Detox…Feel Rejuvenated!
Due to continue advancement technology and progression of time, people now are more exposed to stress, toxins and pollutions. Pesticides and herbicides are sprayed on grains which are fed to the animals at the farms. Animals are often injected synthetic hormones, antibiotics and other chemicals. The majority of the people are consuming these toxic products without realizing how it affects the body. What can we do to protect our body and how can we release those toxins?
Toxins are produced by the body as normal products when the bacteria break down the food. This includes heavy metals and other chemicals, which can be found in herbicides, pesticides and food additives. In addition, drugs and alcohol produce toxic effects in the body. People can also be exposed to toxins such as caffeine, excess noise, and radiation from cellphones x-rays and power lines. Digestion of protein can also create toxic products.
Naturally, the body has its own way of detoxification. Each cell is detoxified through the lymph and circulatory system. The liver, which is the primary organ for detoxification, is assisted by the kidneys and intestines in the detoxification process. These organs eliminate the toxic substances through perspiration, defecation and urination. But when the body becomes overwhelmed by large amounts of toxins, the body cannot perform the natural detoxification process. Too many toxins many times is caused by long-term improper diet and overeating, poor
health habits, stress, pollution and sedentary lifestyle. When a person overeats and consumes foods which are high in fats and sodium for several years, the digestive tract cannot break down the food properly and efficiently. Thus, having the food rot inside the body and producing toxic products. An average American diet is an example of this. This is when different detoxification methods emerge.
Different detox methods include fasting, colon hydrotherapy and eating foods which help the body cleanse effectively. One of the most effective detox methods is through eating “detox” foods. Total food intake restriction is not advisable because your body always need the nutrients found in food to keep your body processes function efficiently. Eating dairy, gluten-rich foods, sugar, fried and processed foods should be the avoided.
Below is a list of my top 10 best detox foods:
1. Fresh Fruits
Fresh organic fruits, particularly the citrus fruits are good sources of antioxidants. These antioxidants attack and destroy the free radicals or unstable molecules which affect the healthy tissues in the body. Citrus fruits also contain limonoids, a phytonutrient which help the liver produce toxin fighting enzymes. Citrus fruits can also fight the carcinogens (substances which cause cancer) by flushing it from the body. The best example is lemon. Did you know that regular apples carry the most toxins of all the fruits?
2. Dark Green Leafy Vegetables
Dark green leafy vegetables have been found to naturally flushing out the body’s impurities. It is because the green vegetables contain chlorophyll, a substance found in the leaves which fights the tissue-damaging agents brought about by pollution, smog, cigarette smoke and other chemicals. You can eat them raw, cook into the broth, add them to juices or sauté them with olive oil.
According to GlobalHealingCenter.com (as cited at http://www.livestrong.com/article/150910-the-best-detox-foods/), the best green detox foods include:
- kale
- spinach
- arugula
- wheat grass
3. Cabbage
Cabbage has great liver cleansing actions. You can mix cabbage with apples and caraway. Remember to get organic produce as much as possible, special apples.
4. Beets
Fibers in the beets increase the production of antioxidants in the liver, thus, helping the liver in eliminating the bile and other toxins in the body.
5. Garlic and Ginger
Garlic and ginger help in flushing out the toxic residues in the body by stimulating the liver to produce enzymes. You can also make yourself a healthy stir fry of these two.
6. Green Tea
Green tea is a good choice for people undergoing detoxification. It is studied to be rich in catechins, a flavonoid, which helps to hasten the production of detoxifying enzymes for as much as 80%.
7. Seeds and nuts
Seeds and nuts which are more digestible include flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, almonds, walnuts, sesame seeds and sunflower seeds. Remember to avoid butter while detoxifying.
8. Omega-3 oils
Omega-3 rich oil sources include flaxseed oils, avocado, and virgin olive oils. These food sources lubricate the intestinal walls, therefore allowing the toxins to be absorbed by the oil and eliminated by the body.
9. Artichokes
Several studies have shown that Artichokes are beneficial in promoting the normal functioning of the liver and the gallbladder. It contains cynarin which promotes healthy digestion and increases bile production.
10. Watercress
Why don’t you include watercress on your sandwiches or salads? Watercress is a natural diuretic which keeps free radicals away from your body and stimulates cleansing cells in the liver.
It is advisable to do a detoxing process at least 2 times a year and some even recommend 4 times a year, before every new season. Doing special Yoga poses that involves twisting your body will also help cleanse your body. Another option to consider is a hot sauna.
