Modern day living has led to an increased exposure to all sorts of toxins and unwanted deposits in human systems. Today, we are faced with the challenge of exposure to toxins from what we consume, our cosmetics and even our environment. Therefore, ever than before, there is a need for regular cleansing and detoxification in order to avoid a total breakdown of the body’s immune system. 

Aside from the toxic by-products of our own metabolism, we are also faced with toxins in what we eat and drink, as well as from alcohol, cigarettes, medical drugs, cosmetics, household cleaning products, not to mention pollution and environmental poisons.

Detoxification is a key body function involving the elimination of metabolic waste and other toxins via the eliminatory organs – the skin, the kidneys and especially the liver.

As much of about 80% of all chemical processes that go on in the body involve detoxification activities.

So What is a Body Detox or Cleanse?

It’s a way of eating (and living!) cleanly to minimise the amount of chemicals and pollutants in our systems, while emphasises on high-nutrient foods that help draw out and eliminate toxins to maintain good health and prevent diseases.  

The lighter dietary load allows our body to expel accumulated toxins (which are stored in our fat cells) and reduce the burden on our organs and detoxifying functions (like the skin and liver). And what should you include in your diet while you’re on a detox? Below are 5 fabulous foods that will help your body detoxify and cleanse;

Water

Ok, not technically a food but crucial when you’re cleansing and the rest of the time! Many people are partially dehydrated all the time which stresses your system and prevents efficient detoxification. Drink lots of water; at least, 2 to 3 litres per day.

Try drinking a liter (about 4 cups) of water in the morning, then sip the remaining 1-2 liters throughout the day. Avoid drinking at mealtimes, so you don’t dilute your digestive juices.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens (think kale, celery, silverbeet, baby spinach, etc) are the backbone for any good detox! They are alkalising and an alkaline body is better at battling bad bacteria, yeast and keeping cravings at bay for weight management.

Green leafy veggies also contain chlorella which helps to cleanse and increase the oxygen in your blood, improving your cellular health.

Try adding a daily green smoothie to increase your green intake, as well as eating lots of big leafy salads with every meal (including breakfast) and simple veggie stir fries.

Lemon Water

Lemon is further alkalising your body (even though it tastes acidic when we drink it) and it helps improve digestion, supports liver detoxification and reduce bloating. The lemon juice activates your liver to release toxins and helps cleanse the intestines.

Mix the juice of half a lemon into 20cl of warm water and drink it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. If you can handle it, add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar as well.

Parsley and Coriander

These bind heavy metals like mercury so they can be extracted from your body. They are also alkalising and full of chlorophyll. Add to salads, stir fries, and green smoothies. They can be eaten cooked or raw.

Avocado

Actually, here I mean fats and oils that are high in Omega-3. Omega-3 helps reduce inflammation and ease digestion. Eat avocado, flax seed oil, hemp oil and extra virgin olive oil.

These oils are unstable at high heats, so make sure you don’t undo your detoxifying benefits by submitting them to high temperatures and turning them rancid! Keep hemp and flax seed oils in the fridge, and get them into your diet by pouring over salads. 

When you detox, you feel good, and when you feel good, good things happen. Detoxing is often used strategically to lose weight or to start a new diet plan, but really there’s no better reason than just to feel better. When you set the stage for wellbeing, you are going to improve all areas of your life and you should see better relationships, better productivity at work, and a newfound or renewed zest for life.

So, whether you are starting a new medical or natural treatment or you are bloated and need to reduce the tension on your system, detoxification is key any day, anytime.

In your own case, what has been your experience about body cleansing and detoxification? What and what have you used in the past that has worked for you? Tell us by using the comment box below.

If you have gained anything from reading this, don’t hesitate to share it with others too. Put your comments and questions or topics you will like us to write about in the comment box below.

 

Stay Healthy And Never Give Up!

 

Plan B Wellness Center

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