THE CLEAN DIET - Top Foods for Detox

THE CLEAN DIET: Top Foods for Detox

We are what we eat and what we don't eat. Of all the ways to influence health, diet has the greatest impact. The right foods can nourish and assist our bodies in their remarkable detoxification abilities.  The wrong foods can rob us of nutrients and stock us up with harmful chemicals.  Here are some top food recommendations for detox:

THE BASICS

First, do no harm.  Before you start flushing toxins from the body, make sure you are not putting any more toxins into your body.  Reduce or eliminate red meat.  In addition, eliminate alcohol, processed foods, cooked oil, sugar, caffeine, and table salt, which all generate inflammation and can increase toxic burden.

Increase servings of fresh vegetables; whole legumes, seeds, nuts and grains; and lean protein.  In particular, emphasize leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and kale, which are extremely high in potent phytonutrients and boost detoxification capacities.  Alkalizing vegetables, like spinach, avocado, and cucumber, counteract acidity, and help remove toxins.  For maximum detoxification, eat your vegetables raw, juiced, steamed, or sauteed in water.

Increase fiber intake. Flax seeds, pysllium, and rice bran are highly recommended.  Chia seeds are also an amazing source of fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Be sure to drink at least 8 glasses of water each day.  Herbal teas and low-sodium vegetable broths are great choices as well.  Dehydration impedes cleansing and may cause toxins to reabsorb into your system.

MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS

Mushrooms are excellent antioxidants.  They modulate the immune system, detoxify the body, and even repair damaged tissues.  Reishi mushrooms are a great source of antioxidants.  Shiitake and maitake support immunity and cellular health. Cordyceps support internal organs, and tremella mushrooms greatly support blood sugar metabolism.  Medicinal mushrooms demonstrate an uncanny intelligence in the body because they are drawn to areas that are toxic, injured, or stagnant, and help to remove toxins and initiate the healing process.

EMBRACE CULTURE

Don't shy away from cultured or fermented vegetables. The fermentation process makes nutrients more  bio-available, boosts immunity, and aid detoxification.  Sauerkraut, kimchee, and other cultured foods are rich in probiotics, enzymes, and other nutrients that support digestive health and internal cleansing.

Unfortunately, toxins are a permanent fixture in our modern lifestyles. By making mindful choices with diet and natural ingredients, however, we can greatly reduce toxic burden and improve our overall health, energy, and vitality for life.