Natural Way to Detox Your System Without Supplements

Raw vegetables on a wooden table

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Many detoxification programs prescribe herbs and other supplements to enhance your body's ability to clear itself of toxins and impurities. No scientific evidence has shown that you need these supplements to help you cleanse your liver, kidneys and lymphatic system. You can experience the benefits of detoxification by simply following a diet that emphasizes certain foods, eliminates others and limits your exposure to stress and man-made chemicals.

Set aside quiet time for your detox. Reserve a day or a few weeks in which you have limited work and social obligations. Plan to spend most of your time at home or in another stress-free environment.

Stop consuming caffeine, refined sugars and flours, alcohol and saturated fat. Clear your pantry and freezer of processed foods. These foods are usually the ones with more than three ingredients on the label.

Eat a diet comprised mainly of fruits and vegetables. Choose organic when possible to limit your exposure to pesticides. Go for raw preparations as often as possible to keep the fiber and nutrients intact. The experts at the Gaiam natural healing website recommend beets, radishes, artichokes, cabbage, broccoli and seaweed as good detoxifiers.

Choose proteins low in saturated fat. Focus on skinless poultry, lean beef and fish. Select smaller species of fish, like tilapia and trout, so as to avoid mercury ingestion. Limit beef to only a few meals a week. Use small amounts of olive oil to cook the proteins and enhance their flavor with garlic, ginger and spices, as recommended by Marcelle Pick, author of "The Core Balance Diet." These flavorings offer antioxidants and enhance detoxification. Avoid shellfish and pork, which can cause inflammation in sensitive individuals.

Drink about 2 quarts of water per day and limit sodium intake. Cut out soy sauce, fish sauce and condiments like ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise. These eliminations help reduce bloating and water retention.

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.

Replace your regular cleaning and beauty products with natural versions. Use baking soda to scrub pans and vinegar to clean your countertops, mirrors and windows. Purchase laundry detergent, disinfectants and other cleaners that use compounds like tea tree oil, citrus and lavender. Switch out name-brand soaps, makeup, lotions and shampoos, and use versions that do not contain preservatives and chemicals.