
Supplements are useful for hitting the recommended daily intake of vitamins and minerals. Using supplements as part of a healthy diet is the ideal choice.
Detox diets may include such superfoods as chia seeds, goji, and quinoa. Anything that is packed with antioxidants and vitamins will help your detox diet. But, not everyone is keen on quinoa, and diet plans often fail. Diets are easier to stick to when they are enjoyable.
What 10 foods will help you to improve your health and purge toxins?
Before you read about the best detox foods and their benefits, look at some of the food you should be avoiding. Alcohol intake should be limited. As should processed foods and cakes.
Try to avoid these foods when detoxing:
White bread
Cakes
Hot dogs
Processed meats - salami, bologna
Corn oil
Cookies
Potato chips
Fried food and takeaways should also be avoided, or eaten in strict moderation.
Should you take supplements to aid your detox plan?
Before making any major lifestyle change it may be worth visiting your doctor. Especially if you are taking medication or have an ongoing condition. The same may be said for adding supplements to a diet.
However, approved supplements made from natural ingredients may provide valuable nutrients that your diet is lacking. Minerals and vitamins have a valuable effect on well-being. For instance, vitamin D may ward off Alzheimer's in later life. Vitamin C helps to protect the body from oxidative damage.
Supplements such as milk thistle aid in detoxification as it boosts liver function. Ideally, your diet will provide everything you need, but not every diet does. Therefore, supplements may help.
To go alongside any supplement you use, here are the ten foods that will help to cleanse your body.
1. Lemon
This citrus fruit couldn't be easier to incorporate into a diet. Unless you genuinely don't like lemons, there should be no difficulty in finding ways to consume more lemons. Try lemon water, or squeeze lemon over a fruit salad. Lemon can be used as a marinade for fish, or added to a smoothie.
Benefits of lemons with detoxifying
Lemons may help to suppress appetite and aid with weight loss. They help with digestion. And lemons are full of vitamin C which promotes a healthy immune system and clear skin.
2. Garlic
This powerful detox food is used in a wide range of dishes but can be very divisive. Not everyone loves the powerful aroma that garlic provides. If you are a fan though, you may reap several health benefits.
Benefits of garlic with detoxifying
Garlic reduces inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation damages the immune system. Liver function may be improved with garlic consumption. Garlic also contains vitamin B6.
3. Ginger
Another slightly divisive food type. This herb is used in many dishes and has several health benefits. Grate ginger into soups or add to hot water to make tea. The most beneficial way to consume ginger is to eat it raw though.
Benefits of ginger with detoxifying
Ginger is another anti-inflammatory and has antibacterial properties. Ginger also aids digestion and so helps with the absorption of nutrients.
4. Turmeric
A spice that may be used to add depth and color to many dishes. Try it in a vegetarian chili and see. Apart from being great with detoxification, turmeric also helps individuals with arthritis and possibly depression.
Benefits of turmeric with detoxifying
Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory. The spice also has antioxidant properties.
5. Broccoli, spinach, and leafy greens
Dark green vegetables are full of good things. Eating dark greens will help to boost your immune system. They are easy to steam and can be added to many dishes.
Benefits of greens with detoxifying
Iron helps improve blood flow which aids with liver function. The chlorophyll in these vegetables helps to flush toxins out of your body. And being high in fiber, these vegetables aid digestion.
6. Blueberries
Another superfood. Nutritionists have long been extolling the virtues of blueberries with good reason.
Finding weight loss diets that work is tricky. Blueberries may not lead to weight loss themselves. But, blueberries help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the chances of heart disease.
Benefits of blueberries with detoxifying
Blueberries are full of antioxidants and fiber. Antioxidants help to fight against the damage caused by toxins. Blueberries are also packed with vitamin C.
7. Watermelon
Watermelons are easily made into shakes and fruti salads. And they are readily available when in season.
Benefits of watermelon with detoxifying
Watermelon has both vitamins A and C. The fruit is also very hydrating. Hydration is vital for flushing out toxins. Watermelons also have natural diuretic properties which further help eliminate toxins.
8. Beets
Packed with nutrients, beets can be used in several ways. Beets have the most impact when eaten raw, so grated beets over a salad may be an ideal way to consume them.
Benefits of beets with detoxifying
Beets contain potassium and fiber. They have antioxidant properties. And they are a natural liver cleanser.
9. Cucumber
Found in supermarkets and grocery stores everywhere. Cucumbers can be turned into spicy Thai salads or eaten as they are.
Benefits of cucumber with detoxifying
Surprisingly high in fiber and vitamin K. One study shows people don't get enough vitamins. So cucumbers are beneficial here. Cucumbers are also hydrating. Another natural diuretic, they help to flush out toxins.
10. Avocado
Often considered expensive this fruit is packed with healthy fats and fiber. Avocados are also versatile and easy to add to meals or eat as they come.
Benefits of avocados with detoxifying
Avocados are naturally anti-inflammatory, and they are full of antioxidants. Avocados also help to promote better circulation and blood flow.
Summary
Many experts are on the fence about the benefits of detoxifying. The human liver removes toxins and waste from the body already. But, certain supplements and foods help to improve liver function.
A poor diet means the body cannot operate at its best ability. Eating these detox foods will assist your system to remove harmful toxins while still enjoying your meals.
