Foods & Drinks To Detox The Body

Just as certain foods add toxins to the body, other foods and drinks help to remove impurities. During a detox, use fresh juices and organic foods free of chemicals and harmful pesticides. The focus remains on a healthy, natural cleansing process of increased of liquids and greater elimination. The overall food intake should be lighter than usual.

Foods

Foods to detox the body are not necessarily everyday foods. Some preferred foods to detox the body include green leafy vegetables, root vegetables, squashes, fruits and whole grains. If organic fresh fruits and vegetables are not readily available, wash the produce thoroughly to remove pesticides from the surface. For variety and added flavor, add fresh herbs, bean sprouts, blue-green algae and spirulina. Avoid hydrogenated fats and oils, baked goods, sugar and meats, especially organ meats. According to "Fitness" magazine, eliminate "excessive sugar, unhealthy fats (butter, fried foods, saturated fat, Crisco, fatty meats), processed foods (things that come out of boxes or have chemicals), artificial sweeteners, and excessive protein (which is hard on the digestive system)."

Drinks

During a detox, fresh, purified water is the first drink of choice. Water should make up the majority of the fluid intake. According to Teach Yourself Detox, those who want a cleansing detox should drink 1.5 liters of water each day of the detox. In addition some herbal teas are acceptable during detox, such as chamomile, peppermint, lemon balm, nettle, ginger, lemon and dandelion. Drink homemade fresh fruit and vegetable drinks, instead of purchasing standard, pasteurized fruit and vegetables drinks or drink blends. Drinks can include fruit smoothie combinations such as fresh-squeezed orange juice, fresh strawberries and half of a banana whirled in a blender. Add a fresh mint leaf to aid in digestion and cleansing. In addition, "Limiting or eliminating alcohol is also a major factor, and drinking more water (which helps curb appetite) is similarly recommended," according to Science Daily.

Drink Combinations

For the first detox drink of the day, place 1 tbsp. organic apple cider vinegar in a glass of filtered warm water. If the taste is too bitter, the author from Teach Yourself Detox, recommends a small amount of honey, which will not diminish the detoxification properties of the vinegar. As an alternative, squeeze the juice of a fresh lemon into a warm glass of filtered water. This is an appropriate cleansing drink for the first thing in the morning as well. The lemon juice helps to flush toxins out of the liver. Consider combing the organic cider vinegar with the lemon juice in the warm water, if desired.