There isn't much evidence behind the so called benefits of putting your body through a days-long starvation cleanse. And why bother! You can, and should, be receiving all the benefits of detoxification daily by simply following a diet that emphasizes certain foods, eliminates others and limits your exposure harmful toxins and chemicals.
This list may sound like a lot. For me, eating healthy is
more a lifestyle and something that I really enjoy. But it didn’t happen
overnight. It’s important to start slow and simply try your best to eat as
clean as possible. Eat as many raw fruits and veggies that you can throughout
the day and keep adding more as time goes along. Try your lemon water in the
morning for awhile then maybe try adding a cup a tea in the evenings. After
getting the hang of those things, you may want to throw in some activated charcoal,
fennel seeds and other beneficial foods, and some juices too! Once you get into
the habit of eating well, you will love the way you feel and your healthy
habits surely will continue. Take a look at my Superfoods A-Z post for a little
help!
1. Start your day with warm lemon water
Lemon is antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and
immune-boosting. It naturally detoxifies the body, stimulating digestion and
cleansing the liver. is a diuretic that will detoxify your body, clear your
skin and balance your pH levels. Start your day with hot water and lemon to
remove accumulated toxins and clear out your system before you consume for the
day.
2. Try activated charcoal
Activated charcoal can adsorb many times its own weight in
poisons, toxins, gases, odors & chemicals. When taken internally, it
cleanses the digestive tract and absorbs harmful chemicals in our bodies.
3. Eliminate processed foods
These foods are usually the ones with more than three
ingredients on the label. Simply clear your pantry and freezer of processed
foods and try your best to avoid anything that comes in a box or can.
4. Eat nuts and seeds!
All nuts are rich in energy, protein, packed with
antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids. Fennel seed is rich
in vitamins A, B-complex, C and D, antioxidants and it is a great source of
amino acids, fatty acids, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium,
manganese, molybdenum, potassium, sodium, sulphur and zinc. It improves
digestion and helps to eradicate toxins, including carcinogenic ones, from the
body. Chia and flax seeds are other
vitamin dense seeds that you can mix in things like salads, smoothies and
oatmeal.
5. Stop consuming (or at least seriously limit )caffeine,
refined sugars and flours, alcohol and saturated fat.
Period.
6. Consume raw veggies
Onions, carrots, artichokes, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage,
kale, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, garlic, beets, turmeric and oregano are
all high in sulphur and glutathione, which help to rid your liver of harmful
toxins. Make sure to get in plenty of green colored veggies too. The
chlorophyll in green foods such as kale, spinach, arugula, wheatgrass or even
blue green algae will boost your digestive tract to eliminate toxins.
7. Consume brown rice or quinoa for your grain options.
Both offer fiber to help stimulate digestion, B vitamins to
enhance energy and are easily digested.
8. Drink tea!
Have a glass of green tea during the day, perhaps in the
afternoon instead of coffee.
Green tea washes out toxins with its special antioxidants
called catechins, which also increase liver function. Add some ginger and lemon
for an added detox boost! Finish your
day with a cup dandelion root tea before bed! Dandelion root is high in
antioxidants, is a diuretic that helps the kidneys clear out waste, salt, and
excess water. It also helps to remove toxins from the liver, aids in hydration
and electrolyte balance, and regulates the PH balance of the body.
If you are interested in a powerful and super easy cleansing
juice, here is a great one! I like to drink it after my lemon water in the
morning but before breakfast for the best possible benefits.
Ingredients:
2 lemons, juiced
A thumb size piece of ginger
1 cucumber
Labels:
Health and Beauty
