As the end of year holidays approach, some are already thinking about their January detox.
To detox your body, you can consume certain foods that help the liver, kidneys, and gallbladder – the main organs responsible for removing toxins – do their jobs better. We can achieve this through the intake of plant foods that contain phytochemicals.
Why do we have to detoxify the body?
The main organs that are responsible for the elimination of toxins are the liver, kidneys, intestines and skin. These organs work tirelessly and sometimes overwhelmed by excesses of food, alcohol, medications, pollution which then makes your body not function properly.
The toxins that accumulate in the body can come from two sources:
Endogenous: they are generated in the cells themselves through their metabolic processes of obtaining energy and repair.
Exogenous: substances such as alcohol, tobacco, environmental pollution, the remains of herbicides and pesticides in food, medicines, heavy metals or some additives added to processed and packaged foods, among others.
10 foods to detox your body
1. Vegetable broth
Vegetables are the most obvious source of phytochemicals, which help the liver in the cleansing process. Also, most contain a lot of fiber and liver enzymes.
You can prepare a simple vegetable broth based on diuretic and cleansing vegetables, such as celery, leek, carrot cauliflower and onions. Boil them for half an hour in plenty of water, without oil and without salt.
2. Green Tea
It is diuretic, which helps in the rapid expulsion of toxic substances through the urine. It is also an antioxidant, which helps fight free radicals.
3. Lemon
It’s recommended to drink a glass of warm lemon water every morning, on an empty stomach, to tone liver and kidney functions, and to act as a barrier against fats and toxins. This prevents our blood vessels from compressing, which makes digestion and hydration difficult and, therefore, detoxification of the body.
Even drinking plain warm water works wonderfully .
4. Ginger
Its active compound, gingerol, expands blood vessels, which improves blood circulation. In addition, it helps reduce inflammation. You can take it as an infusion: throw a handful of slices equal to the equivalent of two cups of boiling water and leave it on the fire for 5 minutes. You can also use it in recipes, to season stews, rice or salads.
5. Fermented foods
You can make them yourself , or buy them. They are all foods such as pickles, olives, some dairy products and artisan bread, whose consumption promotes good bacteria in the intestine.
6. Kombucha
Kombucha is a slightly sparkling drink that is obtained through the fermentation of tea. This occurs thanks to carbohydrates like fruits and honey, and a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts, called SCOBY.
We love Kombucha because it works on our body to help us improve our health. It fights against muscle fatigue and promotes recovery after sports, it reduces tissue inflammation and helps build and maintain healthy joints.
Likewise, Kombucha also improves our digestion and help the body absorb nutrients. It then regulates the weight, since it decreases the absorption of fats, while promoting good cholesterol and eliminating accumulated toxins.
7. Fruits
Nothing better than a fruit juice to detoxify the body, since its simple carbohydrates are easily digested, and therefore all its cleansing properties remain with us. The best fruits for this are apples and citrus fruits, such as grapefruit and kiwi.
8. Beetroot
Its roots contain an antioxidant called betalain, which helps repair and regenerate liver cells. Black radish is also very helpful, as it contains sulfur substances, which promote liver drainage, bile secretion and emptying of the gallbladder.
9. Hibiscus Tea
The virtues of the hibiscus flower have been known since antiquity and is still used by the Egyptians in traditional medicine for its properties.
The hibiscus tea can help lower blood pressure and is therefore perfect for those suffering from hypertension. On the other hand, according to a study carried out in 2004, it can also help lower cholesterol because the antioxidants it contains can reduce fat deposits in the arteries.
10. Oats
Boiled or blended oatmeal helps to cleanse the body thanks to the amino acids it contains, which stimulate the production of lecithin in the liver and help to purify toxins.
Explore additional foods, and recipes that are wonderful for detox.
Other foods awesome for detoxification
In addition to the top 10 foods great for detox, there’s a whole lot more that are effective for cleansing the body and various organs.
Watercress
- It is an exceptional source of Vitamin C and E, beta-carotenes and minerals.
- It is excellent for the liver and kidneys, assists digestion, and also improves your immune system.
Wholemeal bread
- It functions as a sponge, capable of absorbing and then facilitating the elimination of toxins accumulated in the intestinal walls.
- It will allow you to expel by the stool, all that you do not need.
- You will then see that the condition of your skin, especially, will improve significantly.
Apple
- Fiber in this fruit is ideal for improving gut health.
- Drink a glass of natural apple juice to flush out toxins and bring down your cholesterol. You can also eat raw apples as frequently as you like.
Grapes
- They are rich in antioxidants, such as bio-flavonoids.
- These are elements that have the capability to protect the cells and boost the cleansing process.
Parsley
- Parsley is rich in vitamin C, calcium, iron, and antioxidants.
- This herbal aroma helps us improve the functioning of our kidneys.
- This allows the kidneys to better filter toxics accumulated in the blood.
Celery
- It fights uric acid and residues within our metabolism.
- It also helps to purify the liver and cleanse the urinary tract.
Lemon
- Like celery, it also helps to eliminate uric acid , but it also reduces fat, alkalizes the blood and reduces the risk of various diseases.
Peach
- This delicious fruit is very useful to cleanse the gallbladder, regulate blood pressure, and eliminate accumulated fluids in the body.
- All because of its high content in potassium and vitamin C.
Brown rice
- Brown rice contains phytin, a substance that helps to expel all toxins and detoxifies the body.
Natural recipes to detoxify the body
For the respiratory system
Make a juice using the following ingredients:
- 300 ml pear
- 400 ml melon
- 300 ml cucumber
For blood circulation and kidney health
Prepare a smoothie with the following ingredients:
- 400 ml of celery
- 100 ml parsley
- 500 ml pineapple
For the heart and the muscular system
Make a juice using the following ingredients:
- 400 ml mango
- 200 ml of celery
- 400 ml cucumber
For the digestive, intestinal and hepatic systems
Mix the following ingredients:
- 400 ml plum
- 300 ml papaya
- 300 ml carrot
For the central nervous system
Prepare a smoothie with following ingredients:
- 300 ml lettuce
- 400 ml of grapes
- 300 ml of celery
For the skin
Mix the following ingredients:
- 400 ml watermelon
- 400 ml apple
- 200 ml pineapple
That's it,
Great for making it thus far! Don't forget to tell us which foods or recipes you're going to use for detox?
