Detoxing has deep roots in nearly all ancient medical practices, religions and cultures. It helps to support a balanced lifestyle and aims to prevent disease. Your body is equipped with a sophisticated set of organs and systems designed specifically to help the body get rid of all the wastes it doesn’t need.
These organs of detoxification – the liver, kidneys, intestine, lungs, skin as well as your lymph nodes – process and remove what’s not wanted or what you can’t metabolise. But just as any machine needs regular maintenance and servicing so, too, does your body.
Your organs are bombarded with toxins from a polluted environment, pesticides in food, additives in processed, refined foods, alcohol, drugs and even the lotions and potions you use for personal hygiene and appearance. For this reason, giving your body a break – whether it’s once a week, or a twice-yearly fast or detox programme – will do wonders for your overall health. Of course, you can also use daily practices to help support your detoxification organs, by selecting foods with a natural, cleansing action, such as:
Artichokes promote liver health, bile production and aid digestion.
Lemons help with pH balance, improve digestion, strengthen the immune system, promote skin health and cleanse the urinary tract.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Cold-extracted) are high in mono-saturated fats and antioxidants, improve cholesterol balance, stimulate bile and pancreatic secretions and reduce the formation of gallstones.
Dandelion is a traditional herbal medicine that supports liver health and the flushing of impurities through the kidneys.
Garlic acts on your bile ducts and activates gastric juices as well as cleansing the bowels. It has anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial actions.
Broccoli supports liver function and contains anti-inflammatory compounds that to help reduce symptoms of toxicity.
Fennel has diuretic properties that help to remove toxic substances via the kidneys.
Avocado is rich in glutathione, a natural antioxidant that protects the liver from free radical damage.
Beetroot improves liver function due to its glutathione and betaine content.
Cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables contain glucosinolates, which have a powerful detoxifying action. Cabbage is also high in fibre that supports the digestive system and aids in the elimination of waste and toxins from the bowels.
Kale, like cabbage, is rich in fibre to aid digestion and is also packed with magnesium and chlorophyll.
Apple Cider Vinegar contains enzymes that encourage healthy bacteria. It binds to toxins and flushes them from the body in sweat, urine and bowels.
Asparagus is rich in asparagine and potassium, which cleanse the urinary tract and reduce excess uric acid.
Coriander has a powerful anti-bacterial and anti-viral action and naturally combines to heavy metals, helping to remove from the body.
Ginger is used in many detox programmes, as it stimulates digestion, circulation and sweating. Its digestive actions may serve to cleanse the build-up of waste and toxins in the colon, liver and other organs.