4 Ways to Choose Foods That Detox the Body

4 Ways to Choose Foods That Detox the Body

1. Choose Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to help detox your body, because they aid in the elimination process. Whatever your body doesn't need or can't digest, it gets rid of. Many fruits, including grapes, watermelon, apples, peaches and strawberries, are primarily made of water, which helps flush out toxins. They also give you the fiber you need to keep your digestive system moving smoothly. Vegetables in the cabbage family, including broccoli and cauliflower, are recommended for cleansing your liver, so make a stir fry and add ginger root, another detoxifier. Eating garlic and onions can be an effective way to detox and may even be able to lower your blood pressure as well.

2. Drink Water to Flush Your System

Drink lots of water to rid your body of toxins. Most people consume much less water than the daily recommendation of 64 oz. Staying hydrated allows your kidneys to flush away waste products and keeps your bowels moving on a regular schedule, which is your body's natural way to detox itself. You can also reap some beauty benefits from drinking enough water, including smooth, radiant skin.

3. Cut out Caffeine, Alcohol and Processed Foods

Preservatives and other chemicals that are added to processed foods are not needed by your body and are eliminated when you use the bathroom. To cleanse your body of food additives, choose natural or organic foods and reduce the amount of processed foods in your diet. If you are an avid coffee or soda drinker, step yourself off of the caffeine. Avoid alcohol, which when used in excessive amounts, can be a dangerous toxin and cause liver damage.

4. Be Wary of Detox Fasts and Diets

There are a lot of fad detox diets and fasts that claim to cure chronic fatigue, headaches and digestive issues associated with toxins that build up in your body. Be wary of these claims, as they can be very dangerous to your health. Drinking a concoction of oils, cayenne pepper and lemon will make you eliminate more quickly because it upsets the natural balance of your digestive system, not because it's clearing away impurities. If you fast prior to a detox diet, you are in danger of not getting the nutrition you need as your body goes into "starvation mode." Keep your body as healthy as you can by eating a balanced diet of whole grains, fresh foods and lean proteins in moderation.

Last updated on: Nov 18, 2009

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