Detoxing Foods That Make You Lose Weight

It's difficult to avoid toxins in today's society. The outdoor air is polluted with them, they're in cosmetics and household cleaners and they may even be in the food and drinks you consume. Toxins disrupt hormones and put stress on your body and liver, which is disastrous for both your health and weight, according to Ann Louise Gittleman, author of "The Fast Track One-Day Detox Diet." Detoxification with certain foods can help to counteract the effects of these toxins --- and help you lose weight.

Fiber

Dietary fiber from sources such as vegetables, fruits and some whole grains can assist with detox and weight loss. Toxin overload makes it difficult for your body to absorb nutrients and eliminate waste. This affects every organ and system in your body, states Brenda Watson, author of "The Detox Strategy."

The liver is the most important detoxification organ in the body. But, if you eat a diet rich in processed foods, your liver doesn't get the nutrients it needs to detoxify your body. Fiber, however, absorbs waste and toxins the liver sends to the intestines to more efficiently eliminate them. (Ref 2, p. 223) Fibrous foods are also filling, break down more slowly and are less likely to end up stored as fat, states Cassandra Forsythe, author of "Women's Health Perfect Body Diet."

Cranberry

The cranberry contains high levels of vitamin C and increases the liver's ability to break down fat efficiently, according to Ann Louise Gittleman. Cranberry also contains a substance called arbutin, which has diuretic properties and helps to flush out toxins and excess water weight. Another bonus for dieters is cranberry's ability to suppress hunger pangs.

Cinnamon

This tasty, aromatic spice is a detoxifying food that can also boost metabolism and suppress hunger, according to Gittleman. Cinnamon contains an antioxidant flavonoid that helps to regulate insulin and control blood glucose metabolism, she says. As a result, it prevents insulin levels from surging, which causes your body to store fat. It also reduces bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels, states Melina B. Jampolis, author of "The Busy Person's Guide to Permanent Weight Loss."